---
title: "How To Encourage Healthy Feeding Habits in Your Pup"
id: "121114"
type: "post"
slug: "how-to-encourage-healthy-feeding-habits-in-your-pup"
published_at: "2021-10-07T15:00:00+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-02-27T18:31:25+00:00"
url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2021/10/07/how-to-encourage-healthy-feeding-habits-in-your-pup/"
markdown_url: "https://petlandoklahoma.com/2021/10/07/how-to-encourage-healthy-feeding-habits-in-your-pup.md"
excerpt: "Feeding your pet with a healthy diet has many benefits in the short run as well as the distant future. A great diet keeps your pet in top shape and protects them from a range of chronic ailments. Your pet’s..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Petland"
---

[Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/)
 / [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/)
 / [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/)
 / **How To Encourage Healthy Feeding Habits in Your Pup**

[Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/)

# How To Encourage Healthy Feeding Habits in Your Pup

October 7, 2021 ·  3 min read ·  [cosmick](https://petlandoklahoma.com/author/cosmick/)

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com)

Feeding your pet with a healthy diet has many benefits in the short run as well as the distant future. A great diet keeps your pet in top shape and protects them from a range of chronic ailments.

Your pet’s diet extends beyond what you give them at mealtimes. It is a sum total of all the treats, table scraps, random food tosses, and of course, the main meals too.

Proper feeding is essential to ensuring that your pet lives a long, healthy life. This is why encouraging healthy feeding habits is essential. And here are 4 tips to do just this:

1. **Establish a Routine**

Pups love routine, it gives them something to look forward to. Creating a routine for their meals especially gives them the pleasure of anticipating something that they love. It also helps you accurately anticipate bowel movements.

On average, dogs do best with two meals daily: one in the morning and the other in the evening. Maintaining a routine could also help you detect if your pet falls ill, such as when they skip a meal.

Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies.

Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now.

[Meet our puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/)
Similarly, snacks in between meals aren’t the best idea, this might encourage obesity.

1. **Measure Out Food**

Since you see your pet every single day, it’s easy to not observe that they are gaining excess weight. Typically, your pup’s feed would come with recommendations from the maker.

Since you’re feeding twice a day, divide up the daily recommended amount into two and use a measuring cup to confirm accuracy. Ideally, you should be feeding your pooch roughly the same amount of food both times during the day.

Measuring out food helps control the calories that they consume as well. If your pup is very active, you can increase calorie intake based on your vet’s guidance, same goes for if you have a laid-back pup.

1. **Avoid Table Feeding**

Sometimes it is hard to resist those big brown eyes looking up at you while you eat. You might be tempted to give them a piece of your food or feed your pup scraps from the table. However, this doesn’t do your pup any good.

Rather, it encourages overeating, and shortly after, your pup might begin to add weight excessively. If you absolutely cannot fight the temptation to feed table scraps, ensure that you’re feeding them healthy foods. Rice cakes or raw carrots are ideal.

Still reading? Our puppies are waiting.

Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today.

[Meet our puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/)
Another practical tip is to feed your pup before eating your food so that he is content and less tempted to beg.

1. **Slow Down Eating by Making Mealtimes Interactive**

Some pups practically wolf down their meals. This act in itself might not seem all that much of a terrible act, but it might negatively impact your pup’s health in the long run. Fast eating implies less chewing and swallowing lots of air.

This would lead to a regularly bloated belly and over time, the stomach walls would start to thin out and could even tear.

Some mechanisms that may help reduce speed rating include:

- Using a slow feeder bowl — just ensure that your pup can reach the food easily.

- Snuffle mats — this also boosts mental stimulation and helps them tap into their natural foraging instinct since they have to search for their kibble.

- Reducing meal size and increasing frequency. You can use an auto feeder for this.

Encouraging healthy eating habits should begin as early as possible.

[Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandoklahoma.com)

Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies*

Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below.

[Browse all puppies](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/)

- 24 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Lewisville S. - Male #4449](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/miniature-american-shepherd-4449/) ### [Miniature American Shepherd](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 23 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Olympia - Female #4460](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/mini-schnauzer-4460/) ### [Mini Schnauzer](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 26 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Gambit - Female #4459](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-4459/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 24 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Venus - Female #4456](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-4456/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 19 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Serena - Female #4455](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/shiba-inu-4455/) ### [Shiba Inu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 26 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Peyton - Female #4454](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/cavalier-king-charles-4454/) ### [Cavalier King Charles](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 21 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Randy J. - Male #4453](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-4453/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 22 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Wilson - Male #4447](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/pomeranian-4447/) ### [Pomeranian](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- Sale 28 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Dunkin - Male #4452](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/australian-cattle-dog-4452/) ### [Australian Cattle Dog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- Sale 23 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Rookie - Female #4451](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/australian-cattle-dog-4451/) ### [Australian Cattle Dog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/australian-cattle-dog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 23 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Racer - Male #4446](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/teddy-bear-4446/) ### [Teddy Bear](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/teddy-bear/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)
- 22 views Petland Oklahoma City ## [Nugget - Female #4443](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-4443/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://petlandoklahoma.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [405-467-7387](tel:405-467-7387)

Loading more pets…

You've reached the end.

Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet.

Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation.

[Start a Special Order](https://petlandoklahoma.com/special-orders/)

#### **Related** Articles

[View All Articles](https://petlandoklahoma.com/blog/)

- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/10/01/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/09/01/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/08/01/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/06/01/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your Dog Stay connected via Google… June 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/05/01/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/04/01/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/03/01/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/02/01/understand-dog-love-languages/) In this articleYes, Dogs Have Love Languages, Just Their Own VersionThe Five Love Languages of DogsWhy Knowing Your Dog’s Love Language MattersFinal… February 1, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/07/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026
- [https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Petland](https://petlandoklahoma.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandoklahoma.com/2026/01/01/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026

**EXCELLENT**

Based on **2510 reviews**

Posted on Google

j carver

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I’ve been thinking about adopting so I stopped in the other day to ask some questions. A young man named terry helped me and he was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back!

Posted on Google

Daniel Quill

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I have been really unsure about what pet I should bring home as I’ve recently experienced a loss & didn’t know what kind of companion would support me best. A worker by the name of Terry listened to my concerns with compassion & grace. He matched me with the best fury friend I could have ever asked for. Great service!! Highly recommend!!!

Posted on Google

Tavian McMartin

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.My wife and i stopped in to look at puppies to expand our family, and we were met with a welcoming environment, and some of the friendliest staff weve had the privilege of meeting. They were very attentive, and helped us find our dream puppy! Shout out to Terry for treating us like long time friends, and for making it a smooth process. We wish we could give more than 5 stars!

Posted on Google

joseph

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help. Would recommend this store

Posted on Google

Tom Autry

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Terry was a big help and very knowledgeable. Will definitely be returning when I’m in the market for a new pet

Posted on Google

John Jones

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Staff was nice and animals were even better it was a nice experience in there

Posted on Google

DarkInsticts 2

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I wanted to say it was my first time in petland because I just got a dog I couldn't have been more happy with all they had and the staff were so helpful in telling me what my dog is going to need and want so thank you

Posted on Google

Alex Johnzon

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.I went in the other day and was in awe of the animals they were all so pretty and taken care of. I was expecting it to smell and be loud like a pound, but the animals all were happy and I loved to interact with the animals

Posted on Google

Corbin Franks

Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Awesome experience they took care of us the whole team was awesome and very friendly!

Verified by Trustindex Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. [Read more](https://www.trustindex.io/?a=sys&c=wp-verified-badge&url=/the-trustindex-verified-badge/)