{"id":2338,"date":"2026-05-04T16:11:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:11:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/artikkelit\/dog-feeding-guide-avoid-these-7-common-mistakes\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T16:11:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:11:35","slug":"dog-feeding-guide-avoid-these-7-common-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/artikkelit\/dog-feeding-guide-avoid-these-7-common-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Feeding Guide: Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing the right dog food<\/strong> is one of the most important tasks for an owner. It is much more than just filling a bowl morning and evening \u2013 food is fuel, medicine, and one of the greatest pleasures in a dog’s life. At Tassu & Tassu pet hotel, we meet hundreds of dogs each year, and feeding is at the core of our work. We have noticed that the same mistakes persistently occur, even though the intention is always good.<\/p>\n

As animal caregivers, we see daily how significant the impact of proper feeding is on a dog’s overall well-being, coat shine, energy levels, and even behaviour. Let\u2019s go through the seven most common pitfalls and see how you can ensure that your furry friend gets exactly what it needs from its bowl.<\/p>\n

Why is the right dog food so important?<\/h2>\n

Think for a moment about your own diet. You know how it feels to eat heavy and fatty food for a week straight: you feel sluggish and drained. The same applies to dogs, but they cannot choose what they eat themselves.<\/p>\n

High-quality, tailored food is the be-all and end-all. It supports the immune system, keeps joints healthy, gives the coat shine, and aids in weight management. We closely monitor the well-being of the dogs in our care, and appetite is one of our most important indicators. If the food is unappealing, it is an immediate signal to us that something is wrong. That\u2019s why we approach feeding with passion and professionalism.<\/p>\n

The most common mistakes in dog feeding \u2013 and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n

We have compiled a list of mistakes we encounter constantly in our work. Our aim is not to blame, but to provide practical tips based on our experience with hundreds of different dogs.<\/p>\n

Mistake 1: Food is available all the time<\/h3>\n

Free feeding, where dry food is constantly available in the bowl, may seem easy. However, it is one of the biggest disservices you can do for a dog.<\/p>\n

Constantly available food can easily lead to obesity, as dogs find it difficult to regulate their eating themselves. It also makes dogs more finicky \u2013 why get excited about food when it is always available? The main reason for regular feeding times is to monitor health. When a dog eats its meals promptly, a sudden loss of appetite is easy to notice, and it can be the first sign of illness. If a dog is just nibbling on kibble throughout the day, it is nearly impossible to detect changes.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Set clear feeding times. An adult dog usually requires two meals a day, while puppies need 3\u20134. Offer the food and take the bowl away after 15\u201320 minutes, whether the dog has eaten or not. This teaches the dog a routine and keeps digestion steady.<\/p>\n

Mistake 2: Portion size is estimated visually<\/h3>\n

\u201cI give it about a cup.\u201d But how big is a \u201ccup\u201d? And is that the right amount for your dog?<\/p>\n

Visual estimation almost always leads to either over- or underfeeding. The guidelines on the side of the food bag are a good starting point, but they are merely recommendations. A dog\u2019s activity level, age, metabolism, and whether it is neutered all affect energy consumption.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Use a kitchen scale. Weigh the food portion according to the bag’s instructions and adjust the amount based on your dog’s weight and condition. If the dog is gaining weight, reduce the portion slightly. If it is losing weight, increase it. The ribs should be felt with light pressure, but they should not be visible.<\/p>\n

Mistake 3: Quality is compromised for price<\/h3>\n

The cheapest bag on the dog food shelf may be tempting, but price and quality often go hand in hand. Cheap dog foods typically contain a lot of fillers, such as corn and wheat, as well as low-quality protein sources.<\/p>\n

We have seen countless times how switching to high-quality, meaty food improves a dog’s condition. The coat shines better, skin issues ease, stool volume decreases, and the dog is more energetic. Quality food digests better, so a smaller portion is needed. Ultimately, higher-quality food may not even be more expensive when the daily portion is smaller.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Don\u2019t just look at the price; read the ingredient list. Ensure that named meat, such as \u201cchicken\u201d or \u201csalmon,\u201d is at the top of the list, rather than vague \u201cmeat and animal derivatives.\u201d Investing in quality food is an investment in your dog\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

Mistake 4: Giving human food scraps<\/h3>\n

Those pleading eyes at the dining table can melt many owners’ hearts. However, treats given from the table are often harmful.<\/p>\n

Even if the food scrap is not directly toxic \u2013 like onions, chocolate, or xylitol \u2013 it is often far too salty, seasoned, or fatty for a dog\u2019s digestion and can cause issues such as pancreatitis. Additionally, it teaches the dog to beg and can lead to finickiness regarding its own food.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Stick to a clear rule: only dog food is given to the dog. If you want to offer something special, provide high-quality, dog-friendly treats. A small piece of cucumber or carrot is also a safe and healthy snack.<\/p>\n

Mistake 5: Too sudden changes in diet<\/h3>\n

A dog\u2019s digestive system is a creature of habit. When food suddenly changes to a new one, it almost invariably results in stomach cramps, diarrhoea, or vomiting.<\/p>\n

This is one reason we always ask our clients to bring their dog’s own food when they come for care. Familiar food provides security and keeps the stomach stable even during a stressful separation. This is especially important for sensitive rescue dogs, for whom familiar food is a vital source of comfort.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Always make dietary changes gradually. Mix the new food with the old for about a week or ten days. Start with a small amount (about 25% new food) and gradually increase the proportion of the new food until the bowl is full of just that.<\/p>\n

Mistake 6: Ignoring special needs<\/h3>\n

A rambunctious puppy, a calm senior, an agility star, and a couch potato cannot all eat the same food and thrive. A dog\u2019s life stage, activity level, size, and any health issues impose their own requirements on feeding.<\/p>\n

As trained animal caregivers, we are skilled at assessing a dog\u2019s needs. We understand why puppy food contains more protein and fat for growth or why a senior dog benefits from ingredients that support joint health.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Choose food suitable for your dog\u2019s age, size, and activity level. If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or any illness, always consult a veterinarian to find the most suitable diet.<\/p>\n

Mistake 7: Inadequate hydration<\/h3>\n

Water is also part of feeding. Adequate hydration is vital, especially for dogs eating dry food. Water regulates body temperature, transports nutrients, and flushes out waste products.<\/p>\n

At our hotel, we check and clean water bowls several times a day. We ensure that fresh water is always available both in the dog\u2019s own space and during outdoor activities and play.<\/p>\n

Solution:<\/strong> Ensure that your dog always has access to a clean and fresh water bowl. Some dogs are more inclined to drink flowing water, so a water fountain can be a good investment. Remember to pay special attention to hydration, especially during hot summer days and after active exercise.<\/p>\n

Proper feeding is part of overall well-being<\/h2>\n

Routine, quality, and individuality. These three words encapsulate the foundation of good dog feeding. When these aspects are in order, you give your dog the best chance for a long and healthy life.<\/p>\n

When your dog is in our care, you can trust that we will take care of its feeding and other basic needs with professionalism, closely following your instructions. We also offer additional services during the care period, such as nail trimming, light grooming, bathing, and ear cleaning. After your holiday, you will return home not only to a happy friend but also to a clean and healthy companion.<\/p>\n

Are you planning a holiday or need a place for your pet during your workday? Our location in Helsinki, with good transport connections near the train station and Raide-Jokeri, makes bringing your pet for care easy, even if you are on your way to the airport or the harbour. Get in touch with us here<\/a> or make a booking<\/a> directly from our website. We will take care of the rest.<\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

How often should a dog be fed?<\/h3>\n

An adult dog typically suits 1\u20132 feeding times per day. Regular feeding times keep digestion steady and create a safe routine for the dog. Puppies and young dogs require more energy and usually eat 3\u20134 times a day. The most important thing is to find a regular rhythm that suits your dog and your lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Can a dog be fed raw food?<\/h3>\n

Yes, but it requires the owner to be knowledgeable. Assembling a balanced raw food diet requires ensuring that the dog receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Hygiene must also be given special attention to avoid bacterial risks. If you are interested in raw feeding, we recommend discussing it with a veterinarian or a professional knowledgeable in nutrition.<\/p>\n

How do I know if my dog is overweight?<\/h3>\n

The easiest way is to feel the dog’s sides. Place your hands gently on the dog’s ribcage. A dog at a healthy weight will have ribs that are easily felt but not clearly visible. Viewed from above, the dog should have a clear waist in front of the hips. If you are unsure, a veterinarian or trained animal caregiver can assist in assessing weight.<\/p>\n

What should I do if my dog is picky?<\/h3>\n

First, ensure with a veterinarian that there is no underlying illness causing the pickiness, especially if it starts suddenly. If the dog is healthy, try strict feeding times: take the bowl away after 15 minutes. Do not give in and offer human food. You can also try serving food from an interactive toy or a lick mat, which can make eating more interesting.<\/p>\n

Do I need to bring my own food for my dog during care?<\/h3>\n

Yes, absolutely. We adhere to this principle. A sudden change in food is one of the biggest causes of stomach issues, and we want to minimise any extra stress during the care period. When you bring your dog’s own familiar food, we ensure that its feeding continues as normal and that its stomach remains stable. We strictly follow your feeding instructions for your dog’s best interest.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Choosing the right dog food is one of the most important tasks for an owner. It is much more than just filling a bowl morning and evening \u2013 food is fuel, medicine, and one of the greatest pleasures in a dog’s life. At Tassu & Tassu pet hotel, we meet hundreds of dogs each year, […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2331,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_rankly_meta_title":"","_rankly_meta_description":"","_rankly_focus_keyword":"","_rankly_exclude_from_archive":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-en-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2338"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2338\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2331"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tassut.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}