Adult Dog Feeding Guide

If you are planning on adding an adult dog to your home
you need to get an idea of the adult dog feeding guidelines
that you will need to follow. Our canine friends come in
many shapes and sizes. The levels of activity can vary
greatly among pets and is an important consideration
in determining energy needs. Sufficient nutrients are
necessary to meet energy needs and to facilitate the
repair and maintenance of body tissue.
There are a number of methods you can use to feed your
dog dependent on your particular schedule and needs.
One method is to provide two meals in a day preferably
served in the morning and evening. This method employs
giving equal portions for both meals and helps to monitor
an animals caloric intake and thus maintain a desired weight.
Another method is designed to make food available
through out the day. This method benefits owners who may
be away for long periods during the course of a day. This
method runs the risk of your dog consuming excess calories
which leads to weight gain. Dry food is best used for this method as dry food is less likely to spoil when left out all day long.

Another method for feeding your dog involves
feeding your dog for a specified time period say thirty minutes
and then removing the food. Again this can be used if your
dog has a weight problem and you want to control how many
calories she is consuming. For practical purposes it is advised
that you feed your dog twice daily.

Activity level is an important consideration in determining
how much food your dog will need. If your dog is a normal
house dog he should receive a maintenance level of energy.
If you have a less active dog you should reduce by 10 percent
the maintenance level of energy. If you have an extremely
active outdoor dog you should increase the maintenance
level of energy provided by 20 to 40 percent.
Get the advise of your veterinarian for the best type of food products
and feeding schedule for your particular dog. Additionally an animal
that is ill or recovering from surgery will have differing dietary needs.
Consult your veterinarian for proper guidelines in this instance.

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Raw Dog Food: Transitioning Your Dog From Dry Food

Raw Food and Your Dog

Dog lovers know that no two dogs are the same, and because of this, there isn't a single answer when it comes to weaning your dog off of dry kibble and into a natural, raw diet. You can still employ some basic techniques which can get you moving in the right direction, though.

1. Stay positive. Your pets can be extremely perceptive, and they'll know if you have any doubts about this transition to a raw food diet. If you are confident, your pets will feel more certain about this alteration of their usual diet.

2. If you have an older dog who has been eating the same food for a long time, it will take more time to establish this raw diet.

3. It's important to employ variety when introducing a meat-based, raw deit to your dog, but it's usually best to use only one kind of meat to begin your transitioning with - usually the type of meat which is already in your dog's kibble. By doing this, your dog's digestion will be made simpler.

4. Don't feed your dog prior to beginning this change. If your dog is hungry, it will be far more interested in what's in their bowl, and it will also provide some down time for their digestive system.

5. As this transition is happening, don't give your dog too many treats. This will prime your dog's appetite for its new food.

6. Give your dog lots of clean, filtered water to drink.

Raw Diets for Puppies

A puppy will usually be able to make this dietary transition in just a couple of days, as their digestive systems are able to process new foods with greater ease than older dogs might. To begin, switch out a quarter of your dog's food with Darwin's. As time goes on, increase the amount of Darwin's and decrease the amount of kibble, until all that's left is the new, raw diet.

Healthy, Young Dogs & the Raw Diet

Younger dogs will have a simpler, more rapid transition when compared to older dogs, or dogs who might be unhealthy. Transitioning within a week is generally possible, providing that your dog doesn't show symptoms of being sick, such as vomiting, constipation or loose stools. By making this transition slowly, your dog's digestive tract will have more flexibility to adjust to new foods.

1. Start out by switching out 1/8th of your dogs usual meal with raw food.

2. Once your dog has eaten three times, try switching out 1/4 of your dog's food.

3. Repeat this again after three meals, introducing a mixture which is half kibble and half raw food.

4. Finally, after three more meals, give your dog a completely raw meal. Ideally, your dog will not show any signs of distress. If your dog seems okay, you've successfully made the switch!

Old Dogs & Choosy Eaters

Dogs who have old habits might not accept the texture or scent of a raw diet. This is not uncommon, especially with smaller breeds of dogs. There are a few simple steps that you can take.

1. During the change, don't allow your dog to have treats.

2. Don't feed your dog prior to switching their food.

3. Raw meals can be lightly cooked in order to activate their flavors and smells. Be sure to only cook these slightly. A quick poach on the stove or a pass through your toaster oven should do the trick.

4. Present this meal in a way which will make your dog comfortable, such as a secluded spot in your home or kitchen.

5. By adding extra flavor to their meals, like egg yolks, cheese or garlic powder, most dogs will give in and try out their new food without much trouble!