Portions

Puppies, constantly growing and on the move, should be fed frequently throughout the day and then gradually transitioned to specific feeding times.  By six-to-twelve-months, they should be moved to twice-a-day feedings and can be transitioned gradually from puppy formula to adult formulas.  By one-year-old, most people feed their dogs two half-portions a day at scheduled times.  The amount generally depends on the size and activity level of your dog.  You can monitor weight gain and loss while you get it right.  As your dog ages, you can transition them to a senior formula.  The specific age will depend on your dog.  For example, smaller breeds tend to reach seniority later than larger breeds of dog.  Portions can be adjusted to compensate for loss of activity.

Nutrition

Wet food, in general, provides higher protein and moisture content.  Dry food can still be nutritious, however!  You can even add in fresh veggies and fruits so long as they aren’t toxic to dogs!  Some foods that are toxic are chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts.  If you do go the route of dry food, try to find a bag that can be used up within three weeks, as the fats can oxidize and become rancid.  Also note that smaller dogs on diets with high-fat percentages are at risk of developing pancreatitis.  Always check the labels to make sure the food you choose contains what your dog needs.  Some formulas are low-grain, which contains less carbohydrates and may help curb weight gain.  Keep in mind though that a grain-free diet isn’t always best!  For example, Corgis on grain-free diets can develop heart problems. 

Treats & Scraps

Treats are encouraged but be careful not to feed too many as it can encourage obesity in your pet.  We carry Nutrisentials Lean Treats to help with this.  We also carry Hill’s Hypo Treats, formulated for food sensitivities, and a couple of varieties of dental treats that fight tartar buildup.  As far as table scraps go, they should be avoided - especially pork (it contains high levels of fats and salts).  Also, corn cobs, for example, cannot be digested and have to be removed surgically!  Chicken and fish bones can cause choking or tear intestines.  In general, it’s a good idea to stick to dog food and dog treats.

Formulas

Dogs are highly individualized, and it’s helpful to have a diet that reflects this!  For example, puppy formulas contain DHA to aid in growth and development.  Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine are great additions to joint health, skin, and senior formulas.  Antioxidants can support immune function and help with kidney issues.

Some of the formulas we carry in the clinic include:

Wet Food:

• Royal Canin Satiety Support
• Royal Canin Recovery
• Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
• Royal Canin Renal Support
• Royal Canin Glycobalance
• Hill’s Digestive Care
• Hill’s Urgent Care
• Hill’s Derm Complete
• Hill’s Skin/Food Sensitivities
• Hill’s Sensitive Stomach & Skin
• Hill’s Multi-Benefit
• Hill’s Liver Care

Dry Food:

• Royal Canin Dental
• Royal Canin Satiety Support
• Royal Canin Renal Support
• Royal Canin Mature Consult
• Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
• Royal Canin Vegetarian
• Royal Canin Giant
• Royal Canin Urinary
• Royal Canin Gastrointestinal
• Hill’s Dental Care
• Hill’s Metabolic Mobility
• Hill’s Weight Loss
• Hill’s Food Sensitivities
• Hill’s Digestive Care (low fat)
• Hill’s Digestive Care
• Hill’s Liver Care
• Hill’s Kidney Care
• Hill’s Urinary Care
• Hill’s Mobility
• Hill’s Multi-Benefit

Make sure to ask one of our knowledgeable veterinarians about good options for your dogs – they have years of experience and have seen a wide variety of canines!