Many dog owners have the impression that their pet is constantly hungry. The dog follows us to the kitchen, stares at us during meals, sometimes even gently demands food. In such situations, it is easy to think: “My dog definitely needs more food” and give in to his requests. Very often we share our meals.

In reality, however, it is very often not about hunger, but about the eating habits that have developed in the dog. Dogs quickly learn that certain behaviors have an effect. If begging at the table ends up being a treat, the dog will try again. After each such reinforcement, we can expect further behaviors leading to feeding in the wrong way.

That is why it is so important to build healthy and consistent eating rules.

Why does a dog beg for food?

Begging at the table is one of the most common eating behaviors. Contrary to appearances, it does not necessarily mean that the dog is hungry. Sometimes it also results from other nutritional errors, not only from habits.

Most often it results from several reasons:

• The dog has learned that in such situations he gets food (often perceived by him as tastier)
• At home, delicacies are often served between meals
• the dog does not have a fixed feeding rhythm
• The diet is poorly balanced and does not give a feeling of satiety
• Food is a form of contact with the caregiver for the dog – it is the moment when the caregiver’s attention is paid to him/her.

If the dog has been given something from the table once or several times, he quickly remembers the situation. Dogs learn through repetition and reward, so even occasional feeding at the table can perpetuate this habit.

Also think about the quality of the main meals – whether you serve a properly balanced meal, provide all the necessary nutrients and in the right quantities. Regularity of serving meals is also important.

How often should you feed your dog?

The frequency of feeding should be adapted to the age, lifestyle and health condition of the dog.

The following scheme is most often used:

Puppies

• 3-5 meals a day

Adult dogs

• 2 meals a day (morning and evening)

Older dogs

• Usually 2-3 smaller meals a day

Serving two meals a day has several advantages:

• helps maintain stable energy levels
• reduces the risk of digestive problems
• prevents excessive strain on the digestive system
• facilitates the control of the dog’s body weight

Regularity is very important. A dog that eats at similar times every day feels safe and less likely to demand food between meals.

It is also important that food is not available all the time – then its attractiveness may seem less.

Should a dog be given treats?

Treats can be a valuable part of a dog’s diet, but only if they are used sensibly.

Treats have several important functions:

• are a reward in training
• help reinforce positive (desired) behaviors
• They can help build a relationship between the dog and the owner

The problem arises when treats begin to form too much of the daily diet.

Giving treats too often can lead to:

• overweight
• digestive problems
• pickiness at the bowl
• loss of control over the amount of calories in the dog’s diet

The maximum amount of treats is 10% of the dog’s daily requirement. It is very easy to exceed this in small breed dogs or puppies. Be careful during training – maybe it’s worth introducing food as a reward, e.g. with a very large pellet, which will appear after the desired behavior of the dog?

A good solution is also:

• choosing natural flavors
• dividing delicacies into smaller pieces

How to build good eating habits in a dog?

Proper eating habits help keep your dog in good shape and prevent many health problems.

The most important rules are:

1. Fixed feeding
   timesThe dog should be given food at similar times each day.
2. No feeding at the table or couch
   This is the easiest way to avoid begging.
3. Control the amount of treats
   Flavors should be an addition, not the basis of the diet.
4. A well-balanced diet
   Food should provide the right amount of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
5. A quiet place to eat
   The dog should be able to eat a meal without stress and distractions. The bowl should be located in a more secluded place, not in the passage or near appliances such as an oven or stove.

Why is a proper diet so important?

A proper diet provides:

• A dog’s energy level and amount of nutrients
• digestive health
• appropriate. condition of skin and coat
• Well-being
• affects the dog’s behavior.