THE EUKANUBA ADULT
DOG GUIDE.

Just because he's no longer a puppy does not mean his
owner cannot learn a few new tricks

Your Dog and His Food Issues


Super-skinny Brazilian models have food issues. So do the majority of children
under the age of four. Then, there's your brother who hasn't tasted a carbohydrate
since 2001. He definitely has issues. But what about Oscar, your new Dachshund?
If he's like the rest of us, he probably has them too. He might be finicky. Or
perhaps he's got the appetite of a lumberjack. Wherever the problems lie, take
heart. We think you can get him to eat a nutritionally sound diet — without the
aid of a high-priced doggie psychologist or canine chef. Here's how:

What He Needs

Before we tackle idiosyncrasies, let's step back and look at good dog nutrition.

All dogs need a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates like those found in high
quality premium pet foods like Eukanuba. The ingredients these nutrients come from
will show up in the list of ingredients as grain sorghum, beet pulp, fish oil and
antioxidants, among others. Furthermore, the label will tell you how much protein
and fat are actually in the bag.

Feed your dog according to his size, breed and stage of life. Consider that puppies
require up to twice the energy of full-grown dogs, that overweight animals need
smaller, less nutrient-dense meals and that teeny pooches like the Chihuahua
require small kibble to accommodate their dainty mouths. Eukanuba offers a full
spectrum of programs.

Fresh water should always be available. Scrub the bowl and refill it throughout
the day. Even one wayward morsel can contaminate the beverage. (You wouldn't
want drink out of a dirty glass, would you?)

Provide meals at about the same time each day. This helps create a routine for your
pet and establishes a comfortable eating pattern.

Follow the portion guidelines on the back of the dog food package. Even if he seems
hungry, overfeeding can lead to obesity.

Never give table scraps or human treats. Such foods can be dangerous for pets and lead to obesity.

Feeding the Finicky Eater

If your pet sniffs his bowl then rejects all but a few bites, analyze his behavior.
Like kids, dogs will eat when they're hungry. A few things could be happening:

Is he being fed people food or extra dog treats that suppress his appetite?
Even if you aren't the one giving handouts, your spouse, children or dog
sitter may be. Have an honest conversation with them about the adverse
impact this is having. After all your dog would eat candy bars all day
long if allowed — but that won't keep him healthy. Assure them that his dog
food — while it might not look enticing to humans — gives him all the
nutrition he needs.

Is he sick? Neither people nor canines eat if they're ill. Make note of whether or
not your dog is voiding regularly and playing normally. Recording such information
in a notebook could help you and your vet determine a pattern and thus lead to a diagnosis.

Are you overfeeding? He might be eating all he needs and leaving the rest alone.
Check to make sure your portions are on target.

Does he dislike his dog food? We hate to say it, but cheaper brands may be made with
lesser quality ingredients that might not suit his palate — or his body. He might not
like the taste or, more than likely, he has difficulty digesting it. (For example,
you might think a fast food burger is tasty — until you have to eat them every single
day three times per day. Then, fresh vegetables and fruit start looking good.)
In contrast, Eukanuba uses only high-quality ingredients — goodness he's bound to love.

 

Feeding the Big Appetite

We know Irish Wolfhounds who can pack it away — and miniature Schnauzers who can
keep up with them. If your dog seems truly hungry — you'll know if he inhales
his supper in five minutes flat then begs you for more — there could be a reason:

Is he getting the right kind of nutrition and thus feeling satiated? As we previously
mentioned, many lesser-quality dog foods are less nutrient dense. It might be that
he wants to eat the equivalent to one steak versus three bags of popcorn.

Are you feeding him enough? If you've recently taken up cross-country skiing and
your dog joins you in the adventure, he's burning a whole lot more calories than
he was in his life as a lap dog. Take a look at the feeding guidelines on the
package or consult with your vet.

Is he receiving clean water? Like people, dogs often eat when they're actually
thirsty. Make sure his bowl is clean and contains fresh water at all
times. (Puddles don't count.)

 

Finding the Right Method of Feeding for Your Dog

Depending upon the size and personality of your animal, there are two ways to
appropriate his meals — both have different benefits. You'll want to
first consider his typical eating patterns — does he have self-control
or is he likely to consume food simply because it is set before him?

Free-choice Feeding: Plunk down dry food and let him graze all day long.
This allows him to eat more or less depending on the fluctuation of his
appetite. When his morning walk is extended, he'll likely respond by eating
more food; when he lies in front of the fireplace, he'll take in less. This
is a great plan for the lackadaisical eater.

Timed Feeding: Provide rations on a twice-daily schedule, allowing him to eat
for upwards of 20 minutes before removing his bowl. This establishes routine
and perfectly proportions his calories. This means he'll bookend his day with
nutrition rather than swallowing in all at once at 7 a.m. This option is
terrific for large breeds, the obese and overeaters.

 

Switching Brands Without Hunger Strikes


If you've decided to switch brands or formulas within a specific brand, special
care should be taken to avoid tummy discomfort. You'll want to gradually
transition your pet taking these steps:

Over the course of three days, integrate the new food into the current type a
little at a time until you've got 100 percent new in the bowl. If the dog won't
eat it, don't worry. Animals can miss meals for a day or two without side effects.
Eventually, he'll take to it. (Maybe he'll even unload those extra pounds
while you're waiting for his appetite to "return.")

Show positive body language. Present his bowl with great flourish so he'll know
the change is okay. Tell him the new recipe is a treat.

Don't give in to demands for the old food. Dogs will eat when hungry. (You may,
however, have to eat your Snackwells in the spare bedroom without Fido
watching to avoid feeling guilty.)

To ease the transition from wet to dry food, mix in a bit of warm water. You might
even try microwaving it for a few seconds. (But be sure to discard the uneaten
portion after 20 minutes, as it will go bad.)

Dogs have quirks, we know that. But don't let your Dalmatian turn into a diva.
There is, after all, only one Paris Hilton.