Chances are, youāre already doing a lot of this, but if not, then no dog food rating, vet, or nutritionists advice will help you or your dog. Youāre looking for a miracle, and sadly, one that doesnāt exist. So, the very first thing you need to do is know your dog's weight. š
Then, you need to find out what your dog's breedās ideal weight is based on age. This is your target. š For us, we weigh our own dog once a week. Thereās a reason for this, and we'll share our top tip at the end!
Step 1: Weighted Measures are a Must!
You MUST feed your dog using weighted measures. Without this, youāre relying on guesswork and guesswork is aĀ lazy, useless, and pointlessĀ when it comes to your dog's nutrition. š After 20 years of experience, we can tell you that when we mention this to owners, about 75% either roll their eyes or switch off. Itās at this point we know we canāt help them because guesswork is their chosen tactic, and it's only harming their dogs. ā
Imagine this: leaving your kids alone with a few boxes of chocolates, some fizzy drinks, and an Xbox, with the simple instruction of "Donāt eat the chocolates!" We all know how that usually ends, right? Your dog needās structure, not guesswork. š¾
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Step 2: Fresh Water
Always make sure your dog has access to fresh water as often as possible, as a dog drinks at least 10 times a day! š§Ā
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Step 3: Exercise
We can all relate to those who struggle with feeding their dog properly, but thereās one thing we simply canāt understand, not walking your dog. š¶āāļø This is a critical part of their health. Regular walks are good for both you and your dog, itās a simple yet powerful choice for your dogās wellbeing.
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Step 4: Allergies & Digestion Issues with Care
If your dog has allergies or digestive issues, donāt panic! š± These things can be managed with a balanced optimum diet. But hereās the thing: itās not always about cutting out a particular food/meat from their diet, it could be a sign of underfeeding or overfeeding! š¾
All too often, whatās called an allergy is actually a nutrition imbalance. In the majority of cases, the problem isnāt an allergy at all. Itās a sign that your dog is either missing essential nutrients or, even worse, is getting too much of something thatās turning toxic inside their body. ā ļø
Remember, your dog, just like all dogs, needs 22 amino acids, 13 vitamins, and 14 minerals in the right amounts to thrive. Unfortunately, many dogs are getting too much of some and none at all of others. This isnāt an allergy or digestive issue, itās a nutrition problem caused by misinformation, and itās damaging your dogās health. šØ
Make sure their meals are well-rounded and varied/rotated to include everything they need to stay healthy and happy. A balanced optimum diet is key to preventing this!
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Step 5: Monitor Your Dogās Weight with Weekly Checks
We weigh our dog once a week, and we encourage you to do the same. Thereās a reason for this, and let us explain it now! š”
Weigh your dog once a week and record their weight. Keep a record! š Then, every week, track the last 4, 6, or 8 weights (whichever you prefer) to calculate the mean total. Add this to a chart and watch your dogās weight. This method is perfect for monitoring health issues, especially when thereās a problem. š
Itās important to catch issues early, as dogs donāt have our life span, theyāre only a small part of our lives, while we are their entire life! š¾
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Final Thought
Youāre the hero your dog thinks you are, and now you have the tools to make it happen! šŖ Keep track of these basics, and you'll see improvements in their overall health, energy, and wellbeing. YOU can do it!
Just remember, moderation is key. Many owners, even with the best intentions, make mistakes when it comes to their dogās nutrition, often overfeeding, and it can harm their dog in the long run. Let's make sure we get it right for our pups! š¶