There are so many options out there for pet food it can be overwhelming! Here are some brief guidelines to ensure your pet gets the nutrition they deserve.
Basic Tips
- Feed them the same time every day, and the same type/brand of food, to keep them on a good bathroom schedule.
- If you want to change foods, gradually mix the new food into their existing food to avoid upset stomachs and (the dreaded) diarrhea.
- Keep fresh drinking water available and change it at least once daily.
- Check with your veterinarian on foods they recommend. They have insights into your pets health that can help you make the best decision.
- Keep your dog away from common household items/foods that can be harmful (or deadly!)
Ingredients
Ensure that meat (chicken, beef, duck, fish etc.) is the first ingredient on the ingredient list. Not corn, wheat, meat-by-product, bone meal or anything besides a real specified type of meat.
Better Food = Better Nutrition = More Absorption = Healthy Pet (added bonus of less poop!)
Brands
Pet food companies (like car companies) make various levels of their products (kind of like Toyota vs. Lexus or Nissan vs. Infiniti). A brand such as Purina Dog/Cat Chow is fine but the better “one-up” version of their product—Pro Plan—is much better. These companies put a lot of research into their products and can guarantee what’s on the label is in the food.
Some good mid-range brands include:
- Purina Pro Plan – This is what we feed most of our dogs at the shelter and what we start puppies on when they start eating gruel/hard food.
- Eukanuba
- Iams
- Hill’s Science Diet
- Royal Canin
- Wellness
Note: We don’t get anything from you clicking the links above. We’ve included them so you can do your own research on them.
Feeding Quantities
Puppies (dogs under 1 year)
- Use the feeding quantities as listed on the package for your pet’s weight and activity level
- Divide the recommended quantity into 4 to 5 feedings per day
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur if meals are skipped and your pet will become weak and possibly ill
- Friends For Life feeds puppies Purina Pro Plan Puppy (wet and dry)
Adults (dogs over 1 year)
- Twice daily is recommended using the feeding quantities for your pet’s weight and activity level as listed on the package
- Friends For Life feeds our dogs Purina Proplan