Tips for Feeding Fido

Dogs have very good appetites. In fact, Fido will eat pretty much anything and everything. If it was up to your pooch, he’d probably chomp down burgers and bacon at every meal. However, your pet will be much healthier with proper nutrition. In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a vet offers tips for feeding your canine buddy.

Only offer Fido safe, suitable treats. You may want to get into the habit of reading labels. Ideally, you’ll want to pick products that least meat, fish, or poultry first and more frequently than anything else. Avoid items with ingredient lists that read like scientific experiments.

Never give Fido anything that contains garlic, onion, scallions, or chives; chocolate; nuts; or xylitol. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as are raw meat, dough, and yeast; alcohol; pitted fruits, especially avocados; alcohol; and anything processed and/or high in fat or sugar. Also, don’t let your cute pet cajole you into overfeeding him. Treats should only account for about 5 percent of your furry pal’s daily caloric intake.

Dogs aren’t very concerned with table manners. In fact, many pups have a habit of eating too fast and then not keeping their dinners down. One thing that can help with this is to put a tennis ball in your four-legged friend’s bowl. Fido will have to move it around to get his food, which will hopefully slow him down. (Note: for large breeds, use something larger than a tennis ball, which is a choking hazard for big dogs.)

When Fido eats from bowls on the floor, he may need to splay his legs. He could also strain his neck and back. This can be pretty uncomfortable! Give your pet’s dinnerware a pupgrade, and get him some raised bowls.

Did you know that giving Fido just ten calories too much each day can cause him to pack on extra pounds? Pay close attention to serving sizes. You may want to use a large measuring cup or a specially-marked container to portion out your canine friend’s food.

Please contact us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, with any questions about your dog’s diet or care. We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care!