Dog Nutrition Tips

Proper nutrition is the foundation of your dog's health and wellbeing. These practical feeding guidelines and nutrition tips will help you make informed decisions about your dog's diet, from portion control to feeding schedules and healthy treats.

Portion Control & Feeding Guidelines

Feeding your dog the right amount is just as important as what you feed them. Overfeeding is one of the leading causes of obesity in pets, which can lead to numerous health problems.

How Much to Feed

Factors Affecting Portion Size

Consider These Variables:

Weight & Size: Larger dogs need more food
Age: Puppies need more calories per pound than adults
Activity Level: Active dogs need more calories
Body Condition: Overweight dogs need fewer calories
Health Status: Some conditions require specific portions

Starting Points:

Use feeding guidelines on packaging as a starting point
Adjust based on your dog's body condition
Weigh food for accuracy rather than using volume measures
Monitor weight and adjust portions accordingly
Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations

Body Condition Scoring

Rather than focusing solely on weight, veterinarians use body condition scoring to assess if a dog is at an ideal weight. You can perform a simple assessment at home:

Too Thin

Ribs, spine, and hip bones easily visible
No fat coverage
Severe abdominal tuck when viewed from side
Dramatic hourglass shape from above

Ideal

Ribs palpable but not visible
Waist visible when viewed from above
Abdominal tuck visible from side
Thin layer of fat covering bones

Too Heavy

Ribs difficult to feel under fat
No visible waist or abdominal tuck
Fat deposits over lower back and tail base
Rounded appearance

Optimal Feeding Schedules

Establishing a consistent feeding schedule helps with digestion, behavior, and housetraining. Here are recommended feeding frequencies by age:

Age	Meals Per Day	Considerations
8-12 weeks	3-4 meals	Small stomachs need frequent small meals
3-6 months	3 meals	Transition to fewer meals as growth slows
6-12 months	2 meals	Begin adult feeding schedule
Adult (1+ years)	2 meals	Morning and evening schedule supports digestion
Senior	2-3 meals	Some seniors benefit from smaller, more frequent meals

Feeding Schedule Best Practices

Establish consistent feeding times each day
Remove uneaten food after 15-20 minutes
Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day) which can lead to obesity
Separate pets during feeding if multiple pets are in the home
Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before or after meals, especially for deep-chested breeds

Transitioning Between Foods

Abruptly changing your dog's food can cause digestive upset. Follow this gradual transition schedule over 7-10 days when introducing new food:

Days 1-2

25% new food
75% old food

Days 3-4

50% new food
50% old food

Days 5-7

75% new food
25% old food

Days 8-10

100% new food

If you notice signs of digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat), slow down the transition process or consult your veterinarian.

Healthy Treats & Supplements

The 10% Rule

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The remaining 90% should come from a complete and balanced diet. Excessive treats can unbalance nutrition and lead to weight gain.

Healthy Treat Options

Fruits & Vegetables

Apple slices (no seeds)
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon (no seeds/rind)
Carrot sticks
Green beans
Cucumber slices
Pumpkin (plain, cooked)

Protein Treats

Small pieces of cooked chicken
Turkey meat (no skin/bones)
Plain cooked eggs
Small amounts of plain yogurt
Freeze-dried liver
Small pieces of cooked fish
Tiny bits of cheese (for most dogs)

Commercial Options

Dental chews (VOHC approved)
Training treats (small, soft)
Freeze-dried meat treats
Bully sticks (supervised)
Single-ingredient treats
Low-calorie commercial treats

Foods to NEVER Feed

Chocolate, coffee, caffeine - Contain methylxanthines; can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, death
Grapes & raisins - Can cause kidney failure
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives - Damage red blood cells, can cause anemia
Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - Causes insulin release leading to liver failure; found in gum, candies, some peanut butters
Alcohol - Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing difficulty, coma, death
Macadamia nuts - Can cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting
Raw/undercooked meat, eggs, bones - Risk of bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli) or injury from bones
Yeast dough - Can expand in stomach causing pain; fermentation produces alcohol

Supplements

A complete and balanced commercial diet typically provides all necessary nutrients for healthy dogs. However, some dogs may benefit from supplements in specific situations:

Supplement	Potential Benefits	Considerations
Fish oil (Omega-3)	Supports skin, coat, joints, heart	Correct dosing important; oxidizes quickly
Glucosamine/Chondroitin	Joint support for older dogs	Most beneficial preventatively or early in joint disease
Probiotics	Digestive support, immune health	Look for dog-specific strains; useful during stress or antibiotics
Vitamins/Minerals	Addressing specific deficiencies	Rarely needed with balanced diet; excess can be harmful

Important: Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen, as inappropriate supplementation can cause harm. Supplements should not be used to compensate for a poor diet.

Nutrition in Special Situations

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnant and nursing dogs have significantly increased nutritional needs:

Switch to puppy food or performance food during the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy
Nursing mothers may need 2-4 times their normal caloric intake
Feed multiple small meals throughout the day
Ensure constant access to fresh water
Return to normal adult food gradually after weaning

Weight Management

For overweight dogs:

Consult your veterinarian for a safe weight loss plan (typically 1-2% body weight per week)
Measure food precisely; reduce portions gradually
Consider a quality weight management formula
Replace high-calorie treats with low-calorie options (carrots, green beans)
Increase exercise gradually
Weigh regularly to track progress

Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change:

Many seniors need more protein, not less, to maintain muscle mass
Consider reduced calorie density if less active
Supplements for joint health may be beneficial
Some may benefit from increased fiber for digestive health
Monitor weight closely; seniors can gain or lose weight more easily
Consider softer foods if dental issues are present

Signs of Nutritional Problems

Monitor your dog for these signs that might indicate nutritional issues:

Signs of Poor Nutrition

Dull, dry coat or excessive shedding
Lethargy or low energy levels
Weight changes (gain or loss)
Digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
Poor muscle tone or weakness
Skin problems or frequent infections
Bad breath beyond normal dog breath
Abnormal stool consistency or frequency

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Sudden changes in appetite (increased or decreased)
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Persistent digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
Increased water consumption
Persistent skin or coat problems
Before making significant diet changes
When considering homemade diets
When addressing specific health conditions

Conclusion

Proper nutrition forms the foundation of your dog's health and longevity. By understanding their nutritional needs, establishing good feeding practices, and monitoring their response to their diet, you can help ensure your dog maintains optimal health throughout their life.

Remember that nutritional needs change throughout a dog's life, and what works for one dog may not be ideal for another. Regular veterinary check-ups should include discussions about nutrition, especially during life transitions or if health issues arise.

The best diet for your dog is one that keeps them at a healthy weight, results in good stool quality, supports a healthy coat, provides appropriate energy levels, and helps them thrive throughout all life stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I feed my dog?

For adult dogs (over 1 year old), feeding twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—is generally recommended. This schedule helps prevent hunger throughout the day and reduces the risk of bloat, especially in larger breeds. Puppies require more frequent feeding: 3-4 times daily until 4 months of age, then 3 times daily until 6 months, and finally twice daily after that. Senior dogs may maintain the twice-daily schedule, though they might benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if they have digestive issues. Always provide fresh water at all times, regardless of feeding schedule.

What human foods are safe to give dogs as treats?

Safe human foods for dogs include: 1) Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and lean beef (cooked, unseasoned, and without bones), 2) Many fruits such as apple slices (without seeds), blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon (without seeds or rind), 3) Vegetables including carrots, green beans, cucumber, and zucchini, 4) Plain, cooked eggs, 5) Plain, unsalted peanut butter (verify it doesn't contain xylitol), and 6) Plain popcorn (no salt, butter, or seasonings). Always introduce new foods gradually, keep portions small, and remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's daily caloric intake.

How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

To determine if your dog is overweight: 1) Perform the rib test—you should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, but they shouldn't be prominently visible, 2) Look at your dog from above—they should have a visible waist/tuck where the body narrows between the ribcage and hips, 3) View from the side—their belly should be tucked up rather than hanging level with or below the ribcage, 4) Check for fat pads at the base of the tail or along the spine, which may indicate excess weight. If you're unsure, veterinarians use a body condition scoring system (typically 1-9 or 1-5) to objectively assess weight status during regular check-ups.

Which human foods are toxic to dogs?

Foods toxic to dogs include: 1) Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine which contain methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death, 2) Grapes and raisins which can cause kidney failure, 3) Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks which damage red blood cells and can cause anemia, 4) Xylitol (artificial sweetener) which can cause insulin release, potentially resulting in liver failure, 5) Alcohol which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, difficulty breathing, and death, 6) Macadamia nuts which can cause weakness, hyperthermia, and vomiting, and 7) Raw/undercooked meat, eggs, bones which may contain harmful bacteria or cause choking or intestinal damage.