What do I need to keep in mind when feeding an adult dog?
The most important thing to keep in mind when feeding an adult dog is to make sure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet. Start by checking package labels for something called a statement of nutritional adequacy. It should say that the food meets nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or that it has passed feeding trials designed to AAFCO standards.
When is a dog considered an adult?
When a dog reaches 90% of its expected adult weight, it's considered an adult for feeding purposes, according to The Merck Veterinary Manual. An adult dog diet, or maintenance diet, contains nutrients suited for animals that have passed their growth stage. Most of a puppy's growth occurs by 6 or 7 months of age, but large and giant breeds can continue to grow for 12 months or beyond.
How can I tell if a food is right for my pet?
Watch the condition of its body and coat. If your dog appears to be thriving on the food and has a glossy coat, lots of energy, and a fit appearance, the food agrees with him. Sometimes, the way a food is processed or the ingredients it contains may prevent your dog from absorbing all the needed nutrients. If your pet has a dull coat and lacks energy, try another kind of food. Also, check in the backyard for other signs of trouble: Lots of feces may indicate a problem with digestibility.
How much food should my adult dog eat each day?
That depends on the size of the dog, its age, and how much exercise it gets. Use feeding charts on pet food labels as a guide. Start by checking the amount recommended for your pet's weight range. If your dog weighs on the lower end of the range, feed the smaller recommended amount. Dogs on the heavier end of the scale may need more food. Assess your pet's activity level. Lap dogs who get little exercise may need 10% less than what's recommended on the package label. An active dog that exercises outdoors may need 20% to 40% more.
What should I do if my dog is overweight?
Give less food or switch to a low-calorie dog food. Cut out any table scraps and high-calorie treats, such as dog biscuits. Look for high-fiber, low-calorie treats instead. Make sure your dog isn't eating food intended for other pets in the house.
How often should my adult dog eat?
Most pet owners prefer feeding an adult dog twice a day, although a dog can eat just once daily. Giving two meals a day may make it easier for the dog to digest the food and helps control hunger.
How much protein and fat does my dog need?
An adult dog needs at least 10% of its daily calories from protein and a minimum of 5.5% from fats. An adult dog's diet can contain up to 50% carbohydrates, including 2.5% to 4.5% percent fiber.
Is table food appropriate for dogs?
An occasional nibble is OK. But, giving big chunks of steak fat, poultry skin, and other greasy leftovers isn't a good idea. A sudden change in diet, especially one involving a large amount of fat, could cause pancreatitis. If your dog is overweight, stay away from table scraps. Also, if you don't want your dog hanging around the table at mealtimes, don't feed it scraps!
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