“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
I don’t know if it’s just a slogan that was initially created to help sell breakfast cereals or if it’s a reality, but I’m sure your furry friend will always be ready for some food.
Should You Feed Your Dog Breakfast?
Free feeding is not a very good option. According to experts, the general rule of thumb is that a dog should eat two meals a day. Puppies and very active dogs may require some more frequent meals while older dogs with health problems may do better with fewer and smaller meals.
For a dog of correct and normal weight twice daily should be enough. On the other hand, for an underweight dog, it’s recommended to feed 3 or 4 times per day while an overweight dog should be fed once or twice a day. Hence, based on all these pieces of information, there’s nothing wrong with giving your dog breakfast and then dinner, so the meals are roughly 12 hours apart from each other. In fact, the usual breakfast-lunch-dinner schedule is an equally good option.
However, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog. And, if you would like to know more, check out this article.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
The amount of food always depends on the size, age and activity level of the dog. Growing puppies, for example, need more energy and thus more food while senior dogs should be well-nourished with smaller portions as they age. Some dogs may require more food depending on how active they are. Remember that dogs are descendants of wolves and wolves would hunt and eat a big meal; unlike some other animals, they cannot store food and eat a bit at a time.
The Best Way To Choose the Ideal Dog Breakfast
Dog Food
Dog food is always a good start and you’ll have a wide variety to choose from. For example, you can opt for toasted nuggets that are prepared and combined with yogurt, berries and oats or you can choose oven-baked roasted peanut butter and sweet potato flavor treats for your dog.
If your dog doesn’t like dog food, you can add gravy or meat stock to give the food a different flavor. Or, maybe it’s time to change the brand. Check out this article for the most trustworthy pet food brands.
Balanced Breakfast
When it comes to food ads, there is one that keeps bombarding people a hundred times a day: the “have a balanced diet” ad.
Research shows that a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates can help in the prevention of diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The same goes for our pets. A balanced meal is vital for their bodies and for all of their systems to function properly.
A balanced breakfast meal will not only provide them with the energy and nutrients they require to stay healthy, but it will make them live happier and stress-free.
Consider Your Dog’s Health Issue
If your dog is suffering from a specific health issue, you need to take it into consideration while preparing for his breakfast. Foods that contain potatoes, lentils, chickpeas and other such legumes, for example, are known to worsen heart problems in certain dogs.
Ask Your Veterinarian for Help
If you are unsure about what to feed your dog for breakfast or if you don’t know what’s healthy and safe for him when he’s suffering from a heart condition, for example, ask your veterinarian.
Be Careful With Home-Cooked Meals
Unlike the common perception that eating outside food is the only cause of food poisoning, at times, home-cooked meals can also be dangerous. So, if you’ll be preparing breakfast for your dog, make sure you are following the necessary hygiene practices.
Foods That Are Best Suited for Dogs To Eat for Breakfast:
- Apples
- Pasta
- Rice
- Green peas and beans
- Yoghurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Peanut butter
- Sardines
- Brocoli
- Boiled Chicken
Foods That Are Not Suitable for Dogs To Eat:
- Coffee
- Yeast dough
- fish
- Avocado
- Grapes
