Do you worry about what food to feed your dog? Maybe you aren’t sure which is the best for them and which they will enjoy the most?
Just like people, different dogs have very different eating habits. Some dogs live to eat and will scoff down anything you put in front of them, while others don’t seem that interested in food.
With that in mind we asked our friends over at Edgard & Cooper’s if their vet Bo could offer some advice about finding the right food for your BFF (Best Furry Friend).
What Type Of Food Should I Pick For My Dog?
We often get asked questions from pet owners about what type of food is best for their dog. Most dogs don’t need specialist diets to look and feel amazing – just a natural, healthy diet – but there are a couple of things to think about when choosing the perfect food for your dog.
#1. Is Your Dog Puppy, Adult or Senior?
If your dog is a growing pup or an ageing pooch, you should check to make sure the food they’re eating offers them everything they need to be happy and healthy. For puppies, this might be extra protein and for senior pets check for joint support.
#2. Does Your Dog Need to lose a little weight?
It can be quite easy for a dog to become overweight. The good news that it’s not always necessary to switch to a ‘diet’ food. The number one rule is to feed your four-legged friend the right daily amount of calories for their needs. Things like their activity level and whether they’re neutered or not will affect their daily calorie allowance. Check feeding guidelines carefully and weigh out the correct amount every meat.
#3. Does Your Dog Have Sensitive skin?
Dog’s usually have sensitive skin as part of a negative reaction to a specific ingredient. For that reason, I recommend a hypoallergenic recipes like Edgard & Cooper’s Fresh Norwegian Salmon kibble which contains lots of Omega 3 and provides an extra boost to your dog’s skin and coat.
If your dog is fussy or has a sensitive tummy keep reading as we have some special tips just for you and your BFF (Best Furry Friend).
#4. Is Your Dog A Fussy Dog?
Fussy dogs typically eat more slowly and with less enthusiasm. It can take a while before their bowl is empty and they don’t always finish their meals… sound familiar?
If your dog is not eating then follow these tips:
Tip 1: Check they’re not unwell
Firstly, try to establish if your dog’s lack of appetite has anything to do with illness or an upset stomach. Occasionally, dogs don’t want to eat because eating will upset their tummy or because of dental issues or joint pain. If you suspect that your dog is suffering, pay a visit to your vet as soon as possible to rule out serious health problems.
Tip 2: Exercise stimulates hunger
Physical exercise stimulates hunger. Go for a walk, have a run around in the garden or dance! And do it just before dinnertime.
Tip 3: Never give your dog food from the table
When you feed your dog scraps from the table they fill up before dinner and you encourage bad behaviour, undermining your leadership position as an owner. Be strict and make sure your dog understands that eating from the table simply isn’t an option.
Tip 4: Choose tasty food
It sounds obvious, but it’s quite possible your dog isn’t eating with gusto because they just don’t like the food you’re giving them. Dog foods might look similar, but it’s worth looking at the ingredients list. Dogs love the smell of fresh meat – over-processed ingredients like meat meal don’t smell (or taste) as enticing – so look out for brands who chose fresh.
#5. Does Your Dog Have A Sensitive Tummy?
There are three important signs that might suggest your dog isn’t digesting their food very efficiently: flatulence (farts!), vomiting and diarrhea. It’s always worth visiting your vet to check there’s not a more serious reason for these sudden symptoms.
Here’s some things to look out for when choosing food for your sensitive-tummed pal
Tip 1: Choose easy-to-digest ingredients
Choose a diet with mild ingredients that are easy to digest. Quality and sourcing are important and should always be considered when selecting the appropriate nutrition. Several common ingredients, including beef and dairy products, are often prime suspects in causing irritation or sensitivity.
Tip 2: Look for grain-free
Grain-free food is the way to go for sensitive tummies. In many situations, grains of all kinds can trigger tummy-related problems, so look for alternatives that use ingredients like sweet potato.
Tip 3: Novel proteins and carbs
Dogs with sensitive stomachs will do very well on food with novel proteins and novel carbs. ‘Novel’ means animal proteins and carbohydrates that your dog doesn’t know very well. For example, venison can be a novel protein, while sweet potato is a novel carb.
Tip 4: Consider feeding your dog more often
Another good tip can be to feed your friend multiple small meals a day instead of the normal once or twice a day. In this way, you make sure that your pet can digest its food slowly, rather than all at once.
We are currently trying out some of the treats and foods from Edgard & Cooper – so check back for an update on those once Coco and Joey have given their feedback.
