Common Mistakes in Feeding Your Dog
We all love our dogs and often show affection through food—whether it's by offering treats or crafting elaborate meals. However, some well-intentioned feeding habits can lead to serious nutritional mistakes. Overloading on treats, misusing chicken and rice (which is meant as a short-term remedy for digestive issues), or skipping essential nutrients can negatively impact your pup’s health.
Top Tips for a Healthy Dog Diet
- Choose a commercial diet certified to provide complete and balanced nutrition for your dog’s life stage, or consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for a tailored homemade diet.
- Moderate treat-giving. For frequent snacks, opt for low-calorie, low-fat options like carrots or snap peas, or reserve a portion of your dog’s daily meal for treats.
- Introduce any diet changes gradually, and consider adding a probiotic during the transition.
- If your dog has chronic diarrhea or stomach upset, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.
A Treat Overload
When it comes to dog diets, one of the most common pitfalls is overindulging in treats. Dr. Joseph J. Wakshlag, a clinical nutrition expert, emphasizes, “Too many treats!”
“Even if a dog is on a commercial diet, people often add treats or table scraps,” he explains. “Treats should make up no more than 10–15% of daily calorie intake, as they’re often not nutritionally complete. Excessive treats can disrupt the diet’s balance.”
Most dog owners underestimate how quickly caloric intake from treats adds up. Dr. Wakshlag cites a study showing that table scraps can account for around 20% of a dog’s daily calories—far too much for maintaining proper nutrition. While veggies like carrots and snap peas are suitable low-calorie options, fatty foods like pizza crust or fries can contribute to obesity and nutrient imbalances.
Fortunately, you don’t have to eliminate treats entirely. Use part of your dog’s regular meal as training rewards or occasional snacks. Alternatively, stick to healthy options like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to satisfy their cravings without disrupting their diet.
The Risks of Home-Cooked Diets
Considering home-prepared meals for your dog? It’s crucial to ensure they’re nutritionally balanced. Recipes that lack essential nutrients, such as calcium, B12, magnesium, and zinc, can lead to deficiencies, particularly in growing puppies, where insufficient calcium may result in bone fractures.
For dogs with specific health conditions, a custom diet planned by a veterinary nutritionist is often the safest option. Consult with our Small Animal Clinical Nutrition Service to create a balanced, personalized meal plan for your pup.
When pursuing home-cooked meals, vitamin and mineral supplements designed for dogs are essential—especially for meat-heavy diets. Your veterinarian can help evaluate your recipe for nutritional adequacy and ensure it meets all your dog’s needs.
When Rich Foods Turn Dangerous
Rich, fatty foods may tempt your dog, but they can wreak havoc on their health, causing conditions like pancreatitis. This painful illness leads to symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases can be life-threatening and may require lifelong adjustments to a low-fat, low-protein diet.
Preventing pancreatitis is far easier than treating it. Share rich or fatty foods sparingly, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Marrow bones might be okay as an occasional treat, but overuse can lead to dental injuries or splinters that pose choking hazards.
The Bland Diet Trap
Boiled chicken, rice, or lean hamburger with pasta can be lifesavers when your dog has an upset stomach. However, these bland diets are not nutritionally complete and should only be used short-term.
If your dog frequently requires bland meals, there may be an underlying issue, such as intestinal parasites, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies, or even serious conditions like Addison’s disease or cancer. Bland diets may soothe symptoms temporarily but won't address the root cause and could exacerbate the problem over time.
Speak to your veterinarian if bland diets become a regular necessity. Comprehensive testing, including bloodwork and fecal exams, can help pinpoint the issue. Advanced diagnostics like X-rays, ultrasounds, or endoscopies might also be required for persistent cases.
The Dangers of Sudden Diet Changes
Switching to a new diet? Take it slow. Start with 75% of your dog’s current food mixed with 25% of the new one. Over four days, gradually increase the new food while reducing the old, allowing your dog’s digestive system to adjust. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need an even slower transition.
Abrupt diet changes can cause temporary diarrhea, which usually resolves itself. However, if symptoms persist beyond two days or are accompanied by other issues, consult your veterinarian. Probiotics or anti-diarrheal medications can make the transition easier for your pup.
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