Know How to Prepare Dog Feeding Schedule

Coming up with a regular feeding routine for your canine is vital for its mental well-being and overall health. Whether you are dealing with small dogs like the ones on https://www.authenticdogs.com/breeds-of-small-dogs-that-stay-small/ or huge dog breeds, it is important to understand the nutritional needs of your furry friend. As expected, the way you feed your pet depends on various factors. Below, you will find out how to prepare your dog’s feeding schedule as it grows from a pup.

After Weaning

If you are taking in a puppy that has just been weaned from its mum, feed it a couple of times every day. If you are not at home all day, consider hiring a dog sitter to execute this duty. It is advisable to give the new pup at least 4 meals each day that you will evenly spread out. The puppy seems to eat a lot because at this stage it grows really fast. At this point, you should also make sure your pet is on a diet that has been specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for developing puppies.

3- 6 Months

When your pup hits the 3 months mark, you are allowed to reduce the 4 feedings to 3. At this stage, you can have a similar feeding program where your mutt also takes breakfast, dinner, and lunch. Stick to puppy food at first as you observe its growth to make the necessary adjustments.

6 months to 1 Year Plus

By this time, your puppy is transitioning to become an adolescent. Here you can comfortably give your furry friend 2 balanced meals daily. You can continue giving your pet some puppy food as you slowly transition into adult dog food. Experts counsel that you should only make the full transition after neutering or spraying the pup. The 2 daily feedings should continue into the dog’s adult life.

Vital Tips to Work with When Preparing a Feeding Schedule for your Dog

Now that you are aware of the number of times to feed your pet, here are simple guidelines to adhere to:

• Feed at the dog at the same time and the same place every day. This will give the pet a sense of security and they can look forward to meals at the “right” time.
• Consult a professional vet when preparing your feeding schedules. The expert is in the best position to know if your dog is under or over-weight helping you to adjust food types and qualities accordingly.
• Keenly observe your pet as it grows so as to know when to adjust the portion sizes. If it seems to hold on to its puppy pudge for too long, it could be a sign that you are overfeeding the pet. If your pup is leaving food in its dish, it may mean that you can lessen the portions or drop 3 meals for two. Additionally, if your pet is getting loads of treats all day, you may have to adjust the meal sizes.
• After establishing the ideal feeding schedule, ensure that your dog drinking a lot of water. You can put out fresh clean water every morning and evening. Besides this, you can also offer your pet water after activities because they can get pretty thirsty after this.
• Use the activity levels of your dog to guide you on how best to feed your canine. If you have a senior dog that does not do much you may have to feed it small amounts. Active dog breeds may need to eat more food frequently say three times a day even when they are adults. This is because they have a very high metabolism.

Final Thoughts

If you did not know already, man’s four-legged best friend thrives on routine. Offering your dog steady, balanced nutrition will ensure it stays, healthy, happy and active.