We think we’re doing everything we can for our dogs, but when it comes to feeding them, we don’t always make the best decisions. Here are five typical blunders dog owners make when it comes to feeding their dogs:

1. Providing an inappropriate diet for your dog’s life stage

   Nutritional requirements differ based on life stage and overall health, dog food is particularly formulated for each stage of a dog’s life. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and senior dogs, as they require more calories. As a result, providing a puppy diet to an adult dog gives it a higher-calorie diet than it requires. Furthermore, the nutritional requirements of dogs differ dependent on breed and medical conditions, necessitating the creation of a customized diet based on these considerations. Ignoring a dog’s unique requirements might exacerbate present medical issues or lead to the development of new ones

2. Free-Feeding your dog

   The practice of providing food to your dog at all times is known as free feeding. Free feeding your dog leads to obesity because they continue to eat even when they are full. Furthermore, free-fed dogs are more difficult to train because there is no scheduled food input, which means no scheduled output. This method is also particularly ineffective in a multi-dog household because it is difficult to keep track of each dog’s daily intake. Furthermore, you cannot free-feed perishable foods, particularly wet meals. Overall, having measured, scheduled meals is ideal for your dog’s health.

3. Changing your dog’s food on a regular basis

   The gastrointestinal systems of our dogs thrive when their diet isn’t changed frequently. In fact, a sudden adjustment can result in nausea and diarrhoea. If you do decide to modify your dog’s diet, do so gradually, gradually adding new food and increasing it regularly until you’ve entirely switched it over.

4. Providing them with human foods

   Giving pets human food is a common blunder made by pet owners. The same food that make a person healthy does not always make dogs healthy. In fact, several foods, including those that may surprise you, are poisonous to dogs. Avocados, grapes, dark chocolate, onions, and garlic, among other foods, are extremely hazardous to dogs even in small quantities.

5. Overtreating

   Treats are a common way for pet parents to express their love for their pets. While a single treat is fine, multiple treats throughout the day will throw a dog’s diet off. These treats are intended to be appealing and distinct from their regular meals so that dogs will cooperate more while training or be motivated to obey their masters’ commands. As a result, treats must be used caution. Over-treating dogs can make them lose their appetite for their usual meal, resulting in obesity.