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Give Your Dog A Healthier Mealtime
from: LRTMaking sure your dog eats properly is fundamental to its well being. Dogs need proper nutrition to be healthy, happy and to have coats that are soft and glossy. Just as important as a good diet is, it is just as important to keep your dog on a feeding schedule.
Getting your dog on a set schedule will help his diet in the long run and also his potty and business breaks outside. Feeding time should be a pleasant experience for both you and your dog. For a healthier mealtime there are some definite no-no's to follow:
1. Don't let your dog guard its food.
Some dogs are like vacuum cleaners. When you walk them, any scraps of food, discarded chewing gum, etc. go straight from the sidewalk into their mouths. You need to be able to remove food from a dog when it's necessary for safety's sake. To help your dog tolerate this, it is necessary to train your dog to let its food be removed.
This is easier to do if you start when the dog is a puppy. Feed your puppy and then remove the food after a few bites. Replace the dish and remove it again. You can train an older dog in the same manner, by giving it a reward for sitting calmly until you replace the food.
2. Don't tease a dog when it's eating.
While you are not likely to pull your dog's tail during dinner, your young child might. Young children shouldn't be near the dog when it's eating. The child unknowingly may bump the dog or get in its face, which can lead to a dog choking, gagging or simply becoming frustrated enough to lash out at the child. This is not a safe situation for your dog or your young child.
3. Don't give your dog people food.
A begging dog can be hard to resist, but your dog doesn't know how dangerous the meal you're eating can be. Grapes, raisins, chocolate and onions can be toxic to your dog in large enough quantities. Sometimes excessive fat in meats or dairy products can cause digestive distress for the dog. Since it's hard to know how your dog will react to people food, the best rule to follow is no table scraps.
4. Don't walk your dog after dinner.
Your dog should not have a walk right after a meal. Wait 15 to 30 minutes after feeding to exercise your dog. This is important for all dogs, but it is especially crucial for deep-chested dogs such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Boxers and Dachshunds, all of which are prone to bloating, a dangerous condition that can have severe health consequences. Give them a little time to digest their food before exercise.
5. Don't prepare your dog's food yourself.
Commercial dog foods are prepared with the right amount of calories and the necessary combinations of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Prepared kibble or canned food is balanced nutrition. Achieving that combination yourself is unlikely. Dogs are carnivores. Their bodies are made to assimilate protein.
Also don't mix prepared dog foods. For example, if you are trying to save money on your dog's food, don't do it by mixing a high-quality dog food with a lower quality one. Premium foods are packed with nutrients and require less food to be fed, making them a good buy.
6. Don't feed from plastic.
Observation has demonstrated that dogs prefer ceramic bowls followed by stainless steel. Plastic bowls are too easy to chew, especially for puppies that are likely to gnaw on anything in sight. Plastic dishes can also harbor bacteria and retain odors, which can lead to allergic reactions, or even your dog's rejection of the food.
7. Don't overtreat or oversupplement.
Too many treats can lead to unhealthy excess pounds. Too many vitamins can also have unintended consequences. Ask your veterinarian about whether your dog needs any extra supplements before starting on a regimen of supplements.
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