When a dog reaches full maturity, it enters the maintenance period. Bear in mind that puppies become adults at differing times, depending on breed, and this needs to be taken into account. A Great Dane requires a different feeding schedule to a Yorkshire Terrier.

Normal healthy dogs that are not pregnant, nursing, or hardworking have relatively low nutritional requirements for maintaining an appropriate body condition.

The simplest way to mimic a dog's natural diet is to feed commercially prepared diets that meet a dog's nutritional requirements.  Dietary protein is made up of amino acids. A dog's body utilizes 20 amino acids in various combinations. While each of these amino acids is important for growth, maintenance and health, some are considered essential while others are non-essential. Only 10 of the required 20 amino acids are regarded as essential for dogs and must be supplied in their diet since their bodies cannot manufacture these essential amino acids.

Unlike cats who are descended from carnivores, dogs are omnivorous animals, so they are not strict meat-eaters. Instead they get most of their energy from carbohydrates and fats. In commercial dog foods, carbohydrates come from cereals, legumes and other plant food-stuffs.

How much variety does my dog need?

It is advisable to feed a single diet so your dog's digestive tract can settle on one food. Chopping and changing diets to provide variety is a human need and can cause tummy upsets, fussiness and food intolerances in dogs.

Most dogs love tit-bits, but try to limit these to no more than 10% of your dog's diet.

Many dogs love vegetables and some even like fruit. These provide fibre, vitamins and flavour.

How often should you feed a dog?

You should feed your dog at least twice a day, and ideally at set times.

Infrequent feeding can lead to a very slow metabolic rate, and turns food into fat deposits rather than converting it into energy.

Feeding only once a day can lead to vomiting up bile as the stomach "craves" something to digest.

Remember not to feed your pooch before strenuous exercise or late at night.

The rib check

A good body condition is one in which the animal is well proportioned, with an observable waist behind the ribcage, and ribs that can be felt with a slight fat covering over them.

• If a dog's ribs are protruding, the dog is too thin.
• If you cannot see or easily feel a dog's ribs, he is too fat.
• If a dog's ribs are visible, then his weight is just right.

Choosing the correct food

Feeding recommendations for adult dogs vary, depending on the breed, activity, and metabolism. As with humans, a dog's appetite may vary from day to day. This should not pose a problem unless the loss of appetite persists or the dog shows signs of illness or weight loss. Then you should take your dog to your local vet.

A dog's nutritional health depends on receiving the correct amounts and proportions of nutrients from the following six groups: water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

Protein provides the building blocks, called amino acids with which the body performs vital functions and rebuilds its tissues.

Fats are a concentrated energy source; a source of essential, fatty acids; they are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; and improve the palatability (taste) and digestibility of the diet.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for the production of energy.

Minerals, comprising of macro- and micro-minerals play important regulatory functions in the body.

Vitamins promote and regulate various physiological processes in the body, and are fat-soluble or water-soluble.

Water is the most essential nutrient of all, so always ensure fresh water is available alongside dry or wet pet food. Water is important for all bodily functions such as digestion, absorption, circulation, transporting nutrients and wastes, building tissue and regulating body temperature.

Water

Dogs drink a lot of water – they can replace six percent of their body weight in just one hour.

Commercial dry pet foods identified as “100% complete and balanced” contain all of the required nutrients in the proper proportions, except for water. Pet owners must provide fresh, clean drinking water so all of your pooch's nutritional needs are met. Even when feeding canned or wet commercial pet food, always ensure there is sufficient water available.

Water also reduces the risk of your dog becoming overheated. Ideally, you should actively offer your dog water during exercise that results in a loss of as little as 0.5 percent of his body weight. A dog's need for water increases in keeping with the amount of energy he expends during exercise, and this can more than double in warm conditions.

Dogs should only drink water since most adult dogs have lost the ability to digest dairy products. While some dogs may occasionally like a small bowl of milk, bear in mind that it is probably the biggest single cause of upset tummies.