The most common mistakes made by pet owners, or how to feed your pet properly
They say repetition is the mother of wisdom. And there must be some truth in that. Although we are a nation of dog lovers, there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions circulating amongst owners of these four-legged, furry friends regarding the nutrition of their beloved pets. Although well-intentioned, owners often contribute to health problems linked to their dogs’ diet. Proper nutrition has a positive effect on the gut microbiome, which in turn determines a dog’s overall health. For example, the quality of digestion, skin health, immunity, behaviour, or bad breath. Today, we’ve focused on the most common of these in a chat with animal nutrition expert Ing. Martin Kváš.
When we talk about how to feed properly – what do you think is the most important thing?
“It is absolutely essential to keep feeding times more or less the same. The body begins to produce pro-enzymes (precursors of digestive enzymes), saliva starts to be produced, blood flows to the digestive tract, and the dog’s whole body prepares to receive food.”
Is there a recommended time of day to serve a dog its meal?
“There are lengthy, passionate and sometimes even technical debates about the optimal feeding time. The problem is that no precise studies have demonstrated the suitability of one feeding time over another. Feeding times therefore depend more on the keeper’s experience and the particular household’s routine.”
I’ve come across this many times: a dog is fed before a walk ‘so that it has energy…’
“Feeding your dog before a walk to ensure it has enough energy for the activity is physiologically nonsensical. The journey of energy from food to the cells is far more complex than some people might imagine. It involves the processes of digestion and the conversion of nutrients, their storage in the body, and their mobilisation when needed.”
How many times a day should I feed them?
"Feeding more frequently only makes sense for small puppies. From junior age onwards, it is best to feed them just once a day, regardless of the size of the breed."
I suppose it would be best to do it at the end of the day?
“Exactly. From a physiological point of view, it’s best to feed your dog in the evening, before bedtime. Your dog should be able to rest naturally after a meal without being disturbed by the activity of the people around him. It’s therefore a good idea to create a resting place for your dog where he can retreat after his meal.”
How long should a dog rest after a meal?
“After a meal, a dog should lie down and sleep for at least thirty minutes. For large breeds, it is important that they have a period of rest before eating as well. This ensures that the dog’s body is calm when it goes to eat. This is a very effective way of preventing gastric torsion.”
And another common mistake I still come across from time to time – soaking dry food. What do you think about this, as an animal nutrition expert?
“There is no point in soaking the pellets. Soaking does not alter the physical properties of the pellets in any way. High-quality, extruded pellets do not swell in water or change in volume, so soaking them is therefore pointless.”
Is it true that a dog’s diet should ideally consist solely of raw meat?
“Dogs are physiologically omnivores, just like humans. They have the same number of genes encoding amylases as humans do; the principles of human and canine nutrition are very similar, if not identical. According to recent studies, an excess of animal protein can lead to neurological disorders (epilepsy). Meat must always constitute only part of a dog’s diet; it must be accompanied by side dishes made from plant-based materials. Raw meat is by no means a requirement; cooked meat is also suitable.” Source: The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet | Nature
Can you feed dogs the same food as you eat, and will it do them any harm? What about table scraps?
“Definitely not – human food is usually salted, spiced and sweetened. An occasional meal like this won’t harm a dog. However, if given more frequently, it can cause digestive problems.”
Can we feed our dog bones?
“It may be a good idea to give your dog a large bone – perhaps a beef bone – to gnaw on, to keep him entertained. However, bones are of very limited value as a source of minerals. An excess of bones can cause digestive tract disorders.”
Is it essential for pet food to contain cereals?
"Just as GF (grain-free) foods are not essential, it is also not essential for dog food to contain grains."
Do dogs need dairy products for healthy development?
“Fresh milk is not suitable for dogs. Most adult dogs, once weaned, have reduced levels of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, and may therefore have a limited ability to digest lactose.” Source: Lactose intolerance in dogs: Review
Is dog food with a higher protein content always better for a dog?
“It is best for a dog if its food has a certain protein content. This is known as the energy balance of the food. A protein content significantly below this threshold can cause damage to the dog’s body; whilst an excess of protein will not harm a healthy dog, the dog will not be able to utilise it.”
Is home-cooked food always better than shop-bought dry food?
“In terms of taste, absolutely. No dry food can compete with home-cooked meals. The nutritional value of home-cooked meals is sometimes open to debate.”