A healthy dog's weight is the result of
the right balance between diet and exercise. One way to
tell if your dog is a healthy weight is to check his rib-cage
area. Can you feel the ribs below the surface of the skin
without feeling a lot of padding? When you look at your
dog from above, is the area around his ribs and down his
back lean, or does it bulge? Keep in mind, however, that
the amount of muscle and fat that is considered healthy
for one breed may be different than that of another breed.
Also, young puppies of most breeds will have more fat than
adult dogs. Consult your breeder or veterinarian to learn
the best weight for your breed.
Puppies need more calories and essential nutrients than adult dogs.
Choose a food specially formulated for puppies. Puppies younger than 6 months should
get three or four meals a day. They are growing rapidly, but their stomachs can't
hold much. After six months, they can handle two or three meals a day. Again, your
dog's breeder or your veterinarian can advise you on what's appropriate for your dog.
Feed adult dogs according to their size and energy needs. Most adults
should get two meals a day of whatever quantity suits them. Feeding two meals a day seems
to keep dogs content.
Clean the bowls daily, and make sure cool, fresh water is available at all times.
Don't let your dog get fat by giving him too many between-meal snacks;
obese dogs often develop serious health problems. Dogs can be great beggars, but don't let
yours charm you into the habit of sharing your food. Dogs' nutritional needs are different
from humans', and you aren't doing your best friend any favor by giving him a diet meant
for you. There are plenty of nutritious dog treats on the market. Dogs also love vegetables
such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, peas and beans, and fruits such as
bananas, apples, and melon. These make great low-fat treats. Be sure to feed all treats
in moderation as part of the dog's overall food intake.
If your dog is getting enough nutritious food and exercise and is
underweight or overweight, he may have a health problem and need to see a
veterinarian.
All the best,
Bailey the Beagle
