Dogs must be fed enough calories to satisfy their energy needs, which vary according to their age, size, and the amount of exercise or work they perform. In short, dogs need different types of diet according to :

• Age or stage of growth - puppy, juvenile, adult or elderly
• The amount of exercise/work they perform
• Breed - large breeds mature later than small breeds, and giant breeds have special needs
• Size - there can be significant differences in size within a breed
• Their state of health
• Whether a bitch is pregnant or lactating

Many commercial companies employ nutritional scientists and veterinarians to analyse their products and carry out controlled feeding trials to ensure that they meet international standards. The fully balanced commercial diets are easy to feed, and quantities can be accurately measured. Commercial diets can be grouped according to moisture content (there is some variation between similar products) :

• Canned or moist foods - These have a moisture content of around 78 percent (roughly the same as fresh meat). They do not need preservatives because cooking destroys all bacteria and the canning prevents any further contamination.
• Dog sausages or dog rolls - These have a moisture content of around 50 percent. They usually contain preservatives but also require refrigeration.
• Semi-moist food - These have a moisture content of around 25 percent. These foods usually contain preservatives and do not require refrigeration. They often have a high carbohydrate or sugar content, so they should not be fed to diabetic dogs.
• Dry foods (complete diets) - These have a moisture content of around 10 percent, usually contain preservatives and do not require refrigeration. They are easilt stored, hygienic and available for all breeds and ages of dog. (There are brands free of preservatives)
• Biscuits - These have a moisture content of around 8 percent. /they usually contain preservatives and do not require refrigeration.

There is no nutritional difference between moist foods and dry foods, as long as they contain the same amount and proportion of nutrients. In general, moist dog foods are more costly to the consumer because they contain water, which provides no nutrition and for which the customer pays.

These usually contain high levels of fat and carbohydrate. Offer them to your dog when it needs something to keep it interested, or as a reward. Do make allowances for their high energy content. You may serve high-fat dog treats as rewards and modify your dog's normal food intake accordingly.

Safety around home is just as important for pets as it is for children. Puppies are particularly at risk during the stage where they chew at things, and are more likely to sample any liquid leaking from a container. Your dog will show symptoms if they are poisoned. Consider the possibility of poisoning if your dog is :

• Suddenly vomitting and/or has severe diarrhoea (more than two or three times within an hour)
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Panting very heavily
• Crying
• Suffering intense abdonimal pain
• Showing sign of shock
• Depressed
• Trembling, uncoordinated, staggering or convulsing
• Collapsed or in a coma
• Showing signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling around the face or a red rash (hives) on the belly

What you should do when you dog is poisoned :

• Time is critical
• Try to identify the poison
• Carry out the recommended emergency treatment
• Contact your veterinarian immediately and take your dog into the clinic