Choosing the right dog food for your dog can be a challenge
with all of the different options available. Whereas most cat breeds are
generally about the same size and vary only moderately in activity level, dogs
run the gamut from teeny tiny pocket puppies to huge Irish Wolfhounds. Since
there is no “one size fits all” for dogs, how does one go about choosing the
right food option?
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| Photo credit: mrbigben.com |
The first thing to consider is the size of the kibble or
chunks. A big dog will have no trouble gulping down kibble or meat chunks, but
a smaller toy dog needs a food that reflects his small stature. Many top
manufacturers are now offering food that is easier to chew, swallow and digest
for small dogs. For very small breeds like Chihuahuas or Miniature Pinschers, a
general “adult dog” kibble is going to be far too large for them to eat
comfortably. For these small dogs, specialty dog foods for especially for small dogs are the
best dog food, and of course come in many delicious flavors to tempt even the pickiest pooches.
Another thing to consider when selecting the right food for
your dog is the breed’s energy requirements. Larger dogs require more
carbohydrates to stay active than smaller dogs. Again, most general dog foods
are catered to medium-to-large breeds and therefore contain more carbohydrates.
Foods tailored specifically to smaller breeds contain less carbs and are more
nutritionally suited to the needs of small dogs. Every dog food will have
feeding directions on the bag, but it’s never a bad idea to do the math and
figure out exactly how many calories your dog needs. Here’s the formula to
determine exactly how many calories your dog requires:
Body weight (kg) x 30 + 70 = Daily Calories Needed
This formula can be used as a basic guideline for your dog’s
caloric requirements. However, energy levels should also be taken into account. A
dog who runs 5 miles a day will need more calories than a dog who never leaves
the couch! Always monitor your pet’s weight carefully and adjust the amount of
food being offered to reflect any weight changes or gains. Nutrition for dogs,
just as it is for human, is a complicated subject; talk to your vet for help
with determining the best diet for your dog’s needs.
