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Healthy Feeding

Your dog needs a balanced diet; this means a right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, 13 different types of vitamins and 20 different minerals to keep him in peak condition. These nutrients should be combined with the right number of calories to meet the energy needs of your dog based on his size, activity level and the stage of his life.

Prepared pet foods from reputable pet food manufacturers guarantee nutritional adequacy, quality and safety. There are a wide variety of recipes, and textures available, to give your dog a change. A complementary diet needs to be combined with an additional, specified food source, such as canned meat and biscuit mixer. Most prepared pet foods usually come in two main forms - dry and moist.

How much should you feed your dog?

Adult dogs with low activity (Less than one hour a day)

A main danger is overfeeding at this stage. As your dog ages he may become a little less active, however, this varies between breeds.

• Small Dogs – from 110 to 620 calories a day, depending on size


• Medium Dogs – from 620 to 1,230 calories a day, depending on size


• Large dogs – at least 1,230 calories a day, depending on breed and size.

Adult dogs with moderate activity (between one and two hours a day)

With moderate activity, these dogs are receiving the right level of daily exercise, which needs to be maintained. Avoid scraps of food, as this provides more energy but probably not all the necessary nutrients. During winter months extra energy is needed especially if he sleeps in a kennel to maintain constant body temperature.

• Small dogs – from 150 to 840 calories a day, depending on size


• Medium dogs – from 840 to 1,680 calories a day, depending on size


• Large dogs – from 1,680 calories a day, depending on size.

Adult dogs are mostly on the go throughout the day and have energy needs up to 40% higher than moderately active dogs.

Obesity & Exercise

Canine obesity is a “growing” problem, which affects 40-50% of all dogs. It’s the all too predictable results of too many calories and not enough exercise. Prevention is preferable but what do you do if your dog has already put on the pounds?

If your dog is seriously overweight, don’t do anything drastic until you have paid your vet a visit. The vet will assess your dog’s diet and decide if there are any complicating health concerns such as diabetes. If this is the outcome, a prescription type diet may be recommended.

Reducing the amount of food your dog eats is not normally recommended. He will get very hungry and beg for more. This will also reduce vital nutrients such as protein and vitamins along with his calorie intake. What he needs is a low calorie diet, which is nutritionally balanced, full of filling fibre.

If your dog is not exercising, it is now time to change his activities. Pets need to burn off their calorie intake. Start with a brisk ten-minute walk every day, then after two weeks increase it to 20 minutes. In time, you could do more and more.

Think of alternative food awards - cuddles, play games together, go for walks and if you cannot resist the treat, give him something low calorie such as a couple of ice cubes (Larger dogs only) or sliced carrot (not too many this can cause diarrhoea).

If your dog is slightly overweight, feed him several portions throughout the day so that he doesn’t feel hungry. When feeding, only leave the bowl for 15 minutes and then remove. This will teach your canine to eat at scheduled times. Be vigilant too, leave all food out of sight, out of temptation’s way this includes scraps in bin bags.