Dog Food
Frequency - 2 x a day. This helps to balance the acid in your dogs stomach. Also your dogs stomach is very small so it is much healthier to feed him in 2 small portions rather than one large portion.
Amount - The amount of food will depend on the size and weight of your dog. If you are using a complete dog food it should give you clear guidelines of how much to feed your dog. Use your common sense as well. You can tell whether your dog is over eating by looking at him. Some breeds such as Labradors and Rottweilers are prone to over eating so it is important to monitor their food intake more closely.
Treats - Treats are great for rewarding your dog for good behaviour. If you have given your dog a lot of treats during training then you may decide to reduce the amount you feed him at meal times.
Types of Dog Food
Homemade Dog Food -
If you decide to feed your dog homemade meals it is important to get the blance right between protein and carbohydrates. A dog has very different requirements to a human, so make sure that you research this subject first.
Complete Dog Food -
There are many brands of dog food on the market so if you decide to go for shop bought dog food read up on each one so that you make an informed decision. Do not assume that the most expensive brand is the best. Some dog foods can be great for one breed and yet not suitable for another. A good way to tell whether you have chosen a good dog food is if your dog's cost is in good condition, their teeth look clean and their poo is solid. If there seems to be a lot of poo for the size of your dog this may be because you are overfeeding. Overfeeding can have a knock on effect of either creating an overweight dog, or a hyperactive dog. If you think your dog is hyperactive then it may be worth trying a different brand of dog food.
Dog Treats
If you are using treats to train your dog then you want things that are very small so that you dog or puppy will eat them quickly (within 3 seconds) therefore not being distracted from their training. Alternatively you can use bigger treats that can easily be broken down into small pieces to reward your dog. Where possible choose dog treats with a strong scent if you are training where your dog will be distracted as this will keep his attention on you.
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