Dog Food

The breeder will also tell you what is recommended when your pet becomes an adult and into his senior years.

Your vet will have lots of information on canine nutrition and will recommend good dog foods to you.

Resist the urge to feed table scraps to your dog. I know it's hard to do when those cute, begging critters look so pathetic. We've been guilty more than once to sneak a snack under the dining table.

Most people food is not good for dogs. Avoid any kind of bones, such as chicken, pork or beef. They can splinter in a dog's throat or cause severe digestive problems.

Some vets and others say it's ok to feed human foods along with their regular diet. Yes, we do it too. But we feed small portions of chicken, hamburger and some raw or cooked vegetables.

Foods not to feed your dog:

Chocolate

Onions

Grapes

Raisins

Garlic

Alcoholic beverages

Always choose a quality food. We have been feeding Iams dog food to all of our kids. The Iams Company does extensive research on dog nutrition from puppy to senior and the ingredients are top notch for nutrition value.

Another excellent brand is Pedigree. This company also extensively researches its products and is up on pet nutrition.

Also they are involved in a very good cause. Pet adoption. Currently they are fund raising to help shelter pets. If you would like participate go to their site.

They will have information about the fund raiser and about their pet products.

There is food available for pets with special needs such as medical conditions like heart problems, kidney disease, obesity and many more.

These foods you will need to get from your vet. The brand name is Hills Prescription Diet. They are excellent dietary foods for the needs of dogs with specific medical problems.

Not reading pet food labels and just feeding what is inexpensive is the road to poor nutrition. A dog's system needs a complete diet, one that contains protein, fats, carbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Without these vital ingredients in their food can lead to health problems such as skin disorders, coat loss, malnutrition or obesity.

Commercial foods should be 100% complete whether canned or dry. Canned food usually contains more water while dry is just that.

Dry food is easier to feed and less expensive than canned.

So, bottom line, it's up to you what you feed your dog. But knowing what is good nutrition and what is not, will go a long way to keeping him healthy.