Feeding your dog: what to give, what to avoid

A dog needs protein, fat, vitamins and minerals in the right proportions. A food labelled « complete » on the pack provides all of them, with nothing to add.

Table scraps, bread or pasta do not replace that balance: too salty, too fatty or too low in some nutrients. If you want to cook for your dog, have a vet design the ration, because a poorly balanced home-made diet causes deficiencies within a few months.

Both can feed a dog very well, provided they are complete foods.

• Kibble is convenient, keeps well and costs less per meal.
• Wet food is very tasty and brings a lot of water, useful for a dog that drinks little, an older dog or a fussy eater.

Many owners combine both: kibble as the base, a spoonful of wet food to tempt the dog. In that case reduce the kibble to keep the same intake.

According to the ASPCA animal poison control centre (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), several common foods should be avoided:

• chocolate, coffee and anything with caffeine;
• grapes and raisins, which can damage a dog's kidneys;
• onion, garlic and chives, which irritate the stomach and can cause anaemia;
• xylitol, the sweetener in some chewing gums and sugar-free products;
• macadamia nuts, alcohol and raw bread dough;
• very salty foods, and bones that splinter and can injure the gut.

If your dog has swallowed any of these, call your vet without waiting for symptoms.

A simple rule used by many vets: treats should not exceed about 10 % of the day's intake. Beyond that they unbalance the diet and cause weight gain.

Use them mostly for training and rewards. Small meat-rich treats, such as the Carnilove snacks or the Mediterranean Natural Tapas in our aisle, are easy to break into pieces. On days when you give a lot of treats, take away a little kibble.

Chewing is a real need for a dog, especially a puppy or a dog left alone. A chew suited to its size keeps it busy and limits mischief.

Choose a product made for dogs, big enough not to be swallowed whole, and watch your dog while it chews. Dental sticks help limit plaque, but do not replace brushing or dental checks at the vet. Avoid kitchen bones, especially cooked ones, which splinter.

A dog must always have fresh, clean water. In summer the heat raises its needs sharply, especially if it lives outside or eats only kibble.

Put the bowl in the shade, change the water at least once a day and wash the bowl. During heatwaves, walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening, and carry water. A dog that pants heavily, staggers or vomits after heat exposure needs urgent care.