Feeding
By UniversityDog | February 7, 2008
The dog is a carnivorous animal and in a state of nature lives on an all-meat diet. Domestication and association with man ha ve so altered its organs of digestion that it now thrives best on a mixed diet one containing both meat, grains and vegetables. Meat does not affect the scent of a dog nor does it cause germ diseases or worms, as is frequently stated, and a dog which has sufficient exercise would thrive on an all-meat diet.
But when the life led is artificial and the opportunities for exercise limited the danger from feeding too much meat lies in the fact that meat is so stimulating that it loads the system with impurities that the organs of the body are unable to eliminate, thereby resulting in diseases of the skin.
Dogs should be fed twice a day. In the morning give a light meal, consisting preferably of one or two Spratt’s Dog Crackers. These should be fed dry, so that the dog will gnaw at them, thereby stimulating the secretion of saliva that is important to insure complete digestion. Feed a heavy meal at night, allowing the animal to eat until satisfied, for a dog always sleeps best on a full stomach. Dogs should never be allowed to nose over their food. As soon as they show that they have had enough the remnants of the meal should be immediately removed.
Feeding time affords the owner a favorable opportunity of informing himself as to the health of his dogs. If a dog does not eat his evening meal with the usual gusto,take it away and let him fast until the next day. Then try him again, and if he still refuses to eat, or only noses his food, consider him sick and take means to restore him to health.
All that most cases require are a few doses of Dent’s Pepsinated Condition Pills. If the bowels are constipated and the liver is out of order, it may be necessary to give one of Dent’s Laxative Pills, to insure a good cleansing of the system.
Cases due to worms or distemper sho uld be given proper treatment. Pet dogs suffer from overfeeding and the promiscuous use of sweets and candies that produce indigestion and other ailments. The proper diet for them is Spratt’s Pet Dog Crackers, stale or toasted bread and milk, a little well-cooked, lean meat,beef broths, etc., with an occasional bone of good size.
If but one or two dogs are kept table scraps, if fresh, not too highly seasoned and free from chicken or fish bones, make a satisfactory and wholesome diet.
Where a number of dogs are kept, an excellent food can be prepared by boiling sheep or beef heads until soft and then thickening the liquor in which they were boiled with stale bread, crackers, vegetables and meal.
Nearly all dogs are fond of boiled liver, and it can be given with good results once or twice a week, as it has a very desirable laxative effect upon the bowels.
Spratt’s Dog Crackers have come into general use in the last few years, and although some dogs refuse to eat them, a little tact and perseverance upon the part of the owner will accustom the dog treat them. They form a very satisfactory diet and the trouble of feeding is reduced to the minimum.
Puppies can be weaned by dipping their noses into a pan of milk. They proceed to lick the milk off from their noses and soon learn to lap it. They should be fed at least six times a day on milk that has been scalded; to it can gradually be added broken crackers and other solid food. Sour milk also should be given two or three times a week, as it is a preventative of worms.
Topics: Health Tip |
