Creating Healthy Eating Habits for Your Dog

It's pretty simple; a nourishing and satisfying diet will keep your furry friend thriving in every way possible. As responsible pet owners, we understand the profound impact of proper nutrition on our canine companions' overall well-being, so we've put together some valuable insights and expert advice for your beloved pup.

Sometimes, your dog might surprise you by eating far less dog food than expected or by wanting far more. Learn what to watch out for to ensure your dog has healthy eating habits.

Choose Good Quality Ingredients

Dog food that is not complete and balanced may be lacking in nutrients and might not provide what they need to be healthy. One of the fundamental pillars of creating healthy eating habits for your dog lies in understanding the nutritional content of their food.

Dogs require a complete and balanced diet just as we do to develop and maintain optimal health. It's essential to recognize that each nutrient plays a unique role in their overall well-being, and striking the right balance is crucial for their growth, (puppies), maintenance of energy and metabolic requirements (adults).

A balanced diet for dogs comprises a precise combination of key nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals:

• Carbohydrates serve as a valuable energy source


• Proteins build and promotes healthy muscle development


• Fats are a valuable energy source especially for active dogs since they produce twice as much energy per gram as carbohydrates or protein. They are also essential for different body for proper brain function, maintaining healthy skin and coat, and ese absorbing fat-soluble vitamins


• Vitamins and minerals are critical for many bodily functions, from maintaining strong bones to supporting a healthy metabolism

Eukanuba is expertly designed to support your healthy pet's needs, whether puppy growth and development, adult maintenance, or for senior dogs we’ve formulated diets to fit each life stage.

With a focus on palatability, digestibility and targeted nutrients to support health and well being at each stage of life, physical activity and body condition. We have a wealth of research that's used to meet your dog's nutritional needs leaving you with the peace of mind that you're providing great care for your beloved companion.

Choosing Dog Food

It’s important to provide a diet that meets the energy and nutritional requirements of your dog based on its lifestage. At Eukanuba we have complete and balanced food for every life stage in both dry (kibble) and wet form. The dry helps provide balanced nutrition while the wet diets provide balanced nutrition with more choice and variety in aroma and texture.

The benefits of wet dog food:

• Hydration Support: Wet dog food typically has a higher moisture content than dry kibble, making it an excellent option for dogs who may not drink enough water throughout the day. Proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions, and feeding your dog wet food can effectively increase their water intake.


• Palatability: Dogs with picky appetites may find wet food more enticing due to its softer texture and richer aroma. The aroma and textural properties of wet food can encourage fussy eaters to enjoy their meals.


• Easier to Chew: The soft and easily chewable consistency of wet dog food can be gentler and more manageable for older dogs

The benefits of dry dog food:

• Dental Health: Dry dog food's crunchy texture can help promote dental health. Chewing dry kibble can also contribute to healthier gums and stronger teeth.

Choosing the right diet depends on your dog's age, health condition, preferences, and lifestyle. Some pet owners combine both types of food to provide their dogs with a diverse range of flavors and textures. We highly recommend consulting your veterinarian for personalized nutritional advice tailored to your dog(s). Additionally, we encourage regular veterinary check-ups to assess both nutritional needs and overall health status, which can impact their feeding routines.

Create a Feeding Routine

Establishing a consistent, well-thought-out feeding schedule can profoundly impact our furry friends' physical health, and mental well being. Dogs thrive on predictability and routine, so a feeding schedule can establish a sense of order in their life, giving them a clear understanding of when to expect meals.

By controlling meal sizes and feeding times, you help ensure your dog receives the right nutrition to maintain a healthy weight and overall condition.

Consider their age, size, and activity level to create the right feeding schedule for your dog. Puppies require more frequent meals while adult dogs can thrive with two or three daily feedings. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and feeding frequency based on your dog's needs.

Measure Out Your Dog's Food

Pet owners must ensure that each meal is precisely weighed out to meet their dog's unique requirements, including their weight, age, breed, and activity level. Striving for accuracy in portioning their meals can significantly improve their overall health and well-being by providing just the right amount of nutrition.

Just like humans, dogs can suffer if they are over or underweight. Properly weighing out their food lets you control their calorie intake and helps keep your dog a healthy weight.

As dogs have specific dietary needs based on growth stage (puppy, adult), size/breed, physiological status, and activity level. Weighing or measuring your dog’s portion can help strike the right balance, providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients required for optimal health. It’s important to always refer to the feeding guide on the back of the package as a starting point for your pet. If you have any further questions about feeding, or your pets body condition then we suggest you consult your veterinarian.

If, for example, you've taken up running and your dog joins you, they may need more calories. You should adjust the feeding amounts to your dog's weight history, it's body condition score, physical activity and living environment conditions.

Mental stimulation during mealtime

Keeping our canine friends mentally stimulated can be just as important as providing them with a nutritious diet. Introducing puzzle toys and slow feeders into your dog's mealtime routine can offer numerous benefits, enriching their lives and fostering a healthier eating experience. However, it is important that the dog is familiar with the toy, starting off with a simple design where the dog can reach the food and then gradually moving on to more complicated design. The feeder should also present no risk of ingesting it.

Puzzle toys and slow feeders encourage dogs to eat at a slower pace. By requiring your dog to work for their food, you naturally slow their eating speed and improve their digestion.

Dogs are very smart and need mental stimulation to thrive, so turning mealtime into an exciting and challenging activity is a great idea. Interactive feeding solutions present a problem-solving element where dogs must figure out how to access their food.

Avoid Free Feeding

'Free feeding' is leaving food on the counter for your dog to eat on at leisure. It may seem convenient, but it can negatively affect your dog’s overall health and well-being. Instead, implementing a structured feeding routine, as mentioned above, is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing a range of potential issues.

With free feeding, it's challenging to track how much your dog eats throughout the day. This lack of portion control can lead to overeating and weight gain, which can, in turn, contribute to weight related health problems such as joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.

It is also important to note that leaving food out for extended periods can result in spoilage, especially in warm weather. Spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal issues for your dog, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort.

Be Modest with Treats

Treats can be a fantastic way to express love and affection to our dogs, but responsible feeding is essential to prevent potential health problems and maintain their overall well-being.

Here are some fundamental guidelines to ensure treats are given in moderation and with care:

• Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog's caloric requirements¹. Keep treat portions small and appropriate for your dog's size, age, and activity level. Overindulging in treats can lead to excessive calorie intake, which may contribute to weight gain.


• Opt for treats with a low caloric intake

Pro tip: Since treats are commonly employed for training, choose small, low-calorie options that enable you to reward positive behavior without overwhelming your dog with excessive calories. Alternatively, you can allocate portions of your dog's daily food intake for distribution at various intervals, utilizing some of it as treats.

Hydration Is Important

Water is the unsung hero of canine health, playing a pivotal role in various bodily functions, just as it does for humans. Proper hydration keeps your dog healthy, and functioning at their best. Providing fresh water at all times is non-negotiable for your dog.

Water is essential for properly functioning cells, tissues, and organs in a dog's body. From regulating body temperature to aiding digestion, transporting nutrients, and eliminating waste, water is the lifeline that keeps their systems running smoothly.

Dogs can quickly dehydrate, especially in hot weather or after vigorous activity. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues like kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and heatstroke. Providing fresh water at all times helps prevent dehydration and helps ensure your dog has the hydration they need to stay active and alert.

Adding water, wet and or semi wet food to your dog’s diet can help to increase their overall water intake.

Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior

When your dog sniffs their food bowl and rejects most of the meal, it can be a concerning behavior that warrants attention and analysis. This pattern may indicate various underlying issues, and as a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to be observant and take appropriate action.

Sniffing and rejecting food can be indicative of a fussy eater. For example, adding a complimentary wet food with the existing dry through mixed-feeding provides the same nutritional profile with added aroma and textures to enhance the feeding experience1. A rejection of food may also indicate underlying health issues in which case a prompt veterinarian check-up is recommended. This should be complemented with regular veterinary checkups for assessment of health and well-being.

Regular Exercise

Combining regular exercise and a balanced diet is the perfect recipe helping to maintain a healthy weight and promoting overall well-being in dogs. These two essential components go hand in paw to help ensure that your best buddy leads a happy, active, and vibrant life.

For instance walking provides a common and effective means of physical activity at different intensity levels including; ; low (1 hour/day), moderate (1-3 h/day) and high (3 h/day).

It is also important to remember that exercise is not just about physical health—it's equally essential for mental well-being. Daily walks, interactive play, and outdoor adventures stimulate your dog's mind and prevent boredom. Not to mention provides an opportunity for your dog to relieve themselves. A mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and is generally happier and more content.

Prioritize Healthy Eating Habits

By combining regular exercise with a balanced diet, we set the stage for a vibrant and fulfilled life for our furry friends. A well-balanced and nourishing diet, Including Eukanuba's Core Active life (puppy, adult, senior), Premium Performance (high activity puppy and adult) and Fitbody (Weight Management) diets provide options for a healthy and active lifestyle

With Eukanuba's nutritious offerings, we can help ensure our dogs receive the best care, giving them the gift of a long and healthy life. Prioritizing their well-being through proper nutrition and exercise deepens our bond with our furry companions and allows them to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

Take the next step in fostering a healthier and more fulfilling journey for our canine friends. With our help, the perfect combination of love, care, and nourishment means a life filled with energy, joy, and vitality. Choose wisely, prioritize their well-being, and watch as your dog becomes the happiest and healthiest version of themself.

Reference:

1.Royal Canin SAS, 2020. The Dog Encyclopedia. Royal Canin SAS, Aimargues, France. 468 pages.