🦴 Dog Nutrition & Feeding — Complete Guide
🥩 1. Basic Nutritional Needs of Dogs
Dogs need a balanced diet containing six essential nutrients, just like humans:
| Nutrient | Function | Food Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | Build muscles, tissues, enzymes, hormones | Meat, chicken, fish, eggs |
| Fats | Provide energy, help absorb vitamins, maintain healthy skin & coat | Animal fat, fish oil, flaxseed oil |
| Carbohydrates | Main energy source, support digestion | Rice, oats, barley, sweet potato |
| Vitamins | Boost immunity, bone & organ health | Vegetables, liver, eggs |
| Minerals | Strengthen bones, teeth, nerves | Calcium (bone meal), phosphorus, iron |
| Water | Regulates body temperature, helps digestion | Always keep fresh water available |
👉 A balanced diet means these nutrients are in proper proportion according to your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
🐾 2. Types of Dog Food
- Commercial Dog Food
- Dry food (Kibble): Convenient, long shelf life, good for teeth.
- Wet food (Canned): Tasty, hydrating, but can spoil quickly.
- Semi-moist food: Soft texture; often used as treats.
- Homemade Diet
- Must include proper ratio of protein, carbs, fats, and veggies.
- Example: Boiled chicken + rice + boiled carrots + a bit of oil.
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat unless guided by a vet.
- Raw Diet (BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
- Some owners feed raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.
- Risk: Bacterial contamination (Salmonella), nutrient imbalance.
- Always consult a vet before starting raw feeding.
🕒 3. Feeding Schedule (According to Age)
| Dog Age | Meals per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0–6 months) | 3–4 | High protein, small portions, frequent feeding |
| Adult (6 months–7 years) | 2 | Balanced diet, avoid overfeeding |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 (smaller portions) | Lower calories, more fiber, easy to digest |
⏱ Tip: Always feed your dog at fixed times each day — dogs love routine!
🍗 4. Portion Control
The amount of food depends on:
- Weight & size (small breeds eat less, large breeds need more)
- Activity level (active dogs need more calories)
- Age and metabolism
➡️ Example (for healthy weight maintenance):
- Small dog (5 kg): ~300 kcal/day
- Medium dog (15 kg): ~800 kcal/day
- Large dog (30 kg): ~1,400 kcal/day
Always check the food label or ask a vet for a custom diet plan.
🚫 5. Foods Dogs Should NEVER Eat
| Food | Why It’s Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Chocolate | Toxic (contains theobromine) |
| Onions & Garlic | Damage red blood cells |
| Grapes & Raisins | Can cause kidney failure |
| Avocado | Contains persin – harmful in large amounts |
| Cooked Bones | Can splinter and cause choking |
| Alcohol / Coffee / Tea | Nervous system poison |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | Causes low blood sugar and liver damage |
💧 6. Water & Hydration
- Dogs should always have access to fresh, clean water.
- On average, a dog drinks about 50–70 ml of water per kg of body weight daily.
Example: a 10 kg dog → around 500–700 ml per day. - In hot weather or after exercise, they’ll need more.
🦷 7. Supplements (if needed)
Some dogs may need extra nutrients:
- Calcium & phosphorus: for puppies and pregnant females.
- Fish oil (Omega-3): for shiny coat and joint health.
- Glucosamine & chondroitin: for older dogs’ joints.
⚠️ Note: Only give supplements on a vet’s advice. Overdosing can harm.
🩺 8. Signs of Good or Poor Nutrition
✅ Healthy Dog:
- Glossy coat
- Normal stool
- Energetic and alert
- Normal weight
⚠️ Poor Nutrition Signs:
- Dull coat, itching
- Weight loss or obesity
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
If you see these, adjust the diet or consult your vet.
🐶 Example Balanced Homemade Meal (for Medium Dog)
- 1 cup boiled rice
- ½ cup cooked chicken breast
- ¼ cup boiled carrots and peas
- 1 tsp olive oil
- A few dog biscuits for crunch
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