Only mix foods for the same species and life stage (i.e. don't mix dog and cat food, or puppy and adult food together). Make sure both foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, with similar nutrient profiles.
Other than when you are switching from one food to another, it's not a good idea to feed different foods at the same time. Your dog might enjoy a mix of half this and half that, but if he suddenly exhibits a digestive problem, it will be harder to track down the offending ingredients.
Don't mix therapeutic pet foods with other foods without first consulting your veterinarian. The science behind pet foods continues to evolve and one huge benefit for our pets is therapeutic diets. Therapeutic diets are created specifically to prevent or delay the onset of many health conditions.
You can mix dog food brands if they have the appropriate nutritional value and are free of allergens. As long as neither brand is subpar or unhealthy for your dog, their mixture will not be harmful. Make sure to mind the mixing ratio and gradually shift it to include more of the new brand.
You can also rotate different types of food, such as changing from dry food, to wet food, to raw food. This type of rotation enables the pet to receive the benefits of each variety of food. It is always important to feed a high-quality nutritionally complete and balanced diet when rotating different types of food.
Dogs and cats, just like people, appreciate and benefit from a diet full of variety. Eating the exact same food day after day can lead to boredom, can limit the spectrum of nutrients that your dog receives, and may even increase their risk of food sensitivities.
Dogs should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.
Sharing or Stealing Food
First, it's important that dogs each have their own food bowl. It's okay to have a community water bowl, but each dog should get their own helping in a separate bowl. Ideally, each dog gets their meal at the same time and finishes at the same time.
The best way to transition your dog's food is to mix your current dog food with the new dog food for at least 5 days. This allows for your dog's digestive tract to adjust without suffering from stomach issues.
Soaking dry kibble with warm water will bring out the smell by warming the meaty fats within the food, an aroma which dogs and cats find appetising. Cats, as natural hunters may also prefer the warmer temperature (similar to body temperature).
Mix feeding - combining wet and dry food
This is a good solution that can bring many benefits. Combining wet and dry food brings a number of benefits. When it is necessary to switch a pet to a wet diet, the body will be prepared for such a change.
It usually takes 10-15 minutes to soak puppy food enough for it to loosen and soften. This makes it easier for young puppies to chew as they are only just developing their teeth. Make sure if you have used hot water that it is cool enough to give to your puppy – this might take longer than 10-15 minutes.
Abruptly switching dog food can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as upset stomach, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Therefore, you should take a more gradual approach with a period of transition to help your pup avoid having these symptoms.
Unlike us, our canine pals don't need variety. They're fine eating the same thing all the time. Once you find a food that works well for your dog, stick with it. Changing types or brands of food can make your dog sick.
If you decide to suddenly switch your pet's food, make sure they “fast” for one meal before switching. Simply skip their first meal of the day to ensure the new food doesn't mix poorly with the old food, causing a greater disruption. Then, start with a small portion of the new food to see how your pet reacts.
Your dog develops mild diarrhea – If you can, go back to your dog's old diet for a few days until their stool returns to normal, and then try to make the transition to the new food more slowly. Mixing some plain pumpkin into the food or giving your dog a probiotic can also help.
It is common for dogs to not eat their food, but eat treats or table scraps. This is referred to as partial anorexia and it typically occurs because your dog doesn't feel well.
Again, your dogs are in a pack, and cuddling up together can be practical in terms of warmth, or can be comforting as dogs enjoy company and might settle together in a knot with their best furry friend. However, it's still essential to give each dog its own bed or dog crate.
The experiment confirmed that dogs continue to exhibit prosocial behaviour despite the more complex task. The dogs clearly showed a preference for sharing the food reward with a familiar dog. Unfamiliar dogs were rewarded nearly three times less often than familiar ones.
Dogs are pack animals, and being so close to their littermates makes them feel warm and safe. Even when they get older, dog “siblings” often like to sleep curled up against each other for comfort and security.
DF: I have found that the best feeding and toilet pattern for dogs is going out for a morning walk or yard run and eating a light breakfast, and then taking a walk about noon to 2 p.m. Before an evening meal (between 5 and 6 p.m.), go on a long walk or run.
Is There a Best Time to Feed Your Dog? "While there is no best time, with most dogs that eat twice a day, it is best to feed them in the morning as soon as you get up and then again when you get home from work in the afternoon," says Dr. Sara Ochoa, veterinary consultant for doglab.com who practices in Texas.
You can feed them before or after a walk, but you have to ensure that the walk or exercise takes place at least one hour before or after the meal is eaten. Any exercise performed within that hour can result in an increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus, which is something just not worth risking for your pup.
Some dogs become bored with the smell, flavor, and texture of their food. Change out one ingredient, such as swapping any chicken-based food for fish or lamb. You can also add fresh ingredients to the dog's kibble. Both steps may awaken those sensitive noses and make an old dish more exciting.