How much my dog should eat?

How can I stop my dog from rushing food at lunchtime?

Dogs that swallow their food too quickly tend to take large amounts of air while eating, which can cause stomach upset and the digestive system. This can be avoided by placing a large object such as a ball in a bowl to encourage it to take smaller bites, or there are some treat dispenser toys available that have built-in obstructions and cause the food to be released slowly. If you have more than one pet, feed them separately in order to reduce competition for food.

How am I supposed to introduce a different food to my dog’s diet?

Your dog will need to be introduced to new food gradually as the number and type of bacteria in the intestines that help in digestion can be changed and their ability to digest food may be affected. Because dogs can often be sensitive to changes in their diet, try to make any transition as smooth as possible. Start by mixing the new food with your usual brand, before gradually increasing the proportion over seven to ten days, until your dog only eats the new food. The amount of new food should be reduced if the dog shows any signs of vomiting, has soft stools or appears constipated.

Dog food calculator is a reliable source to know your dog’s feeding requirements when you are not sure about it.

Is it okay to give dogs healthy table scraps?

It is always best to feed your dog’s specially developed treatments for dogs and to use them solely for training purposes. However, you can feed the leftovers, provided they do not represent more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Although many owners do, it is not recommended to feed your dog scraps, as it is almost impossible to create a well-balanced diet. Never feed fatty scraps, as they may cause your dog to gain weight. Uncooked vegetables such as carrots, peas, green beans and broccoli are low in fat and provide a good source of vitamins and fibres. They should still be fed in moderation or as a cure as dogs are not well equipped to digest a lot of fiber and can cause stomach upset. Raw meat can be infected with bacteria, and bones can damage the teeth and cause intestinal obstructions. It is also not ideal to feed your dog cat food because, since it is intended for cats, it does not have the right balance of vitamins and minerals for dogs. Never feed chocolate dogs as they are toxic to them. Feeding table scraps may encourage your dog to beg during meal times and steal food from the table, some of which may be hazardous to his health.