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The Benefits of Commercial Diets for Dogs

You know the importance of choosing a healthy diet for your pet. You have taken the time and effort to consult with the veterinarian about a healthy and nutritious dog food. Whether you choose dried food, canned dog food, or make it from scratch, you may be overlooking something extremely important in your dog's diet.

Rawhides are an area of controversy. Some pet owners and vets feel they do not make a good treat for your pet. Others feel that rawhides provide entertainment and good dental health for your dog. Find out what your vet recommends. If you decide to allow rawhides in your dog's diet, avoid them in excess. They can create thin stools and provide many empty calories.

Importance of a Feeding Schedule in Your Dog's Diet

Depending on your dog's age and health, you will want to devise a feeding schedule that supports your dog's diet and nutritional needs. Adult dogs may only need to eat at one time during the day, but two mealtimes are preferred.

Puppies require more mealtimes throughout the course of the day. Nursing pups should be permitted to nurse on demand. As you alter your puppy dog's diet from milk to dog food, you will need to offer food four or five times per day. Once the puppy has become weaned and used to the new diet, you may reduce the feeding times to three occasions during the day.

Even the treats you hand out as part of your dog's diet will become part of your dog's daily routine. If your dog knows that every morning just before your lunch, you offer a chew bone, he or she will await the daily ritual.

Many factors can influence the need to change your dog's diet. Health concerns, age, and even the weather can be cause for your dog's diet to require alteration. Speak to your vet about the best diet for your pet. Good observation and education will help you to decide if your dog's diet is right on track.

Proper Ways to Switch Your Dog's Diet

Many reasons exist that may cause you to feel the need to switch your dog's diet. A puppy, for example, must change from milk during nursing to dog food. Your adult dog may need to transition to a dog food diet specifically designed for senior dogs. Health reasons may be yet another cause for a switch.

Day 1 of the switch you would feed your dog 3 and 1/4 cup of the original kibble and 1/4 cup of the new dog diet. This total amount should be portioned between the number of meals during the day. Day 2 you would feed 3 cups of the original diet and 1/2 cup of the new diet. On day number 14, your dog's diet will have been completely changed over.

Your vet can best educate you on when and why to switch your dog's diet. Unless otherwise directed, proper method for changing your dog's diet takes time. The gradual change will reduce the stress and change to your dog's system and digestive tract. Whenever a diet is working well for your dog, it is best to leave your dog's diet alone. Consistency is helpful to maintain your dog's ultimate health potential.