Feeding

Well, this is a subject that creates endless controversy. Dry food, tinned food, vacuum pack food, processed food, frozen food, dehydrated food, fresh food. The list is endless. Do we feed one meal a day or several smaller ones? Should we leave food down all day? Do dogs get bored and want variety? What is the main ingredient in dog food? Is expensive food better for our dog? And the biggest question of them all. Can we rely on the veterinary surgeon to advise us as most vets sell the stuff!!

I have got to be honest I am almost as confused as you, however, what I do know is that this is a product that has been hyped almost beyond reason. Why? The pet food industry globally is worth just short of 90 billion dollars a year. Not bad for a product that so many people buy and never taste.

The first thing to say is that I don’t have all the answers, in fact, nobody does and to make matters worse the advice we are given often comes from people who have a vested interest in recommending a product.

This is an issue where you pays your money and takes your choice but there are factors that can assist you to make an informed decision.

Starting with:

For those who want to explore this subject more fully, there is a mountain of information on the internet but please be aware that a lot of information is supplied by manufacturers, suppliers or agents. You require an independent opinion.

The overwhelming majority of dogs are probably very happy with the food that they are receiving.

In hot countries, dry food is recommended. With a plentiful supply of freshwater. Wet food attracts flies etc, deteriorates very quickly and creates waste.

If the product states beef or chicken etc don’t assume that the product contains a large percentage of beef or chicken. Meat is expensive!! Check the label and note what sort of meat is referred to or if it contains meat derivatives. Derivatives are the parts not required by the human food chain industry. This doesn’t mean that derivatives are not acceptable food for canines but if you think your buying choice pieces of meat, think again!!

Some foods have a very high moisture content, which means you are paying for water!! Don’t assume that this only applies to wet food. Even a cursory inspection of the label can be informative.

Please be careful about feeding bones, dogs like bones but cooked bones have a tendency to splinter and can be dangerous, even fatal and too may uncooked bones can cause constipation and other problems. Also, be aware that bones should be large in comparison with the dog so they cannot be swallowed.

A dog has 1700 taste buds in his mouth, you have 9000 so he is not so concerned about taste, rather more interested in smell and texture, so it is unlikely that a dog needs a constant variety of foods. The idea of variety is a human concept and is a manifestation of the idea that because we require variety then our dogs require the same.

If you feed a complete food then it is considered unwise to add another product as this will upset the balance of ingredients that provide a regulated diet and in some instances can create behaviour problems.

The price of dog food has to fit into the family budget and very expensive doesn’t always mean better quality, however, feeding a good quality product can pay dividends in later life. A dog who is fed good food is less likely to have frequent visits to the veterinary surgeon when old age arrives. And we all know what a visit to the vet costs!

Leaving food down all day is generally not recommended as it can lead to obesity.

It is generally considered that feeding 2 or 3 smaller meals aids digestion, however, this is not very practical in modern busy households. so the majority of dogs are fed once a day without any adverse effects but if your dog has digestive problems it is something that you may have to consider.

Where do you get independent advice on feeding, that would be a pet/veterinary nutritionist who is not employed by or receives funding or any inducement from a pet food company.

Finally, if your pet appears to have a digestive problem or stops eating then a visit to the veterinary surgeon is then essential as tests will ascertain if there is a medical issue and under those circumstances, the vet is the best person to advise even if he supplies the food!!