It is important to feed your dog a good, nutritious food.  Some owners prefer feeding twice a day, while others allow free feeding.

Please, don't go to the local grocery store and pick out what is on sale for your dog.  Also, don't be fooled by cute looking bone shapes and colors, since your dog really doesn't care what the food looks like.  It is very important to choose a high quality food for your four-legged companion.  Pet stores often have a wide variety of dog food choices.  Be sure the main ingredient is not soybean, corn or rice.  These are mostly fillers.  Try to find a food that has beef, chicken or lamb as the main ingredient.  You can also purchase your dog food online.  Flint River Ranch has an excellent and high quality natural food that contains no additives or dyes.  There are also many other companies you can find that provide natural and healthy food for your dog.

So how much do you give?  Every dog is different.  Your dog food label will probably give an idea of how much to feed each day.  Start with a bowl in the morning (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups for a good sized dog, less for smaller dogs, more for bigger) and a bowl in the late afternoon to evening.  Did your dog eat every bit of it each time?  Maybe he needs more.  If he leaves some in the bowl each time, maybe you need less.  The next time you go to the vet, make a note of how much your dog weighs.  If he starts to gain weight, add some more exercise and maybe a little less food.  If he loses weight, add more food.  If you feed twice a day, your dog may enjoy a dog bone, perhaps as a part of training, in the middle of the day.  Your vet, along with your own common sense, will help you to decide the amount of food your dog needs each day.

Free feeding dogs have a bowl of food left out all day.  As they eat, the owner can add more food.  Your dog may be well suited to this way of eating, only visiting the bowl when he is hungry.  You will know if your dog is over-eating by his weight.  There are many dogs who are able to free feed and maintain a wonderful, lean body.

Does your dog have flaky skin, bumps under the fur, missing fur, gastrointestinal problems or other unexplainable health problems?  Your dog may be allergic to an ingredient in your dog food.  <<Click Here to Read More on Dog Food Allergies>>

Please do not offer your dog the type of cut bone (or simulated treat) that has a hole in the middle.  These have been known to become lodged on the dog’s lower jaw, and more often than not must be removed by the veterinarian.