Dog Nutrition & Feeding
Dog Nutrition & Feeding - Complete Guide To Feeding Your Dog
Proper nutrition is the foundation of your dog's health and longevity. At Purrfect Pet Kingdom®, we're committed to helping you make informed decisions about what to feed your furry family member. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dog nutrition and feeding.
Understanding Dog Nutritional Needs
Essential Nutrients
Dogs require six essential nutrient groups: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. High-quality dog food should provide complete and balanced nutrition with animal-based proteins as the primary ingredient.
Life Stage Nutrition
Puppies (0-12 months): Need higher protein and calories for growth and development. Puppy food contains DHA for brain development and calcium for bone growth.
Adult Dogs (1-7 years): Require balanced maintenance nutrition to support their active lifestyle and maintain healthy weight.
Senior Dogs (7+ years): Benefit from lower calories, joint support ingredients, and easily digestible proteins to support aging bodies.
Types Of Dog Food
Dry Dog Food (Kibble)
Most popular and economical option. Helps clean teeth, easy to store, and provides complete nutrition. Choose high-quality brands with meat as the first ingredient.
Wet Dog Food (Canned)
Higher moisture content, more palatable for picky eaters. Great for dogs with dental issues or those needing extra hydration. Can be mixed with kibble.
Fresh & Raw Diets
Minimally processed options gaining popularity. Require careful planning to ensure nutritional balance. Consult your veterinarian before switching to raw diets.
Feeding Guidelines
How Much To Feed
Follow feeding guidelines on dog food packaging based on your dog's weight and activity level. Adjust portions to maintain ideal body condition. Most adult dogs eat twice daily.
Feeding Schedule
- Puppies (8-12 weeks): 4 meals per day
- Puppies (3-6 months): 3 meals per day
- Puppies (6-12 months): 2 meals per day
- Adult dogs: 1-2 meals per day
- Senior dogs: 2 smaller meals per day
Special Dietary Needs
- Weight management formulas for overweight dogs
- Limited ingredient diets for food allergies
- Grain-free options for sensitive stomachs
- High-protein formulas for active working dogs
- Prescription diets for medical conditions
Foods To Avoid
Never feed dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. These can be toxic or dangerous.
Premium Dog Food At Purrfect Pet Kingdom®
We carry top-quality dog food brands formulated for all life stages, sizes, and dietary needs. Shop our complete selection of dry food, wet food, treats, and supplements.