A golden retriever next door developed obesity due to long-term overeating and had to undergo surgery to lose weight—such tragic cases could have been avoided.
Scientific feeding is the cornerstone of a dog’s healthy and long life. Data shows that over 60% of pets are overweight, with 80% attributed to improper feeding. A balanced diet not only helps dogs maintain an ideal physique but also prevents various diseases.
So, how can we provide our beloved dogs with scientific and healthy meals? If you’re wondering how to feed a dog properly, here are some essential guidelines.
01 Calculate feeding amount, weight and body type are key
Determining your dog’s feeding amount requires considering multiple factors. Weight is the most basic reference index. Generally speaking, adult dogs need about weight (kg) × 50ml of water daily, and food intake should be adjusted according to the recommended feeding amount on the dog food packaging.
Large, small, and medium-sized dogs have very different metabolic rates. Activity level is another key factor. Dogs with high activity levels may need 10%-20% more food than quiet dogs of the same weight.
Regularly assessing your dog’s weight condition is important: you should be able to feel the ribs with your hands, but they should be slightly covered with fat. If you can’t feel the ribs, it means your dog may be overweight and needs to reduce its food intake.
02 Feeding Frequency, Age Determines the Number
Dogs of different ages have different dietary needs. Puppies require small, frequent meals. Puppies aged 2-6 months need 4-5 meals per day because they have small stomachs but high energy requirements.
Adult dogs (1-7 years old) are typically fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. For senior dogs over 7 years old, 2-3 meals per day are more suitable. Choose senior dog food that is low in fat and high in fiber, pay attention to dental health, and provide soft food if necessary.
Feeding at fixed times not only helps cultivate good eating habits in dogs but also promotes the secretion of digestive fluids through conditioning, improving digestive and absorption efficiency.
03 Smart Feeder, Precise Feeding Assistant
For busy pet owners, smart feeders are the perfect solution of modern technology. These devices can help you feed your dog on time even when you’re not at home.
Automatic feeders on the market come with a variety of features. For example, the Rocker automatic feeder can preset feeding schedules through a mobile app, supporting up to 10 feeding time settings, and can customize a dedicated feeding plan for each pet.
These feeders usually come with anti-pilferage design, where the food port automatically closes during non-feeding hours, effectively preventing pets from overeating.
Smart feeders can also record feeding data. For example, the Chunxing feeder uses its built-in AI food intake calculation system to dynamically generate personalized feeding plans based on multiple pet parameters. These devices record the pet’s feeding frequency, single meal amount, and feeding duration, generating health reports.
04 Snack Management, No More Than 10% of Calorie Intake
Snacks should play an appropriate role in a dog’s diet. Experts recommend that snacks should not exceed 10% of the daily total calorie intake. Choosing the right snacks is important; it’s best to opt for additives-free options like chicken jerky or chew toys.
Some foods are fatal to dogs and must be avoided. Chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, xylitol, and alcohol are all harmful to dogs. Poultry bones (which can easily tear the intestines), raw eggs (containing avidin), and high-salt, high-sugar foods also belong to high-risk foods.
Even for relatively safe foods like peanut butter cookies, choose cookies made with natural peanut butter that are sugar-free, low-sodium, and free of additives, and be mindful of feeding in moderation.
05 Scientific Feeding, Details Determine Success
To achieve scientific feeding, it’s also important to pay attention to some details. Fixed feeding locations and utensils are crucial; each dog should have its own dedicated food bowl and should not share them to prevent the spread of disease.
Do not allow dogs to engage in vigorous exercise before or after meals. The temperature of the food also needs attention; except in summer, feed warm food (around 40°C) and avoid it being too hot or too cold.
Transitioning to new food requires a gradual period. It is recommended to mix the old and new dog food in proportions and replace them step by step over 7 days to avoid digestive discomfort. At the same time, closely monitor your dog’s bowel movements. Healthy feces are brownish in color and well-formed. If there is persistent soft stool or diarrhea, it is necessary to check the diet or seek medical attention.
When taking your dog for regular check-ups, the veterinarian evaluated its body condition score and coat shine, and carefully reviewed the daily diet records you brought.
“Maintaining it very well,” the veterinarian rarely praised, “balanced diet, standard weight, good development of bones and muscles. Feeding it this way will likely extend its lifespan significantly beyond the average.”
Looking at your dog’s sparkling eyes and happily wagging tail, you know that all of this stems from the persistence of scientific feeding. Learning how to feed dogs correctly and understanding how do you feed your dog in a structured way can make all the difference in their health and happiness.