Should I feed my dog on a schedule?

Yes, establishing a regular feeding schedule provides structure and helps regulate your dog's digestive system. Consistent meal times also make it easier to monitor your dog's appetite and detect any changes in eating habits. It's also much easier to keep a dog lean and fit when you feed them meals rather than free feeding.

How do I know If I'm feeding my dog too much?

This question is relatively straightforward. If you’re feeding your dog too much, they will get fat. Portion control is crucial. Always try your best to follow the recommended feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging, adjusting based on your dog's age, weight, activity level, and health condition. Regularly assess their condition to ensure optimal health:

• When you look at your dog from the side, their abdomen should tuck up. 

• When you're looking down from a bird's eye view, they should have a waist in front of their hip bones. 

• If you have a very fluffy dog, put your hands on their waist to feel if it tapers. 

One of the most obvious places to note if your dog has gained weight is along their ribcage. Similarly to the bones on the back of your hand, there’s nothing that exists between the rib and skin other than fat. If you can’t feel those bones easily or you notice a jelly-like feeling around this area, you’ll want to cut back on the calories for optimal weight control. 

How do I wean my puppy onto an adult food diet?

Don’t worry, transitioning from puppy to adult dog food shouldn’t be a difficult process. For one to two weeks, mix a small amount of the new food with the puppy food and gradually increase the ratio over several days. This aids in preventing digestive upset and allows your puppy to adjust comfortably! Our veterinarians can help determine, based on your pet’s nutritional needs when to switch to an adult diet and how to transition to avoid dietary upset.

How do I know if my dog is eating the right diet?

The best way to know if your dog is eating the right food is to look at her/him! Are their coats shiny? Do they have lots of dander? Is their stool normal? Are their nails translucent? Are they gaining weight? Are they chronic vomiters? Are they going off their food one day and then eating for a couple days and then going off again? Your dog should have energy, be engaged, and have a shine in their eyes. Just like humans, there is no one single diet that works best for everyone, because we are all different. If you’re worried your dog is eating the wrong brand of food or their current diet isn’t working, consult with our veterinarians at Steveston Veterinary Clinic!