| Before the advent of ready made dog food, | | | | and digestive needs of dogs. Spices, fats, |
| when humans first domesticated dogs, we fed | | | | and fillers in human food often makes dogs |
| them scraps from our meals. Those early dogs | | | | ill.Adult dogs should be fed two meals each |
| did just fine on that type of dog food. As | | | | day. Puppies need to eat more often. They |
| our affection for dogs has grown over the | | | | should be fed puppy food three to four meals |
| centuries, so has our understanding of what | | | | daily until they are 12 weeks old, then three |
| our canine companions need to eat as food, to | | | | meals daily until they are six months old. |
| live long healthy lives. Research conducted | | | | Many dog trainers advise against leaving dog |
| by veterinarians and dog food manufacturers | | | | food or puppy food available all day, to |
| over the last decade have revealed more | | | | prevent dogs developing picky eating habits. |
| specific details about what a dog's diet | | | | They suggest you allow 20 minutes for each |
| should contain.Your dog food must be | | | | meal. After this time, whatever has not been |
| appropriate for her size, age, state of | | | | eaten should be picked up. Dry dog food can |
| health and activity level. As you stroll the | | | | be held until the next meal, but moist food |
| isles of pet supply stores or grocery stores, | | | | should be thrown away. It is very important |
| you'll find a variety of dog food brands in a | | | | to make sure your dog has plenty of clean |
| wide range of prices. A good basic rule of | | | | water available at a all times.The amount of |
| thumb is to buy the highest quality dog food | | | | dog food you feed your dog depends on her |
| you can afford. If you buy the cheapest food | | | | age, weight and activity level. Check the |
| because you have a big dog that eats a lot, | | | | back of food or with your veterinarian to get |
| you must understand that what you save in | | | | an idea of how much your dog should be |
| food will affect your pet's health.It is | | | | eating. Monitor your dog's weight by running |
| important that your dog always eats some dry | | | | your hands along the sides of her body. If |
| dog food. The crunchy pieces help keep her | | | | she is at the right weight, you will be able |
| teeth clean and her gums healthy, and provide | | | | to feel her ribs without pressing. If you |
| necessary fiber. If you choose to give your | | | | can't feel her ribs, she is gaining weight |
| dog moist dog food in addition to dry, use it | | | | and you should either slightly decrease the |
| sparingly; a small spoonful mixed with warm | | | | amount of food or increase the amount of |
| water makes a good gravy over dry kibble. | | | | exercise she gets. If you can easily see your |
| Some devoted dog lovers feed their pets | | | | dog's ribs, she is underweight (except in |
| home-cooked food. Dog-specific recipes can be | | | | certain breeds).Article By Andrew Strachan. |
| found on the Internet and in books, but | | | | Find lots more information about dog food and |
| understand that this is not just giving your | | | | different types of dogs at Lots of help and |
| dog leftovers from your own meals. Homemade | | | | advice too. |
| dog food is designed to meet the nutritional | | | | |