Adult dogs require sufficient
nutrients to meet energy needs and to maintain and repair body tissues. The
amount you feed your adult dog should be based on his or her size and energy
output. Activity levels vary dramatically between pets, and will play an
important role in determining caloric intake.
As a responsible dog owner, one of the most common pitfalls you’ll have
to watch out for is overfeeding. Attempts to shower our dogs with love by
means of big meals and tons of tasty treats are sweet, but misguided. In
dogs, as with humans, extra weight can lead to health problems. Be sure to
indulge your four-legged friend with affection, not food—and read the following
tips for more helpful advice from our ASPCA pet nutrition experts:
1. Lassie Versus Lazy
House pets vary widely in their activity levels. An animal with a "normal"
activity level should receive what we call "maintenance" energy. A pampered
lap dog may require 10 percent below maintenance, while an active pet who
exercises regularly outdoors may require maintenance plus 20 to 40 percent.
2. Working Dogs: Earning Their Dinner
The dietary needs of working canines, such as police dogs, guide dogs and
cattle dogs, will depend on their occupations. Energy needs will increase
with the work level and/or stress level. A dog with a moderate work load may
require an energy increase of 40 percent compared to maintenance, whereas
a dog with a high work load may require an extra 50 to 70 percent.
3. Do You Have the Hardest Working Pup in Show Business?
Show dogs must be fed a balanced diet with the correct amount of energy,
because deficiencies may be reflected in coat quality. While on the show circuit,
the pet's energy requirement may increase by 20 percent or more. The dog
should be fed maintenance amounts when not on the show circuit.
4. Get Well Soon
An animal recovering from surgery or suffering from a disease may have an
increased nutritional requirement for repair, healing and fighting infection.
5. Whatever the Weather
Environment influences energy needs, and extreme hot or cold weather can
increase a dog’s energy needs. Both keeping warm and keeping cool require
extra energy expenditure, so you may wish to talk to your pet’s vet about
what to do when the mercury dips and/or soars.
6. How, What, When
Dogs may be fed successfully in a number of ways that meet both the owner's
and the animal's needs and circumstances. These methods include portion-control
feeding, free-choice feeding and timed feeding.
- The portion-control feeding entails measuring your pet's food and
offering it as a meal, thereby controlling the amount of food that can be
consumed. This method is used for weight control programs and for animals
that might overeat if fed free-choice. Food can be provided in one or more
meals daily.
- Free-choice feeding is also known as "ad lib" feeding or "free
feeding.” Food is available at all times, as much as the pet wants, whenever
the pet wants. Most nursing mothers are fed by the free-choice method. This
method is most appropriate when feeding dry food, which will not spoil if
left out.
- The timed feeding method involves making a portion of food available
for the pet to eat for a specified period of time. For example, the food can
be placed in the dog's bowl for thirty minutes. After that time, if the pet
has not consumed the food, it is removed.
7. Two Square Meals a Day
We recommend all dogs be fed twice daily. Simply divide the amount suggested
on the label of your pet’s food into two meals, spaced eight to twelve hours
apart. You may need to adjust portions as you learn your dog’s ideal daily
“maintenance” amount.
8. What’s Up, Doc?
Pet owners should always consult with their dog's veterinarian to determine
the best feeding schedule and types of foods for their pets.
9. A Growing Problem
Some dogs will overeat when fed free-choice method, which can result in
obesity. If your pet eats free-choice and has put on too much weight, you
will need to switch to portion-control feeding.
10. Take Five (Or Less)
We all love to give our dogs treats. However, treats should be given in
moderation and should represent five percent or less of the dog’s daily food
intake. The rest should come from a nutritionally complete dog food. When
using treats frequently, such as during training exercises, try to use the
smallest pieces you can.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
