Healthy dog feeding: Basics in dog nutrition

You are what you eat also applies to our dogs. A balanced diet that meets the needs of our dogs is also important. What the dog eats largely determines its health and agility. Always consider the dog’s health in the context of nutrition, rest and exercise. Every dog needs an individual food plan, as the dog’s digestive system can sometimes be very sensitive and intolerances can even develop. With the following basic rules and tips on how to support your dog’s digestion, you have already done a great deal for dog-friendly feeding.

Basic rules of dog feeding

Dogs are creatures of habit and some react to stress with a sensitive stomach. The stress can come from a variety of sources, such as external circumstances or inadequate feeding. As a dog owner, you should therefore keep a close eye on the ingredients, the amount of food and the feeding times, which in turn should be coordinated with the walk. With the following basic rules of dog nutrition, you are definitely heading in the right direction for providing your dog with a healthy diet:

1. Feed like the wolves: Whether dry food, wet food, homemade dog food or BARF: The meat content in the dog food should be at least 70%. Especially with dry and wet food, you should pay attention to an appropriate meat content.

2. Water, water, water! Fresh drinking water should be freely available to a dog at all times. Above all, you should always offer enough fresh water with dry food, chews and chew toys. A dog needs 60ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day. More, of course, during exertion and heat.

3. The correct amount of food: A slim, athletic dog is a healthy dog. To prevent the dog from becoming overweight, it is sufficient to feed it 2.5% of its body weight in grams per day. For sick or athletically active dogs, it can also be up to 5%.

4. Dogs, creature’s of habit, want a fixed feeding routine: To avoid begging and psychological stress and for the sake of digestion, fixed feeding times for dogs are recommended, for example at lunchtime or after the morning walk.

The larger the dog becomes or is, and the larger the amount of food needed, also the smaller and more frequent the portions should be. This prevents stomach bloat (GDV) due to an overfilled stomach. Even small dogs with a fast metabolism should be fed several times a day.

A fixed routine with little variety should also be in the feeding schedule. The intestinal flora will be overloaded if you jump back and forth between dry and wet food or different brands. If the food is to be changed, the transition must be made slowly.

5. Calm before the storm: Before the next activity, the dog should be allowed to rest for at least an hour after eating. A full stomach is not only unpleasant when walking, it can also lead to stomach bloat (GDV). For this reason, it is a good idea to feed your dog only after the walk.

Useful complements: supplements for dogs

The basic food does not always provide dogs with sufficient vitamins and minerals, especially when there is an increased need in certain circumstances. Complementary feeds can then usefully supplement the dog’s basic feed. Such supplements include oil, seeds, kernels, nuts or other additives. It is important that they are only used when there is an increased need or a deficiency, otherwise they will do the dog more harm than good if used in excess. If the dog suffers from a certain deficiency, this will be noticeable both in behaviour (restlessness, tension) and in physical changes (dull coat, aching joints). In any case, a vet should be consulted beforehand.

Supplements for dogs can be fed in the forms of tablets, powders, pastes or oil mixed with the basic feed.

Supplements for dogs with arthritis

One of the most common impairments in dogs concerns the musculoskeletal system, first and foremost arthritis in dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are needed to improve joint mobility, calcium strengthens the bones and omega fatty acids support the formation of cartilage. These ingredients can be fed to the dog specifically through supplements. Algae, MSM, green-lipped mussel, but also fish oil, willow bark and devil’s claw are suitable for dogs with arthrosis and other joint diseases – these are just a few important nutrients that can be used to support the dog’s joints.

Our tip: To maintain the dog’s joint functions and support its agility, we recommend the Vitality Joint Powder for dogs from sugar dog.

With algal calcium, MSM, devil’s claw, glucosamine, green-lipped mussel powder, chondroitin sulphate and black cumin oil, it contains everything that can relieve pain in chronic inflammation.

Supplements for dogs with stomach problems

Stomach problems in dogs are also not uncommon. The symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting in combination with restlessness. The causes of stomach problems in dogs can be manifold: In addition to general stress, the dog’s diet also has a major influence. The food must not be too cold or too greasy. Always keep the basic rules of dog feeding in mind, which can do a lot for the dog’s stomach health. In acute cases, the dog should fast for the first 24 hours and then be fed a light diet of carrots, boiled rice and cottage cheese.

For a healthy digestive system, it is not only important to provide a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and nutrients and a high proportion of meat. Long walks can also help against stomach problems. To ensure that the walk is relaxed and safe for both dog and owner, we have compiled some tips in our dog walking guide.

The dog’s intestinal flora can be effectively supported with supplements. Lactic acid bacteria contained in supplements can reduce diarrhoea-causing germs in the intestinal mucosa or prevent the germs from attaching themselves to the mucosa.

Our tip: The Gastro-Intestinal Powder Balance for dogs from sugar dog contains not only lactic acid bacteria but also dextrose, which compensates for a loss of minerals and boosts circulation.

Healthy oils for dogs

Oils can be another useful addition to a dog’s diet. They are an excellent source of energy that not only provide many vitamins themselves, but also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (which is important when feeding fruit). The unsaturated fatty acids that a cold-pressed oil provides cannot be produced by the dog itself, which is why they need to be supplemented in the diet plan through targeted oil feeding. Especially in the case of skin and coat problems, but also metabolic disorders, it can be assumed that the dog has a deficit of saturated fatty acids. Oils can simply be added to the normal food in the recommended amount.

Which oil is good for dogs?

• Salmon oil is rich in omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, which are important for skin and coat, the cardiovascular and immune systems, brain activity and joint function.
• Hemp oil is not only rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamins, but also provides antioxidants. These in turn have an anti-inflammatory effect in chronic diseases and are important for the immune and nervous systems, as well as various metabolic functions. Hemp oil for dogs does not contain THC (intoxicating effect) and is therefore harmless for the dog.
• Black cumin oil, rich in omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, is an unbeatable aid against fleas and ticks, both externally and internally. When added to food, black cumin oil supports the dog’s immune system, thus has an anti-inflammatory effect and provides the dog with a shiny coat and less itching. Do not use on pregnant bitches or dogs with liver problems!
• Evening primrose oil contains a lot of linolenic acid, omega-6 and vitamin E. Evening primrose oil can thus have a positive effect on the appearance of coat and skin, when shedding or during bouts of eczema.
• Linseed oil provides plenty of energy and unsaturated fatty acids, which promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, linseed oil supports the dog when shedding, picky eaters and in general the brain functions and blood vessels of the dog.

Chews and treats for dogs: A healthy snack for in-between meals

Dogs have an innate need to chew, which they seek to satisfy. On the one hand, chew toys are a suitable way to keep dogs‘ teeth away from furniture, shoes etc.. On the other hand, with chews that can be eaten, you can keep your dog occupied with a clear conscience, without fear of swallowed plastic parts getting into the oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract.

Chews have another advantage for dogs: chewing bones and other treats promotes the dog’s dexterity, as they have to hold the item with their paws. The jaw muscles are exercised and the collagen in the released saliva removes plaque from the teeth. Just like chew toys, chews do something good for the dog’s oral hygiene. Last but not least, chewing releases endorphins in the dog that reduce stress and create a well balanced dog.

The following natural foods are suitable as chews for the dog:

• From beef: Beef ears, bull’s pizzle and pieces of scalp are very good for cleaning teeth. Beef lung is less hard and suitable for small and old dogs. Similarly, dried beef rumen is very popular with dogs. Beef chews are generally very nutritious and low in fat.
• From calf: Chews from calf are more tender and easy to digest and are therefore suitable for puppies and sensitive dogs.
• From lamb: Lamb scalps or lamb chews are suitable for nutritionally sensitive dogs, allergy sufferers and senior dogs. Lamb is easily digestible, low in calories and hyper-allergenic.
• From pigs: Pigs‘ ears are readily eaten by dogs, but pigs are high in calories, which should be taken into account in the overall diet.
• From poultry: Dried chicken and duck necks are rich in protein but low in fat. The high calcium content is also beneficial for the skeleton.
• Hard cheese chews for dogs: Hard cheese for dogs contains valuable proteins and vitamins that are important for cleaning teeth and a healthy mouth flora. As a supplier of calcium, it is also good for building bones.

Chews should always be included in the total amount of food so that the dog does not gain weight in the long run. Particularly large chews can be spread over several days. How often a dog should have a chew depends on how well it tolerates them and whether it gains weight from them. If the dog tolerates them well, it can be given chews several times a week or even daily.

Unlike chews, dog treats are suitable as a quick snack between meals or as a bite-sized reward when training. When giving dog treats, a healthy amount should also be taken into account so that the sufficient amount of food is not exceeded. The 90/10 rule can be used as a guideline: Treats should not make up more than 10% of the energy intake in the total feeding plan. If more are given, for example during clicker training, the food ration must be adjusted accordingly. However, if the main ration is reduced, the dog’s mineral and vitamin intake must be ensured, for example in the form of oils.

Furthermore, you should keep a critical eye on the ingredients to prevent plaque. An absolute no-go for dog treats are:

• Flavour enhancers
• Sugar
• Preservatives
• For some dogs even grains (intolerance)

If you want to reward your dog with treats when training (agility, clicker training), you can fill your treat bag with softer, easily chewable dog treats. These are eaten quickly, which keeps the effectiveness of the training intact. In a training situation, liver sausage or salmon cream from a tube have also proven to be effective. With these, the reward can be given quickly, cleanly and in a measurable amount. Another advantage worth mentioning applies to jittery, excited, panting dogs: They cannot choke on the reward from the tube, as can be the case with a treat.

Where to put the food bowl? The best feeding spot for dogs

If you want to feed your dog properly, you also have to think about a suitable feeding spot. As with the dog bed, the dog should eat in a quiet, odourless place where it feels safe, but without being isolated from family life. A corner in the kitchen next to the rubbish bin is therefore unsuitable.

The dog needs a total of two bowls: a food bowl and a drinking bowl. While the drinking water should be permanently available, food remains in the bowl should be removed after at least half an hour. On the one hand, this is for hygienic reasons, and on the other hand, it helps the dog to learn that it should everything eat up.

The right dog bowl is tailored to the size of the dog. So that the dog can eat in peace and not wander around with the bowl, the bowl should ideally have a non-slip underside and enough weight that it is difficult to move it. Porcelain dog bowls are ideal for this purpose. If you want to be on the safe side and prevent the bowls from sliding around, a non-slip feeding mat is a sensible purchase.

For some dogs, a raised feeding bowl may be necessary, which is placed to level of the shoulders with the help of a frame or table. This is most common in dogs with megaoesophagus. With these dogs, the oesophagus is dilated, which is why the food does not go into the stomach or remains there. A raised eating position helps the dog to keep the food in the stomach. For dogs with joint problems, a raised feeding position can also help to protect the joints, as the dog does not have to bend and strain the front joints. However, if the dog has none of these problems, eating from a food bowl on the ground is the equivalent to a natural eating position of wolves. A raised food bowl is therefore only necessary in exceptional cases.

If the bowls are empty and seem to have been licked clean, they should still be washed out with hot water from time to time.

What can I feed my dog on the go? Especially during the warmer months people like to take their dogs for long walks and long hikes. Or you might want to visit a beer garden or a restaurant when the weather is nice. Even then, the dog wants to be well looked after and have a drink along the way. Especially in warm temperatures, there is a risk of dehydration or overheating for the dog and also of gastritis, which can occur if the dog drinks too much water at once.

For large dogs, a foldable silicone dog bowl that can be filled with still water from a drinking bottle is therefore a good idea. Foldable dog bowls are available with a capacity of one litre. They can be folded up quickly and stored in the bag to save space. For small to medium-sized dogs, you can also get the 2-1 solution: a travel drinking bottle with an integrated bowl. At the push of a button, water flows into the bowl and can be poured back the same way. This way, no water is wasted and the drinking bottle does not take up valuable space in your luggage.