What to feed your dog

Feeding your dog the right type and amount of food is vital for their health and happiness. With so many foods and diets out there, it can be hard to know what’s right for your four-legged friend.

Our vets recommend feeding a high quality, complete commercial pet food, as they contain all the nutrients dogs need. The type and amount of food you should give depends on a dog’s breed, age, health and lifestyle. For example, a working Sheepdog needs much more energy than a chilled-out Chihuahua who is burning less calories in a day.

It’s also important to choose food suitable for your dog’s lifestage - puppy, junior, adult or senior. This will help your dog get all the nutrients they need for their age.

Feeding the right amount by following the guidelines on the packet and using electronic scales to weigh their food id essential. You should feed your dog for their ideal weight, which might be different from what they currently weigh if they’re overweight or underweight. And don’t forget to reduce their food if you’re giving them treats.

Instead of giving your dog all their food in one go, we recommend splitting your dog’s daily food intake into two equal-sized meals (puppies and smaller dogs may need up to four). Smaller meals mean a shorter time between feeds so that they will be less hungry, have something to look forward to, and be less likely to gobble their food too quickly.

Feeding dogs human food scraps, such as leftovers, is not recommended. Human food can cause your dog to put on weight, be bad for their teeth, or make them unwell; some such as grapes and chocolate are also highly toxic. 

Dogs need the right amount and type of food to keep them healthy. If we overfeed them it can lead to weight gain, cause serious diseases and long-term illnesses.