Our dogs are considered part of the family. Sometimes, dog owners tend to spoil their furry friends without thinking if it would be good for their health. Each food you give your dogs will significantly affect their health. There may be times when you notice that they have an upset stomach without realizing that it could be a result of something that was fed to them. Not only that, but incorrect feeding techniques can also impact their behavior say the experts at Cesar’s Way. If you don’t want your dog’s health and behavior to suffer, here are some of the dog feeding mistakes you should avoid:
1. Feeding Off the Table
If your dog stays with you inside the house, you will commonly see them waiting to be fed while you and your family are eating your dinner. It can be tempting to provide them with what you are eating with their begging eyes. However, don’t let those puppy eyes deceive you; feeding your dog from the table won’t be good for their health, as it will affect their portion size and food suitability, mainly if you control what they eat. Plus, it encourages them to continue with this kind of behavior, leading to more significant problems with food. No matter how cute they are, please resist the urge to feed them from the table. Make sure that everyone in the family is aware of this, as well.
2. Interchanging Pet Foods
If you live in a household with several pets, it’s important to remember that each pet should have its own separate food. The cat food may look and smell the same as your dog’s food, but they do not have the right formulation to make sure your dog gets the proper nutrition. Natural dog food items would have the necessary nutrients to support your dog’s growth, and it is something they cannot get from food intended for other animals, recommends earthbornholisticpetfood.com.
3. Changing Dog Food Instantly
You have to do it gradually whenever you change the dog food brand or type. You have to introduce the new dog food to your pet slowly. Instantly changing dog food can cause gut problems (PetMD). You may notice that your dog will suffer from diarrhea or even vomit the food. Ideally, you should start by mixing the new dog food with the old one. Follow a 70/30 mixture, then gradually do 50/50, 30/70, until you can fully introduce the new dog food.
4. Giving Your Dog Too Many Treats
Treats are a way for pet parents to show their affection. Some may think that giving dog treats is synonymous with offering their beloved pets kisses. Doing it occasionally is acceptable, but overdoing it can greatly affect their diet. Treats are only a part of their diet and should not be considered an alternative to a well-balanced meal. Giving them too many treats can result in dogs with a poor appetite, and even worse, it can lead to obesity.
5. Not Feeding Them the Appropriate Food for Their Age
It is not a marketing ploy when dog foods are labeled as specific for an age. Puppy food has a different formulation than adult dogs. They have nutrients that help them grow as strong dogs. The same thing is true for adult dogs; most of the nutrients in their dog food are to help them maintain their optimal health. Some dog foods are best suited for senior dogs that have vitamins and nutrients that help support their aging bones.
Pets deserve to be properly taken cared of. Not only will they need our love and affection, but they must also be fed appropriately to reduce dog stress.