Nutrition

Good nutrition prevents dietary deficiency diseases. It also helps ward off infections and reduces Spot’s susceptibility to organic diseases.

Using Commercial Dog Food

It’s human nature to believe that if a given quantity of a substance is good for building bones, calming nerves, or increasing appetite, then a lot more will probably be better. But this isn’t true, and in some cases, more is actually toxic. The scientists who develop high-quality commercial dog foods know the proper amount of each nutrient a dog needs and how each ingredient in a specific formula interacts with the other ingredients. That’s why most brand-name dog foods are far healthier than anything you could create at home for twice the price. So let the experts create the combination of nutrients that make up Spot’s diet. The proper balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats is too complicated and too important for speculation, and is better left to the test kitchens of the major dog food companies.

The three major categories of commercial dog foods are dry, canned, and soft-moist:

1. Dry. Dry dog foods come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some brands are in meal form, with the various ingredients simply mixed together. Pelleted dog food is meal pressed into pellets. Food labeled “biscuit” may be made up of whole or crumbled biscuits and is formed by adding flour to the dry ingredients and baking the mixture. Always read the directions on the bag of feed, because some dry foods are meant to be fed dry, others form gravy when moistened and are meant to be fed slightly wet, and some may be fed dry or moistened. Many adult dogs are routinely fed dry food exclusively and live healthy, active lives. Other wholesome and popular ways to feed are two- thirds dry and one-third canned food mixed together, or almost all dry with a tablespoon or two of canned food mixed in for added flavor.
2. Canned. Read the label carefully if you plan to use canned food exclusively. Some canned foods provide total nutrition while others are meant to be mixed with dry food. Canned food capable of standing alone will be labeled “100% complete,” “complete dinner,” or something similar. Several brands of canned dinners are available either “chopped” or “chunky.” Their nutritional values are equal, but most medium-sized and large dogs prefer their food “chunky,” while small dogs often find that it’s easier to eat the chopped variety.
3. Soft-moist. Soft-moist food is conveniently portion-packed, but has high contents of salt, sugars, and preservatives. While its simplicity is tempting, especially if you do a lot of traveling, you can enjoy the same ease of feeding by portion-packing high- quality dry food into self-sealing plastic bags. Quality dry food is better for Spot and will even help clean his teeth.

Why Bargain Hunting Doesn't Pay

Bargain dog food is seldom a bargain. The nutritional analysis on an inexpensive brand may read similar to the name brands but deliver something far inferior. For example, even though the percentages of protein on a bargain brand and a name brand appear to be identical, it’s the amount of usable (digestible) protein that’s important. Even shoe leather is protein when analyzed, but it has no nutritional value at all.

Food For All Ages

A fine selection of dog foods is available for all stages of Spot’s life. If he is under a year old, feed him a reputable brand of puppy food according to label directions. When changing brands, mix the old with the new, gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old until the changeover is complete. When Spot reaches a year old and is ready for adult dog food, make that change gradually too.

If Spot is still a growing boy (any dog under twelve months old is still considered a puppy), remember to gradually increase the size of his meals as he gets bigger. Between the ages of five months and a year, he should eat two meals a day (younger puppies must eat more often). As an adult (over twelve months old for most dogs, but 18-20 months for giant breeds), Spot will probably eat slightly less than he did as a growing puppy and will only have to be fed once a day (exceptions are the tiny breeds, which do better on two daily feedings at any age). Look at your dog to tell whether or not his food keeps him in top condition. Spot’s coat should shine, his eyes should be bright, and he should be in good, solid flesh. Whatever you do, don’t let him get fat. Many serious health problems in dogs begin with obesity.

Poor nutrition almost always shows up first in the quality of the coat. During adolescence (five to eighteen months or more of age), Spot may appear long and lanky, but as long as he has boundless energy and a gleaming coat, his nutritive requirements are probably being met. But if Spot’s coat is dry or dull, consider it an early warning signal that something’s wrong and have your veterinarian examine him. The quality and quantity of his food may be fine, but he might need to be wormed, or treated for a condition unrelated to nutrition. If Spot’s nutritional needs are not being met, your veterinarian may recommend that you change brands of dog food. Always do this gradually, and wait patiently for improvements. It takes three months for a new dog food to make a noticeable difference. If you want to supplement Spot’s diet with a vitamin-mineral preparation, give it according to your veterinarian’s directions. Over-supplementation is dangerous and has been linked to a variety of ills.

Don’t be surprised if Spot shows less interest in his food during the warm months and turns into a chow hound by November. Many adult dogs retain their proper weight when fed a little extra during the winter and a little less during the heat of summer.

When Spot grows old, he may have less interest in food. If sore teeth are the culprit, your veterinarian can make feeding time a pleasure again. If age is dulling Spot’s senses, warming his food will give it a more appetizing aroma. Offering much smaller amounts of food several times a day, instead of one big dinner, may also pique an aging dog’s appetite.

Treats

A wide variety of dog treats are available at any supermarket or pet supply store. Try different types until you discover which ones Spot prefers, but don’t overuse any of them or Spot may become overweight.

Use good judgment when feeding treats. Small dogs have only so much room in their tiny tummy. Too many treats, or treats just before dinner, especially those with high sugar content, could spoil Spot’s appetite for the nutritious food he needs.

Spot may also enjoy low-calorie treats right out of the vegetable bin in your refrigerator. Carrots delight many dogs, and some of them also like celery stalks and apple slices. Offer Spot tidbits of various fruits and vegetables occasionally, but don’t overdo it even though they are healthy. Receiving a treat should be a special part of Spot’s day, not an hourly occurrence.

Exercise

The muscles rippling beneath Spot’s coat are not the only ones that are toned and strengthened by regular exercise. His heart is almost entirely muscle, and even his intestine contains muscle tissue. Regular exercise keeps a healthy supply of blood circulating through these muscles. If Spot leads an active life he will look nicer, live longer, and behave better. Countless so-called behavior problems have been corrected through giving an energetic dog more exercise.

There are many ways to exercise Spot. Consider his size, age, and fitness, your fitness and time limitations, available space, and even the weather when deciding which forms you will use. Brisk walks are good for both of you, but you can also teach Spot to play ball (or Frisbee if he is big enough) and exercise him while sitting or standing in place. Small dogs can get plenty of exercise playing indoor games. Variety is good, so walking briskly for several blocks or playing a rousing game of fetch are equally desirable. If Spot is a lively dog, another choice is giving him a securely fenced play area and a couple of his favorite toys, and letting him exercise himself.

Getting Spot ready for Obedience or Agility competition is also good exercise and challenging fun for both of you. No, he doesn't have to be a purebred to compete (see Competitive Events for All Dogs). The form Spot’s exercise takes isn’t important, but it is important that he get regular exercise in some form all his life. When he’s young, Spot will help you discover games that will exercise both of you. He will still need exercise when he is old, but you may have to initiate it.