Benefits of Keeping a Dog Food Diary

Keeping a dog food diary can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your furry companion. Lets explore some reason why:

• Nutritional Balance: A food diary allows you to track what your dog eats regularly. By maintaining a record, you can ensure they receive a balanced diet with the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Identify Allergies and Sensitivities: Some dogs may have food allergies or sensitivities. A diary helps you pinpoint any adverse reactions or digestive issues related to specific ingredients. For instance, if your dog experiences skin rashes or stomach upset after consuming certain foods, you can identify the culprit and adjust their diet accordingly.
• Portion Control: Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and health problems. With a food diary, you can monitor portion sizes accurately. It prevents unintentional overfeeding and helps maintain your dog’s ideal weight.
• Track Treats and Snacks: Treats and snacks contribute to your dog’s overall calorie intake. By recording them in the diary, you can ensure they don’t exceed their daily caloric needs. Remember, moderation is key!
• Health Conditions: If your dog has specific health conditions ( such as diabetes, kidney disease, or allergies), a food diary becomes even more crucial. It helps you manage their diet according to their unique requirements.   
• Behavioural Changes: Sometimes, dietary changes can affect a dog’s behaviour. By noting down what they eat, you can correlate it with any changes in energy levels, mood or behaviour.
• Transitioning to New Foods: When introducing new foods or switching to a different brand, gradual transitions are essential. A food diary helps you monitor how your dog responds during this transition period. 

Remember to include details like the type of food (dry kibble, raw, homemade, wet food etc), portion sizes, feeding times, and any supplements. Your diligent record-keeping will contribute to your dog’s overall health and well-being! 

Please use our example of our Daily Food Diary to help you keep a record of what your pet is eating.