As a pet lover, You are well aware that nutrition is essential to your canine’s health. Choosing various kinds of canine food is tricky. You want to be precise with your dog’s health by giving them all the nutrition they need and looking after that so they don’t gain weight, as it may lead to further health hazards. You should always seek advice from your vet about your canine’s food choices. We will help you understand a few factors in a dog’s nutrition. Consider being financially prepared with dog health insurance so you can focus on getting your puppy cured rather than on the testing and treatment costs during an unplanned vet visit. Buying pet insurance will go a long way in treating your dog.
When it comes to feeding dogs, there are hundreds of food items, including raw, dry, and wet food, you can choose from for your adorable four-legged friend. On top of that, advice and tips from thousands of pet owners, pet food manufacturers, pet nutritionists, pet food specialists, and vets are available online.
So many different opinions, suggestions, and resources on feeding a puppy might leave you needing clarification about caring for your puppy’s dietary needs. If unsure, quickly contact your vet for guidance and dog food recommendations. Try to stay consistent with your vet’s meal plans to help your dog avoid gastrointestinal disturbances, food poisoning, and other health issues.
On the flip side, there are many instances when your dog has indulged in prohibited food items, like human food that can potentially be toxic for pets, trash can contents, nibbling on poisonous plants, licking detergents, cosmetics, dangerous chemicals, essential oils, and many more items that don’t even qualify for the food category. Such a situation can be quickly declared a pet health emergency, and your puppy will most likely need immediate medical assistance to recover. Pet insurance helps support your fur baby with superior medical care during accidents, allergies, injuries, poisoning, and other unanticipated health conditions.
Some things to keep in mind about your canines nutrition
- Ensure your puppy’s water bowls are packed to the brim to encourage drinking water. Also, it’s worth noting that young puppies, lactating mother dogs, working dogs, and active dogs usually drink lots of water and more during hot weather. You can also place a pet water fountain that constantly filters out impurities like dog hair, debris, and dirt present in water in the living area or patio to motivate your pet to drink.
- You should always maintain a fixed feeding routine for your pet. Many dog parents feed their dogs two times a day. This is an excellent way to prevent your canine from getting hungry during odd hours and overeating. A fixed routine of eating habits may have room for some extra treats, but ensure it doesn’t become a habit. Ensure you don’t spoil your dog with too many delights, which may lead to digestion and other health problems.
- Always remember to feed the right amount of food to your dog’s size. This may seem basic, but it’s essential to understand all canines aren’t the same. A pomeranian needs to eat less than a Rottweiler. The amount of food you serve varies from a puppy to a grown dog. A puppy may need ½ cup serving, whereas a grown dog may require 4 cups.
- When choosing your puppy’s food, consider its age, size, general health, and physical activity levels. Every dog breed has unique food requirements, and no two dogs of the same species share the same characteristics. So, select pet food depending on your puppy’s nutritional needs and food preferences.
- Feeding your puppy the right portions of food is as essential as feeding it nutritious food. So, use measuring cups, scoops, or scales to weigh the food you provide your pet. Also, it is worth noting that commercial pet food products suggest feeding portions based on pets’ ideal weight and not actual weight. So, talk to your vet to know the correct quantity to feed your puppy.
- Store your pet food in air-tight containers in cool, dry places and not on shelves facing sunny windows. This is vital to ensure the packed food stays fresh and edible for longer. This way, your puppy’s food is protected from degradation, humidity, mold formation, and attacks of pesky pests.
- Also, make it a habit to dispose of uneaten food in your puppy’s bowl and wash the water and food bowls every day to safeguard your puppy’s health.
As dog parents, most of us are used to worrying about our pets’ well-being, and we understand the importance of regular health checkups. Make sure they are well fed, get enough exercise, playtime, and sleep. Abrupt changes in eating habits or weight should be a cause of concern. Take your dog to the vet in a case like that. Dog health insurance covers your puppy’s medical care during non-routine vet visits, which helps manage costs. So, why not consider buying pet insurance?