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18 Feeding Mistakes Every Dog Owner Should Avoid

  • Writer: Marek Drzewiecki
    Marek Drzewiecki
  • Mar 8
  • 7 min read

Updated: Mar 20

Feeding your dog might seem simple, but many common mistakes can negatively impact their health, behaviour, and longevity. Proper nutrition is not just about choosing the right food—it involves meal timing, portion control, treat selection, and understanding what foods are harmful. Unfortunately, improper feeding practices can lead to obesity, digestive disorders, allergies, behavioural issues, and even life-threatening conditions.


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In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 most common improper feeding practices and how to avoid them. Whether you're a new dog owner or experienced with dogs, these insights will help you provide a diet that supports longevity, energy, and overall wellness.


1. Why You Should Never Feed Your Dog Bones from Cooked Meat


Feeding your dog bones from cooked meat is a widespread practice that poses significant risks. While it might seem natural to offer your dog a bone, cooked bones can splinter easily, leading to serious injuries. These splinters can cause choking, blockages, or even perforations in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be life-threatening.


  • Cooked bones become brittle and can break into sharp fragments, increasing the risk of internal injuries.

  • Raw bones are a safer alternative, providing nutritional benefits while reducing the chances of splintering.


2. The Risks of Feeding Dogs Raw Eggs


Feeding dogs raw eggs is another improper feeding practice that can lead to health issues. While raw eggs are praised for their protein, fatty acids, and vitamins, they pose risks that outweigh the benefits. Raw eggs contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin (a B vitamin) and prevents its absorption. Biotin deficiency can lead to skin and coat problems.


  • Raw eggs can carry salmonella, which puts both dogs and their owners at risk of infection.

  • Cooking eggs neutralizes avidin, making them safer while still providing valuable nutrients.


3. Feeding Dogs Human Food Scraps


Feeding dogs human food scraps is a common practice that can be detrimental to their health. Many human foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, are toxic to dogs. Consuming these foods can lead to poisoning, with symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe organ failure.


  • Many human foods contain spices, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to digestive distress and long-term health issues.

  • Encouraging table scrap feeding reinforces begging, making it harder to control your dog's behaviour.


4. Overfeeding and Portion Control


Overfeeding is another improper feeding practice that can have serious consequences. It's essential to provide your dog with appropriate portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which, in turn, can cause joint problems, diabetes, and a decreased lifespan.


  • Obesity in dogs leads to reduced mobility and increases the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and other health complications.

  • Using a measuring cup for portion control helps prevent overfeeding and ensures a balanced diet.


5. Feeding Dogs from the Table


Feeding dogs from the table can create behavioural issues and reinforce bad habits. Dogs that are fed table scraps often develop a habit of begging, which can be disruptive during meals and training sessions. This behaviour can also make it difficult to maintain a structured training routine.


  • Dogs associate mealtimes with handouts, leading to demanding or aggressive behaviour when food is present.

  • Table food is often too rich for dogs, causing stomach upset and nutritional imbalances.


6. Inconsistent Feeding Times


Maintaining consistent feeding times is essential for a dog’s digestive health and training routine. Irregular feeding schedules can lead to digestive issues such as bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort. Consistency in feeding also helps in establishing a routine, which is crucial for effective training.


  • Dogs thrive on routine, and inconsistent meal times can cause anxiety and behavioural problems.

  • Skipping meals or delaying feedings can lead to hypoglycemia in smaller breeds, affecting their energy levels and focus.


7. Feeding Inappropriate Treats


Using inappropriate treats during training is a common mistake. Treats high in sugar, fat, or artificial additives can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Moreover, some treats may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.


  • Excessive treats can lead to obesity, especially when combined with a high-calorie diet.

  • Choosing low-calorie, nutrient-rich treats ensures positive reinforcement without negative health impacts.


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8. Not Providing Enough Water


Hydration is as important as nutrition in maintaining your dog’s health. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and urinary tract infections. Dogs need constant access to fresh, clean water, especially during and after training sessions.


  • Dehydrated dogs are more prone to overheating, especially in hot weather or after intense exercise.

  • Adding water-rich foods like cucumbers or bone broth can help increase hydration in dogs that don’t drink enough water.


9. Ignoring Food Allergies and Sensitivities


Ignoring food allergies and sensitivities is another improper feeding practice that can negatively impact your dog’s health and behaviour. Common allergens include grains, chicken, beef, and dairy products. Symptoms of food allergies can range from gastrointestinal issues to skin problems.


  • Unidentified food allergies can cause chronic itching, ear infections, and digestive issues.

  • Elimination diets help identify allergens and improve overall well-being.


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10. Feeding a Poor-Quality Diet


Feeding a poor-quality diet lacking essential nutrients can undermine your dog's health and training success. Low-quality commercial dog foods often contain fillers, artificial additives, and low-grade meat by-products that do not provide adequate nutrition.


  • A nutrient-deficient diet leads to poor coat condition, digestive problems, and lethargy.

  • Investing in high-quality, balanced dog food supports long-term health and better cognitive function during training.


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11. Switching Diets Too Quickly


Changing a dog's diet too rapidly can cause severe digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Dogs need time to adjust to new food, as sudden dietary changes can disrupt their gut microbiome and lead to long-term stomach sensitivities.


  • Gradually transition new foods over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old one.

  • Watch for signs of intolerance, such as itching, loose stools, or lethargy, when switching to a new diet.


12. Feeding Just Once a Day


Some dog owners believe feeding their dog once a day is sufficient, but this can lead to hunger-related stress, low energy, and even digestive issues like bloating. Most dogs do better with two or more meals per day to keep their energy and metabolism stable.


  • Smaller, more frequent meals reduce bloating risks and maintain steady blood sugar levels.

  • Working breeds and active dogs require multiple meals to sustain their high-energy needs and muscle recovery.


13. Not Accounting for Training Treat Calories


Many dog owners use treats frequently during training but fail to adjust the main meal portions accordingly. This can lead to unintentional overfeeding and obesity over time, especially for smaller breeds with lower calorie needs.


  • Adjust daily food intake based on the number of treats given during training sessions.

  • Use small, low-calorie training treats to avoid unnecessary weight gain.


14. Feeding Before or After Intense Exercise


Feeding a dog right before or after exercise can cause digestive distress and even life-threatening conditions like bloat (gastric torsion). Large, deep-chested breeds are particularly at risk.


  • Wait at least 1-2 hours after intense exercise before feeding to prevent stomach issues.

  • For long training sessions, use light snacks (like a small amount of lean meat) instead of a full meal.


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15. Not Rotating Proteins in the Diet


Feeding the same protein source for years can lead to nutritional deficiencies and an increased risk of developing food allergies or intolerances. Dogs, like humans, benefit from variety in their diet.


  • Rotate proteins (chicken, beef, fish, lamb, etc.) to provide a range of amino acids and nutrients.

  • Introduce new proteins gradually to avoid digestive upset while maintaining a balanced diet.

 

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16. Ignoring Dental Health and Nutrition


Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing dental disease, which affects over 80% of adult dogs. Feeding soft food only or failing to provide chewing opportunities can lead to tartar buildup, gum disease, and even infections affecting the heart and kidneys.


  • Incorporate raw meaty bones or dental chews to naturally clean teeth.

  • Avoid sugary treats and excessive carbohydrates, which contribute to plaque formation and bad breath.


17. Free-Feeding Instead of Scheduled Meals


Leaving food out all day (free-feeding) removes the structure of mealtime and makes training more difficult. It can also lead to overeating, obesity, and food aggression in multi-dog households.

  • Scheduled meals help with portion control and reinforce discipline in training.

  • If using free-feeding, limit it to specific time windows to prevent excessive snacking.

 

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18. Ignoring Your Dog’s Unique Nutritional Needs


Every dog is different, and one-size-fits-all diets don’t always work. Factors like age, breed, activity level, and health conditions determine their specific dietary needs. Senior dogs, for example, require different nutrients than growing puppies.


  • Active dogs need higher protein and fat intake, while older dogs may benefit from joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine.

  • Consulting a vet or canine nutritionist ensures that your dog's diet aligns with their unique lifestyle and health needs.


Conclusion


Avoiding improper feeding practices in dog training is essential for your dog's long-term health, behaviour, and training success. Providing proper nutrition, using high-quality treats, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, and being mindful of dietary changes can greatly improve your dog’s overall well-being. Always tailor your dog’s diet to their individual needs and consult a veterinarian or canine nutritionist if you have concerns.



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