Dog owners receive lots of well-meaning but wrong advice about feeding their furry friends. Of course, when in doubt a veterinarian should have the final word about how to feed your pup – not the chap down the street who claims to have cared for dogs all of his life. Even in the digital age where most of us have access to Google at the flick of an app, many dog owners still believe in common misconceptions about what a dog should eat and when.

Clearing Up Some Misconceptions

Dogs and puppies need to be fed every day. This may seem like unnecessary advice, but there are still many dog owners around the world that claim dogs should only be fed six days a week! Knowing when food will arrive lowers the stress in a dog’s life considerably. Further to this, dogs suffering from hypoglycaemia need to be fed regularly or they may become severely ill.

Puppies are not born knowing instinctively what foods are good for them and what are bad for them. If dogs and puppies had their way, they would eat anything and everything. It is up to the owner to provide the best complete dog food available.

Feeding Puppies

Puppies are like babies in that they need far more frequent feedings than adults. They also need specially prepared puppy food, and not adult dog food. This is because puppies have different nutritional needs than adults whilst their bodies grow. Here’s a basic guide according to a puppy’s age:

• From eight weeks to four months: Feed four times a day.
• Four months to six months: Feed three times a day.
• Six months onwards: Feed twice a day.

If you have a large breed or deep-chested breed of puppy, like a Great Dane or a boxer, it is VERY important to observe the puppy during and just after eating. Dogs with deep chests and narrow waists may bloat, a medical emergency which is potentially lethal.

To help avoid bloat, purchase a raised dog feeder so the puppy does not have to bend his head all the way down to the floor in order to eat. Eating in the head down position can cause the puppy to gulp air which can trigger an attack of bloat.

Many puppies become easily car sick. Some puppies will outgrow this but some will not. In order to avoid a puppy becoming sick in the car, avoid feeding right before setting off in the car. It’s best if the puppy rides in a crate or pet carrier to keep as still as possible in the car. Bouncing about encourages motion sickness.

Feeding and Exercise

Both puppies and adult dogs should be fed their main meals at least one hour before or after periods of major exercise. Full stomachs exposed to lots of sudden motion can result in sickness - kind of like us humans twerking after a 4 course meal! Dogs or puppies prone to bloat may become more susceptible to attacks if fed too close to periods of exercise.

Feeding Adult Dogs

Dogs should be fed at least once a day, preferably twice a day. Some dogs may refuse breakfast depending on the weather or their personal preference. Pet food adverts show dogs eating from brimming food bowls. This is too much for most dogs. Dogs should be able to polish off their meals in twenty minutes. If the dog leaves premium dry dog food in the bowl, then feed less.

Dog stools should be firm and brown. They should be easy to pick up and not make a huge mess. If the dog’s stools are loose or discoloured, choose a new complete dry dog food. Stick with one brand like Brown’s Dog Foods to avoid tummy and bowel upsets.