Dogs have been used as companions for centuries, they also have been used for other purposes throughout history such as hunting, working and herding. This has led to a difference in the nutritional needs from dog to dog. For example, when I first started working at a desk job instead of out in the field I gained weight. It was necessary for me to change my dietary habits to maintain the same weight as before. It is much the same with a dog. Their jobs, as well as the physical output differ from dog to dog.

Dogs today still help man with working in the field. They also serve as companion dogs, often found relaxing on the couch at home while their masters are out working their jobs. The dog gets it’s energy from the food it eats, and if the nutritional input of the food does not equal the output of a working dog then one of two things will happen. Either the dog will slow down, or if forced to work harder it will maintain an unhealthy weight.

You should always watch your dog’s weight to make sure that it is getting it’s necessary nutrition and energy. At the same time overfeeding and inactive dog will put it’s health in jeopardy as well by making it fat. It’s a delicate balance, but once the optimum feeding requirements are found then maintenance should be a snap.