| Humans started domesticating wolves about 15,000 | | | | food on average is also more expensive for the |
| years ago to be helpful with all kinds of work and | | | | amount you get. |
| companionship. Those domesticated wolves became | | | | Whatever type of food you choose ensure that the |
| today's dogs and have developed a much different | | | | package states that it meets the National Research |
| diet than their strictly carnivorous hunting cousins. | | | | Councils Guidelines on canine nutrition and that it is |
| Humans naturally began feeding their dog companions | | | | certified by the Association of American Feed Control |
| the same way in which the humans ate. The original | | | | Officials. Most any name brand will meet these |
| wolves ate an almost completely raw unprepared | | | | specifications. |
| meat from hunting and typically ate relatively | | | | Can I Feed My Dog From The Table? |
| infrequently when they found a hunt. | | | | Feeding your dog from the table is not |
| Today's dogs are omnivores that easily digest both | | | | recommended as a complete diet. This type of |
| plant and animal matter. While they prefer to eat a | | | | feeding can lead to many nutritional diseases. From |
| high protein meat based diet, good balance is | | | | time to time feeding your dog from the table is |
| essential for pet health. Dogs today can get nutrients | | | | usually fine for their health just don't over do it so |
| from both raw and cooked foods. | | | | much that they have no need for their normal |
| Start the eating habits you desire in your dog early in | | | | feeding. |
| life as this will help develop the dogs preferences as | | | | There are certain things you should never give a dog: |
| he grows up. Your dog will become accustomed to | | | | Raisins, grapes, chocolate, onions, and cooked chicken |
| the time of day, and type of food he is fed. Puppies | | | | or turkey bones these can all potentially harm your |
| need to eat more than the standard one or two | | | | animal. |
| times per day that is good for adults and water | | | | How Much And How Often Should I Feed My Dog? |
| should be available at all times for any dog. | | | | The amount of food each dog needs varies widely |
| What Type Of Food Is Best For My Dog: Canned, | | | | depending on their current weight, optimal weight, |
| Dry, Or Homemade? | | | | and energy level. Active breeds that have a much |
| Dry kibble and canned foods are both commercially | | | | higher metabolism than dogs that just lay around all |
| available for your pet. Both types of food have a | | | | day. |
| varied mixture of grains, meats, fats, as well as | | | | Adult dogs generally eat once or twice per day, while |
| vitamins and minerals. There is also semi moist food | | | | puppies will need to eat 3 or even four times a day |
| but it is very chemically rich and I don't recommend it. | | | | as puppies need about twice as much food per |
| Dry food is sold far more than any other type of | | | | pound of body weight for proper growth. It is |
| food. Dry food only contains about 10% water | | | | perfectly fine to either follow the guidelines on the |
| whereas canned food is approximately 75% water | | | | package or feed your dog as much as they desire as |
| because of this high water density it will take | | | | long as they don't gain weight. |
| considerably more canned food to satisfy your dogs | | | | If your dog becomes overweight you need to |
| needs. Dried food creates less tarter build up which | | | | reduce the quantity of food but maintain the same |
| can lead to health problems and bad breath over | | | | feeding schedule and try to cut back or eliminate |
| time. | | | | treats or table scraps. If you can't feel your dog's |
| Canned food is generally preferred, as most dogs | | | | ribs you know he is overweight. |
| seem to think it has a better smell and flavor. Canned | | | | |