Toddlers can be difficult to keep away from pet food. To prevent them from accessing it, ensure the bowl is high enough or use a baby gate to block access to it.
Always verify the expiration and best-before dates on pet foods to avoid overbuying and waste. This will allow you to shop efficiently.
Feed Your Dog Properly
First and foremost, one way to protect the health of your pup is ensuring they eat a diet suitable for them. AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials)-approved products should generally be selected as production manufacture efficiency is high and ingredients are high quality.
A dog’s diet should contain an ideal mix of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins; in addition, healthy amounts of fats should also be provided.
Understand which foods can harm your pet. Chocolate has been known to cause severe illness in dogs and should be avoided, while onions have been linked to oxidative damage of red blood cells and various illnesses in other species.
Don’t forget that each dog has a distinct body structure and metabolism. Sporty dogs, for example, require more energy to fuel their daily activities than the average housedog; that is why many pet owners purchase performance diets for their pets; your veterinary health care team can assist in selecting an individualized solution.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Water
Maintaining the health and well-being of your dog requires keeping them properly hydrated. Experts advise drinking at least 1 ounce per pound their pet weighs each day; make sure their bowl is always kept clean, in an easily accessible place, with flowing cool water similar to what wolf-kin did centuries ago! A water fountain may help encourage this behavior by mimicking canines’ instinctual desire to drink from flowing cool waters like their predecessors did – something natural canines instinctually crave like drinking from flowing cool sources, similar to what their wolf ancestors did years ago!
If your pup seems dehydrated, it might be wise to consult their veterinarian. He or she can inspect for signs of dehydration such as blue gums or excessive thirst and urination, and several factors could contribute to increased thirst such as age, diet (canine eaters need more water due to canned food containing less moisture), high sodium foods like phenobarbital prescription medication as well as exercise level.
Give Your Dog Treats Only Once in a While
Treats for dogs can be invaluable training tools, but shouldn’t account for more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Excessive treats could cause your pup to put on weight and may result in other health complications; opt for treats designed specifically for canines with lower-caloric requirements instead.
One nutritious treat to give your pup is plain air-popped popcorn without butter or salt; it has only 31 kcal per cup! A cooked chicken or lean steak piece also makes an excellent treat; just be sure it has completely cooled so as not to burn his or her mouth!
Be wary when holding treats out in the open as this can put you at risk of being nipped by your pup. A more appropriate approach would be to put the treat inside your closed palm before gradually lowering it until chest level – this way your dog is less likely to jump up or snap at your fingers!
Don’t Give Your Dog Human Food
Many people assume they’re helping their dog by giving it table scraps, but in reality this can do more harm than good. Many human foods pose health risks to dogs – some even being fatal!
Chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, raisins and grapes are all toxic to dogs. Furthermore, foods from the nightshade family like tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers contain solanine which is also toxic for canines.
At its best, it is best for pets to eat high-quality commercial pet food that has been specially prepared by professionals. However, treats and table scraps should only be given occasionally and with careful thought – this will prevent their diet becoming monotonous while helping avoid obesity. And don’t forget, if in doubt about what their pet should eat it’s always best to consult a vet first for expert advice!