The food you give to your dog really does have a direct impact on his health and well-being.

One of the most important elements of dog food is protein. A healthy, mature dog needs around 18% protein in its daily diet and this level increases for puppies and reproducing dogs.Five percent of each meal should be made up from fat and oils.But the more fat that is in the diet, the more protein there should be.You need to avoid over feeding fats to your dog, because just like in humans too much fat causes weight gain and provides little nutritional value.

Generally, commercial dog foodis made according to the appropriate guidelines, but care should be taken if significant amounts of other food is added to the diet.The following tips should go some way to helping you avoid raising a fussy eating dog…

1. Two meals per day is ideal. Avoid feeding lots of small meals throughout the day. Your dog needs to eat, feel full, exercise and sleep. It will not do this effectively if it is constantly eating through the day.

2. Whilst your dog is eating allow him some space. Dont pet him or stand watching him as this may make him feel uncomfortable. There is plenty of time to play with your dog during the rest of the day.

3. Remember, you are in charge. If your dog will not eat the food you have provided don’t be too quick to back down and feed something else. By backing down you are allowing him to be fussy.

4. A varied diet is ideal but make sure you are not just varying the food because your dog is becoming fussy.If your dog is appearing to be fussy at meal times have a quick check to make sure that there is nothing physically wrong with him.

If your dog suddenly becomes fussy he may have a physical problem like sore teeth, or a stomach upset. In this case take him to the vet.

6. Just like humans, your dog will have his favourite food.If you find that your dog really refuses to eat certain foods you may need to back down and feed him only what he likes.

7. Don’t feed your dog a high fat diet, or junk food, including chocolate. It’s not good for them.

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