Healthy Eating for Dogs: Feeding Questions Answered

Jean & Leslie Kessigner, Owners Three Dog Bakery

HeathlyEatingDogs

Believe it or not, healthy eating for dogs mimics healthy eating for humans. That means eating regular meals, cutting back on junk food — or treats — and being sure the overall calorie intake is in line with what the doctor recommends. Below is some important information for feeding your pup.

“Dogs should eat on a regular schedule. It helps regulate their bathroom times and ensure that they have enough fuel throughout the day,” advises Leslie Kessinger, co-owner of Three Dog Bakery in Franklin.

FEEDING: HOW OFTEN? HOW MUCH?

According to Kessinger, puppies should generally eat three or more times a day because they are burning calories quickly as they grow. Healthy adult dogs, however, can be fed once or twice a day, depending on your preference. “I highly recommend sticking to a feeding schedule versus ‘free-feeding,’” notes Kessinger. “It helps to know how much your dog is consuming and whether he is getting enough to eat.”

How much you feed your pet depends on his size and energy output. The packaging on all consumable pet products also includes nutritional information to help you gauge how much is recommended for your dog. “Sometimes analyzing the feeding guidelines on a bag of food can give you a headache. It is usually broken down by age range and body weight and generally give you a range of how many cups to give per day,” says Kessinger. It’s also important to always use an actual measuring cup for accuracy because it’s easy to underfeed or overfeed your dog. “Obesity in dogs is becoming a serious health issue, shortening dogs’ lifespan and deteriorating the quality of life for many.”

Three Dog Bakery carries quality dog food from trusted sources.

Going forward, you may need to adjust the amount you feed your pup once you determine his ideal ‘maintenance’ amount. If your dog prefers to sleep most of the day, he will require less food than an active dog that spends its day playing outdoors. Either way, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s feeding schedule and best type of food.

If your dog seems hungry frequently, or if your dog tends to get sick after eating, Kessinger says smaller meals spread more frequently throughout the day may be answer.

Always read the ingredients in your dog’s food and be wary of chemical ingredients, fillers synthetic flavorings, and added sugar or salt. “The canine digestive tract is much shorter than a human being’s, and they react much more dramatically to junk in their system than we do,” says Kessinger. “Added chemicals or synthetic ingredients can be treated as toxins by their bodies and can cause bad reactions in the system. Processed sugar and salt are not part of a dog’s typical diet and can cause sharp spikes in blood sugar levels or blood pressure.”

Three Dog Bakery treats
Three Dog Bakery’s treats are made in-house with no salt, sugar or added dyes or chemicals, specifically for the loving canine community.

TREATS & CHEWS:

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recommends that you give your pet treats in moderation, and says they should represent 5 percent or less of the pet’s daily food intake. Kessinger advises pet owners to also think twice about the kind of treats and chews you give your dog. “If the color of a treat doesn’t appear in nature, it’s not a good idea to give it to your dog. Try to find natural treats with simple ingredients. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not good for your dog.”

Benebone offers healthy chews.
Benebone offers healthy chews.

How to Tell if Your Pet is Overweight:

The ASPCA says there are a few ways easy ways from to identify whether your pet has put on the pounds.

  • You should be able to feel the backbone and touch the rubs in an animal of healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.
  • Also, you should see a noticeable waist between the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above.
  • When viewed from the side, there should be a “tuck” in the tummy, meaning the abdomen should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. Dogs who fail these simple tests may be overweight. Source.

 

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Three Dog Bakery has two locations in Middle Tennessee: 1556 W McEwen Dr #112, Franklin, TN 37067 & 1982 Providence Pkwy #102, Mt Juliet, TN 37122.

If you have health concerns about your dog, consult your veterinarian. This article is not meant to substitute or act as medical advice for pets.

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