What is the best dog food to feed and what’s the best way to feed a dog? There is no single “right” way, but let me explain my thoughts on the matter. First, it is critical for the dog’s overall health to feed a quality dog food. For an excellent article on this see The Pet Center’s article on The Best Food for Dogs. Look for a food that is meat-based, has a minimum protein level between 26% and 30%, a minimum fat level between 14% and 18%, and contains 0.8% calcium and 0.67% phosphorus. Also, look for food which contain also contain omega fatty acids and vitamin E. Don’t substitute large quantities of low quality food (often corn or grain based) for smaller amounts of high quality food. You can’t go wrong with Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, or Black Gold.

Second, follow the recommended feeding amounts on the bag. Reputable dog food manufacturers have tested their products and know the correct amounts. The vast majority of dogs I see are overweight. I believe this is first, a result of overfeeding (including table scraps), and second, lack of exercise.

Third, feed twice a day. The reason I do this is to have more positive interaction with the dog. Feeding time is one of the most pleasurable blocks of the day for a dog. Make the most of it, feed twice a day. Take a moment as you feed to work on obedience, pack order, and building your relationship. Before putting the food bowl down, make the dog sit and stay. Put the bowl down in front of them, and make them wait for you to give a release command for them to commence eating. Once finished, take a minute to interact again. Alternatively, have them “kennel” or “unload.” Pet them, praise them, give them a minute to romp around the yard and a moment to empty out. Then give the bowl a quick soap and water wash in the sink.

The worst I can think of is the automatic feeders. They allow the dog to eat as much and whenever they want. This inevitably leads to obesity. Most importantly, it allows you to ignore your dog. As I have written several times before in other blogs, if you are just going to lock a dog up in the backyard and ignore it, why have a dog?

To maximize your dogs mental and physical wellbeing, feed quality food, in the correct amount twice a day. Make the most of the valuable moments at feeding times to interact with the dog.