Understanding What Should You Feed A Dog is fundamental to ensuring their longevity and well-being. While domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, their diet has evolved to include plant-based foods. In the wild, canids consume a variety of prey, consisting mainly of raw meat, bones, organs, and the small amount of vegetable matter found in their prey’s gut. Providing a balanced and appropriate diet is one of the most crucial aspects of responsible pet ownership, impacting everything from their energy levels to the shine of their coat. This guide will walk you through the essential components of a healthy dog diet, including commercial foods, suitable treats, and crucial foods to avoid.
Basic Dog Feeding Guidelines
The foundation of your dog’s diet should be a high-quality, balanced premium commercial dog food. This type of food is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs and should be appropriate for their life stage, whether they are a puppy, adolescent, adult, pregnant, or senior dog. Always consult with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has specific dietary requirements or exhibits adverse reactions to standard diets, as individual needs can vary significantly.
The quantity of food your dog requires will depend on several factors, including their size, breed, age, and activity level. It’s crucial to avoid both overfeeding and underfeeding. Your veterinarian can help by weighing your dog, assessing their body condition score, and providing tailored feeding advice. For adult dogs, it is recommended to feed them at least twice a day to help prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition, particularly common in deep-chested breeds like Boxers and German Shepherds. Ensure your dog does not engage in strenuous exercise immediately before or after eating.
Always provide fresh, clean drinking water for your dog. While water is essential, avoid offering milk as it can lead to gastrointestinal upset due to many dogs being lactose intolerant. Remember that proper hydration is just as vital as a balanced diet for your dog’s overall health. If you are concerned about your dog’s appetite when they are unwell, it’s good to know what to feed dogs when they are sick.
Considerations for Feeding Bones
Bones and raw meat are generally not recommended for dogs. Raw bones can pose several risks, including dental fractures and internal blockages, which can be severe and even fatal. Furthermore, raw bones and meat can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, posing a risk not only to your pet but also to human family members through cross-contamination. For more detailed information, consider the article from RSPCA regarding feeding bones to dogs. If you still choose to offer bones, they should always be raw and introduced very gradually under close supervision.
Dogs have significantly evolved from their wolf ancestors, developing enhanced abilities to digest starch and fat, which has contributed to longer and healthier lives. Consequently, feeding bones is not a nutritional necessity, given the wide array of high-quality, nutritionally balanced commercial diets available today. For entertainment and dental hygiene, consider offering dental chews. The global Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) provides a list of dental products that meet rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar.
Other Safe Food Options
Beyond commercial dog food, certain human foods can be offered as occasional treats or supplements to your dog’s diet. Small amounts of fish, such as tinned sardines, tuna, or salmon, can be a good option. Ensure the fish is packed in spring water rather than oil or brine, and carefully remove all bones before serving. Fish should be an occasional treat, not a regular staple, to prevent nutritional imbalances.
Dogs can also enjoy small quantities of cooked vegetables like pumpkin or carrots, which provide additional vitamins and fiber. Plain, cooked pasta or rice can also be offered in moderation. Cooked meats, such as boiled chicken or lamb, are another safe option, provided they are plain, boneless, and free from seasonings like onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Remember that raw meat and bones can carry harmful bacteria, making them generally unsafe. However, if you opt to feed raw meat or bones, always choose human-grade products. Avoid raw meat products specifically marketed for pets (like pet mince or pet rolls) as they may contain sulphite preservatives, which have been linked to dangerous thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency in pets. For insights into safe and unsafe treats, you might explore what human food can dogs eat as treats.
Border Collie running on a beach, looking happy and energetic
Ensure your dog has access to grass, but be mindful to avoid chemically treated lawns and toxic plants. Dogs occasionally eat grass, which can provide them with a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients.
Dangerous and Toxic Foods for Dogs
It is critical to be aware of foods that are highly toxic or dangerous for dogs, as even small amounts can cause severe illness or be fatal. Never feed your dog any of the following substances:
- Alcohol: Highly toxic and can cause intoxication, coma, and death.
- Onions, Onion Powder, Garlic: These alliums can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine Products: Contain methylxanthines that are toxic to dogs, affecting their heart and nervous system.
- Mouldy or Spoiled Foods/Compost: Can contain tremorgenic mycotoxins, causing neurological symptoms.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.
- Bread Dough, Yeast Dough: Can expand in the stomach, causing bloating and potentially alcohol poisoning as the yeast ferments.
- Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas, Currants: Highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. This includes items like Christmas cakes containing these ingredients.
- Nuts (especially Macadamia Nuts): Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
- Fruit Stones or ‘Pits’ (e.g., mango seeds, apricot stones, avocado stones), Fruit Seeds: Can be choking hazards and contain cyanide.
- Mushrooms: Some varieties are highly toxic and can cause liver damage or neurological issues.
- Corncobs: A major choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages.
- Green Unripe Tomatoes: Contain solanine, which can be harmful.
- Cooked Bones: Become brittle and can splinter, causing internal injuries or blockages. This is why it is so important to understand what is the one meat that dogs should never eat.
- Small Pieces of Raw Bone: Can also be choking hazards or cause digestive issues.
- Fatty Trimmings/Fatty Foods: Can lead to pancreatitis.
- Salt: Excessive salt intake can lead to sodium ion poisoning.
- Roughly-Cut Vegetables: Can be choking hazards.
Additionally, ensure your dog does not have access to string wrappings from rolled roasts or absorbent pads found under meat in packaging, as these can also cause internal blockages or choking. If you’re curious about specific forbidden fruits, consult what fruits should not be given to dogs.
Conclusion
Providing your dog with a healthy, balanced diet is paramount to their overall well-being and a key part of responsible pet care. Prioritize high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their life stage, supplement with safe human foods in moderation, and be vigilant about avoiding toxic and dangerous items. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice, especially if your dog has specific health needs. A well-nourished dog is a happy and healthy companion, ready to enjoy many years by your side. For more expert guidance on pet care and nutrition, explore other articles on Dog Care Story.
