There are many good commercial dog foods on the market to adequately nourish the average adult dog.  A rule to remember is not to buy the cheapest brand.  Always check the ingredients listed on the label, they may not contain high-quality, usable protein.

When choosing a diet for your pet consider their age, activity, breed, and temperament.  Special diets are needed during pregnancy and disease.  There are prescription diets available for pets with cardiac, renal, allergic, nutritional, skin, and intestinal diseases.  It is not essential for your dog to have a variety in their diet.

How Much Should You Feed Daily?

You should get with your veterinarian and find out how much your dog should weigh.  Most of the time you should only feed according to the manufacture's directions.  Remember that activity, pregnancy, lactation, and the environment factors also govern total calories required by adult dogs.  Just for instance, dogs that live outside in cold climates burn more calories than those that sleep all day indoors.  If your dog is over weight and you are feeding based on that weight, then you are over feeding.  That's why it is important to ask your veterinarian what your dog should weigh and then feeding accordingly.  Any time you change your dogs food do it gradually. Mix it with your dog's former food, and gradually increase the proportion until only the new food is being fed.

Obesity

Obesity is the condition of being seriously overweight.  Obese pets have more physical ailments and a shorter lifespan than those of normal weight.  Obesity increases the risk of complications during surgery, and breathing and walking are more difficult for obese pets.  Usually an obese pet stems from over eating and too little exercise.  However, other factors such as breed, temperament, hormone imbalance, and disease, can cause obesity.  Weight loss should be accomplished slowly, rather than with severe short-term food restriction.  Your pet did not get that extra weight over night and can not loss it over night.  The rule of thumb for checking ideal weight, you should be able to feel the dog's ribs, but not see them. Anytime you are unsure consult with your veterinarian.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING FOODS.  (click on the icons to find out more about the foods.)

Canine Nutrition  ::  Preventative Healthcare  ::  Canine Dentistry  ::  Heartworm Prevention
Spaying or Neutering  ::  Flea & Tick Prevention