Stafford Animal Shelter is not only a haven for companion animals, but your source for pet care advice. Each month they will feature a knowledgeable community member answering a frequently asked question. Stafford Animal Shelter is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm at 3 Business Park Road east of Livingston and can be reached at 222-2111. Read archived advice columns, see adoptable animals and more at: staffordanimalshelter.org 

Dog Food Nutrition by Way Our West’s Carol Peterson 

There are numerous indications that reveal your pets’ state of health. Appetite is a good clue: a pet eager for its meal at the customary time of feeding, eating its usual ration and being satisfied after the meal generally has little wrong with it. Another guide to health is the condition of the coat. The coat should look alive with sheen and luster. Worms are the arch- enemy of all pets. Foul breath and dragging itself along by the fore-paws, a dry coat, and a ravenous appetite can suggest that worms are present. Cold noses and sweet breath are pointers to good health. Also, a dog’s normal temperature is 101.4 Fahrenheit.

Now about food. Dogs are carnivorous quadrupeds and though some live on fruits, fish and vegetables, meat is their main source of nourishment. One substantial meal a day, preferably in the early evening, and maybe a snack lunch-time of dog biscuits with a bone to gnaw is ample for a healthy dog, no matter its breed or size. Look for the amount of protein and fat in dog food that reflect your dog’s active lifestyle. The more active you and your pet are, the higher the nutritional energy needed. 

Canidae All Natural Dog Food is an example of a healthy dog food. It is more dense than most other brands because they use all-natural human-grade meat meals which are low in moisture and very high in pure protein. When cooked, these meat meals shrink much less than other protein sources. Many dogs also find this food to be more palatable than other brands, so some will want to eat more. Canidae contains more meat and fewer carbohydrates than most other brands. 

While a higher meat to carbohydrate ratio provides a healthier and more natural canine diet, those dogs that are used to eating a different diet will transition easier if the old food and new food are mixed together for a short time. The smoothest transition from one dog food to another is to mix the foods together. This process should usually take about six days, but you can increase the transition time if your dog is particularly sensitive. If you are unable to plan for transitioning to a new food, feed smaller portions more regularly. We suggest breaking up the daily intake to 3 to 4 feedings per day. Adding warm water to the food will also decrease the chance of your dog eating too quickly and not chewing thoroughly. Gulping a highly palatable product could cause vomiting. 

If at any time during the transition, your dog experiences gastro-intestinal upset, keep the ratio of new to old food the same for several days. This will allow your dog to adjust to the new ratio before you incorporate more of the new food. In the event you are not transitioning with your old food, withhold food for 1 day and then begin with 3 to 4 feedings per day mixed with warm water. All other treats and supplements should be withheld until fully transitioned to the new food. You may notice a change in the appearance of your dog's stool even after the transition period. This can often be a result of a change in the amount of fiber and protein in the new diet and is normal. 

For amounts of food to feed, see the recommended amounts from each brand of food. Pregnant dogs will need up to 50% more food during their last 3 weeks of pregnancy. During lactation and puppies up to six months old require twice the amount of food as an adult dog and they should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. Puppies age six months to a year should be fed twice daily. Senior and overweight dogs may be fed a reduced amount depending on the dog’s weight and activity level. 

We are seeing more allergy issues in pets and there are many foods that addresses those needs. Shelf life is an issue as well, and companies are dating their foods for maximum nutritional value. In today's environment, and as pet owners ourselves, we understand consumer concerns when it comes to the safety of the food we choose for our beloved family pets. Way Out West can advise you on finding the best value for your pet - and for your dollar.