3 Changes You Should Make to Your Dog's Mealtime Routine

At Pet Releaf, we've teamed up with Awoo to educate on the importance of a meal and supplement routine using sustainably-made products. Pet Releaf customers can save 20% on Awoo's recycled and ethically made products, including slow feeders and lick mats, using the code RELEAF20. 

Mealtime isn't just about filling your dog's bowl—it's a chance to bond, support their health, and make them feel loved. By tweaking a few aspects of their eating routine, you can boost their digestion, mobility, and overall vitality. Here are three easy yet impactful changes you can make to elevate your furry friend’s mealtime experience: 

1. Establish a Consistent Feeding Schedule for Your Dog

Routine is crucial for your dog’s health and digestive system. Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on predictability, which means that feeding them at the same times every day helps regulate their internal clock. A consistent feeding schedule supports better digestion by ensuring that their digestive system operates smoothly and efficiently. It also helps maintain a stable metabolism, reducing the risk of weight fluctuations and metabolic imbalances. 

If you walk or exercise your dog before mealtime, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes before offering them their food. This waiting period allows their body to cool down and return to a more comfortable state after physical activity. Eating while still warm and panting can lead to digestive discomfort and potentially cause bloat—a serious and lethal condition. Allowing a short break between exercise and mealtime gives your dog’s body time to settle, supporting healthier digestion and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. 

Creating a regular feeding routine does more than just aid digestion—it also establishes a sense of security and predictability for your dog. Dogs find comfort in knowing when their next meal is coming, which can reduce stress and promote a sense of stability. Consistent mealtimes help in stabilizing your dog's metabolism by preventing irregular feeding patterns that can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding. This structured approach to feeding not only contributes to overall health but also supports emotional well-being and reduces stress related to mealtime uncertainty. 

2. Use a Dog Slow Feeder Bowl or Lick Mat

Mealtimes can be both nourishing and engaging. If your dog tends to eat too quickly, incorporating a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat can transform mealtime into a more interactive and enjoyable experience while also slowing down their eating pace. 

A slow feeder bowl has built-in obstacles that encourage your dog to work for their food. This can also help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of digestive issues. Similarly, a lick mat allows you to spread their food and supplements across a textured surface, making mealtime more enjoyable as they lick and savor their meal. 

Slowing down mealtime has several benefits: 

• Improved digestion: About 1 in 3 dogs suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, which can impact their digestion and bowel movements. Eating more slowly helps your dog’s digestive system work more efficiently by allowing better breakdown and absorption of nutrients, reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort. 

• Reduced bloating and gas: Bloating is most common in dogs with deep chests. When dogs eat rapidly, they tend to swallow more air, which can contribute to bloating and gas. By eating more slowly, your dog is more likely to swallow less air, which helps minimize these risks and supports a healthier digestive system. 

• Mental stimulation: Interactive feeding encourages your dog to use their brain, making mealtimes not only more fun but also mentally enriching. The challenge of navigating a slow feeder bowl or working through a lick mat keeps your dog both physically nourished and mentally stimulated and can prevent boredom during mealtimes. 

3. Add High-Quality Supplements to Your Dog’s Meals

Including supplements in your dog’s diet can have a big impact on their long-term health, potentially allowing them to live a more vibrant and active lifestyle. While a balanced diet is important, supplements can bridge nutritional gaps and address specific needs that might not be fully met through food alone. This becomes even more important as dogs age and their bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food. Supplements also benefit pets with specific health conditions that require additional support. Just like humans, dogs can benefit from targeted nutrients. 

Adding high-quality supplements to your dog’s meals can enhance their mobility, support a healthy inflammatory response, and improve their overall quality of life. This is especially important for dogs with existing joint issues or those at risk of developing them. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are essential for maintaining healthy joints, skin, and coats. They also play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function. Products like Fish-Free Omega 3 can be easily added to slow feeders or lick mats and are designed to complement your pet's diet and address specific health needs, ensuring they receive a comprehensive range of benefits. 

Incorporating these changes into your dog’s feeding routine does more than just enhance their dining experience—it can be key to improving their overall health. Sticking to a well-structured feeding schedule, using the right enrichment tools, and adding high-quality supplements can significantly boost your pup’s well-being. These small adjustments not only keep their minds sharp and their tummies happy but also help prevent digestive issues and support their long-term happiness. 

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