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Dog Diet & Nutrition
Complete guide to feeding your dog for optimal health
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Basic Nutritional Requirements
- •Dogs are omnivores but require significant protein
- •Protein should make up 18-25% of adult diet, 22-32% for puppies
- •Essential amino acids: Complete proteins from animal sources
- •Fatty acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 for skin, coat, and brain health
- •Vitamins: A, D, E, K, B-complex
- •Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc
- •Carbohydrates provide energy and fiber
- •Water is essential - always provide fresh, clean water
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Types of Dog Food
- •Dry kibble: Convenient, helps dental health, cost-effective
- •Wet/canned food: Higher moisture, palatable, more expensive
- •Raw diet: Natural but requires careful handling and balance
- •Semi-moist: Often high in sugar, not recommended as main diet
- •Homemade: Requires veterinary nutritionist consultation
- •Freeze-dried/dehydrated: Convenient, retains nutrients
- •Fresh/meal delivery: High quality, convenient, expensive
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Feeding Schedule
- •Puppies (8-12 weeks): 4 meals per day
- •Puppies (3-6 months): 3 meals per day
- •Puppies (6-12 months): 2 meals per day
- •Adult dogs: 2 meals per day recommended
- •Senior dogs: 2-3 smaller, more frequent meals
- •Large breed puppies: Special feeding schedule to prevent growth issues
- •Feed at consistent times each day
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Portion Control
- •Follow feeding guidelines on food packaging as starting point
- •Adjust based on age, activity level, and body condition
- •Average adult dog needs 30-40 calories per pound of body weight
- •Use measuring cups or kitchen scale for accuracy
- •Monitor weight weekly and adjust portions accordingly
- •Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories
- •Consider life stage and breed-specific needs
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Foods to Avoid
- •Chocolate: Contains theobromine, toxic to dogs
- •Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure
- •Onions, garlic, chives: Can cause anemia
- •Xylitol (artificial sweetener): Can be fatal
- •Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous
- •Avocado: Contains persin, toxic in large amounts
- •Cooked bones: Can splinter and cause injury
- •High-fat foods: Can cause pancreatitis
- •Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness and tremors
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Special Dietary Needs
- •Puppies: Higher protein and calories for growth
- •Large breed puppies: Controlled calcium for proper bone development
- •Senior dogs: Reduced calories, joint support ingredients
- •Working/active dogs: Higher calorie and protein needs
- •Allergies: Limited ingredient or hydrolyzed protein diets
- •Kidney disease: Restricted phosphorus and protein
- •Diabetes: High fiber, consistent carbohydrate intake
- •Weight management: Reduced calorie, high fiber options
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Pro Tip
Always provide fresh, clean water for your dog. Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, more in hot weather or with exercise. Monitor water intake - significant increases or decreases can indicate health problems.