The biological evolution of some hunting dogs has given them special digestive system and gastrointestinal adaptations that allow them to consume large amounts of food at once, allowing them to go without food for up to several days. However, for most pet dogs, it is recommended to feed once or twice a day, and many dogs can benefit from evenly dividing meals 2 to 3 times a day.
No matter which feeding method you choose, avoid subjecting your dog to vigorous exercise after a full meal🏃especially if the dog has eaten quickly. This will help minimize problems with bloating, intestinal obstruction, or other serious digestive disorders.
🙋Another point to mention is that you should make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
🔥Is dry or canned food better?
In terms of nutrition and digestibility, there is no essential difference between dry dog food and canned (wet) dog food. You should make a decision based on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Canned food may be a better choice for dogs who need to drink more water or have special dietary needs, but most dogs will be better off with dry food.
Some functional dry foods are specially formulated as dental diets to help mechanically remove plaque.
🔥Are there any variety differences in nutritional requirements?
Over the past few decades, nutritionists and veterinary researchers have discovered clear breed differences in metabolism and nutritional needs. Dog breeds that developed in specific locations (such as Arctic breeds and some aquatic breeds) require very specific local diets to ensure proper functioning of the body's various functions. Inbreeding and genetic differences between individuals within each species may lead to a further need for individualized management of a pet's diet to optimize health.
In addition to considering the dog's breed, you should also consider the dog's lifestyle. Working dogs (hunting dogs, field trial dogs, herding dogs) require a different ratio of protein and fat in their diet than less active family pets.
🔥What does life stage nutrition means?
Dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of their life, so feeding a diet suitable for all life stages is not necessarily appropriate. Generic dog food may not provide enough nutrients to meet the needs of a growing puppy or a pregnant one.
Conversely, the same all-purpose, multi-nutrient dog food may provide too many nutrients to an older or inactive dog. Internationally, nutritionists recommend feeding dogs according to their life stage 🐶 (puppy, teen, pregnant, adult, senior) to maintain the dog’s overall health and well-being and improve the dog’s quality of life
