Hey there, Barkers!

If you’ve ever found yourself staring down the dog food aisle feeling like you need a PhD in kibble, you’re not alone. From “grain-free” to “raw-fed,” “freeze-dried,” and “human-grade,” the world of dog nutrition can be a wild walk in the park. But don’t worry, we’re here to sniff out the facts and fetch the truth.

Just like us, dogs thrive on balanced, nutrient-rich diets. The right combo of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals fuels everything from zoomies to naps.

And while treats are a love language, remember: they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake according to AKC.

At the heart of it, nutrition isn’t just about filling a bowl. It’s about fueling a bond. The right feeding habits can add years (and Barks) to your pup’s life.

Q: Why did the dog bring his bowl to the computer?

A: He wanted to check out the latest feed! 🐾

Mealtime manners matter! Teaching your dog to sit and wait before eating helps build impulse control and calm feeding behavior. Here’s a quick trick:

1. Hold the bowl and give the cue “Sit.”

2. Once they do, wait three seconds before setting it down.

3. If they stand, lift the bowl and reset.

4. Gradually increase waiting time to five or ten seconds.

This teaches your pup that good manners make food happen faster, a delicious life lesson for any furry foodie.

📌Bark Tip: Training through dinner keeps their mind full as well as their belly.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) offers a gold standard for feeding your dog:

Portion by weight, not guesswork. Always use a scale or measuring cup.

Follow the feeding chart on your dog’s food bag, it’s based on caloric density, not cup size.

Adjust for activity level, couch potatoes and marathon mutts have different needs.

Keep a feeding schedule. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion and prevent overeating.

Transition slowly when switching foods, try to do it over 7-10 days to avoid tummy troubles.

And if you’re ever unsure, ask your vet to calculate your pup’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER) — the doggy version of a custom meal plan.

📌Bark Tip: Check your dog’s body condition score once a month (you should be able to feel ribs but not see them).

If your dog inhales meals like a furry vacuum, it might be time to try a slow feeder bowl. These maze-like bowls turn mealtime into a fun puzzle that promotes slower eating, better digestion, and less bloating.

Our current favorite? The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Bowl. It’s durable, dishwasher-safe, and comes in tail-wagging designs. Plus, watching your pup navigate it is dinnertime entertainment.🍿

📌Bark Tip: Add a splash of warm water or low sodium broth to soften kibble and make the challenge even more rewarding.

Do you have a product or service that a dog lover would adore? our readers are passionate pet parents who value trusted recommendations.

Hey Barkers, what’s in your pup’s bowl? Do you have a go-to recipe, a secret treat hack, or a feeding routine that works wonders? Share it with us at [email protected], and your story might be featured in our next issue!

Until next time, keep the tails wagging, the bowls full and the hearts fuller. Stay positive and feed the love. 🐾💙🧡

A Worthy Bark.

Where every bark has meaning and every reader’s part of the pack.