Intake of proper nutritious diet ensures well-being of the dog. Pet owners have many questions in their mind about the food being given to the dogs. All those are valid doubts and providing apt answers to them helps resolves most of the issues.

While grocery shopping in a supermarket, there is a different section for pet food with all the varieties, flavours available. Pet food industry is so huge that it puts the pet owners in dilemma what to fed their dogs.

Here is a list of few commonly asked questions with their best plausible answers to help you out.

  1. What is the best food for my pooch?

This is the most asked question by almost all the dog owners. All the parents want their babies to have the best quality food to keep them fit.

Although, there is no one answer for this question, but the best food for your dog depend on various factors like age, health, diseases and weight.

Take opinion from a vet or a nutrition expert if you are unable to decide what to feed your dog.

  1. What are the nutrition that are important for your dog?

Dog’s body needs all kind of nutrients for their proper growth and stamina. As per the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), you should provide at least these essential nutrients to the dog:

  • Energy providing supplements
  • Proteins
  • Fats, including essential fatty acids
  • Vitamins, minerals and essential micro-nutrients
  1. What is balanced diet for dogs?

Balanced diet means combination of all the nutrients in exact proportions. It’s necessary that your dog eats a complete and balanced diet. He needs fresh water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. The most important nutrient is water. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are necessary for energy whereas minerals improve nerve conduction, muscle contraction and vitamins helps your dog process biochemicals. 

  1. Should the food differ with age of your dog?

Yes, the food provided to the dog varies with their age. Nutrients present is the dog food are responsible for the growth of your dog. So, puppies should be fed with food rich in proteins and calories than adult dogs. About half of the calorie intake by a pup helps in tissue growth. But too much of anything can cause harm to your pet’s body.

On the other hand, dogs should not be given a diet having such high levels of calories and proteins. It results in unbalanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus resulting in abnormal joint growth leading to arthritis. Dog’s calcium and phosphorus intake ensure proper development of bones.

Change of diet should take place smoothly and in small amounts. Start by feeding 1/4 adult food and 3/4 puppy food for a few days. Then add 1/2 adult food and 1/2 puppy food. After a few more days, feed 3/4 adult food and 1/4 puppy food. 

  1. What is the difference between branded food and generic pet food?

The major difference is the price of the food product. Branded dog food are more expensive than the one you’ll get at any general store. Branded food is available at only pet shops not in all the supermarkets.

Only one thing should be in mind while buying dog food that is, ingredients. If both branded and generic pet food has same ingredients buy the one that you can afford.

Secondly, the best-selling product  in the market be it branded or generic, can be given a try since all other dog owners buy that. 

  1. Should the dog be fed with the same food daily? 

It is not necessary that you should feed the dog with same food daily. But, maintaining a routine diet is appreciated. Neither do they get bored eating the same meal as they don’t have varied taste buds. So, once in a while change is good. It also makes the dog adaptable if their diet has to be changed at later stages of life.

  1. What treats are best for the dog?

There are many healthy treats that you can give your pets. Talk to your vet and buy the best treats for your dog. Vegetables can also be given as a treat which can be easily digested. Natural, organic, whole grained products, food-based sweets, honey, fruits etc. can make up good treats for your dogs. Avoid artificial products.

  1. How many times a day and in what quantity you should feed your dog?

You should follow a schedule to feed your dog. If you have a pup, give him meal 3-4 times a day and if you have an adult dog, providing a healthy meal once or twice a day will be fine. If you have any doubt, you can discuss food queries with your vet. Routine is good thing to follow and all the dogs like to follow it too. Quantity of food depends on various factors like size, health, medical conditions and age. Your vet will guide you through the quantity of food which must be fed to your pet.

  1. What should you check on the packet or tin before buying food for your dog?

You must look out for the ingredients and their weights listed on the label. If all the adequate ingredients are present on the label, then you can buy the food. Also, look out for specifics like whether its general pet food or dog food or car food, the procedure of feeding it to the dog, amount of feeding it and expiry dates too. You can always show the food packs to the vet so he/she will be able to guide you.

  1. Should be raw food given to the dogs? 

It is still a debatable issue whether to feed your dog with raw food or not. The best way is to ask a vet and will provide guidance in this matter. Raw food can be dangerous to your pet’s health as it might contain bacteria and other parasites too. If you have to feed your dog raw food then buy high quality raw food from market which is healthy, but only after recommending your vet.

Nourishment of dogs depends on the quality and quantity of the food.  Don’t compromise with either of them.