Dog Nutrition

With so many dog foods on the market, it’s tough to know what’s right for your pooch. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends that a diet with the right amounts of essential nutrients — proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals — and water — will keep your dog looking and feeling his best.

The AKC offers the following nutritional tips:

· Dry kibble can be removed and used later if the dog does not finish a serving. Kibble can be moistened, either with water, canned food, or other supplements.

· Puppies need more calories and essential nutrients than adult dogs. Choose a food formulated specifically for puppies. Dogs under six months should get three or four meals a day. After six months they can handle two to three meals a day. Adult dogs should be fed according to their size and energy needs (most should get two meals a day).

· Dogs can be great beggars, but allowing your dog to “guilt” you into overfeeding him, or serving him a steady diet of table scraps in a misguided show of affection, can have harmful or even fatal results. If you insist on sharing your food with your dog then consider small portions of carrots, broccoli or apple chunks.

· Never give your dog chocolate. It contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to canines.