THE MANAGEMENT OF DOGS IN HEALTH. 113 



ments of the dog than perhaps all other causes put to- 

 gether ; hence we have dwelt on this subject. 



The views set forth may be thus summarized : The 

 diet should be a mixed one in which all the essential food- 

 stuffs are duly represented. Meat may occasionally, under 

 exceptional circumstances, be safely and wisely given as the 

 exclusive diet ; usually it can be allowed only in limited 

 quantity, but in no case must it be permanently withheld. 

 Vegetables are to be regarded as correctives rather than as 

 foods. Of all the cereals, wheat, ground moderately fine 

 and used to make bread, biscuits, and porridge, is the 

 best. Oatmeal and corn-meal answer a good purpose, 

 especially in winter. Milk is useful, but not in large 

 quantities at a time, nor continuously. Bones under due 

 precautions serve an excellent purpose. Patent foods are 

 good, but not as a staple or for continuous use. 



Whatever foods be employed, variety is of the utmost 

 importance. The less exercise a dog gets, and the more 

 unfavorable his surroundings, ' the greater the care ne- 

 cessary in regard to food in all except its nutritive quali- 

 ties. With the hard-worked animal the latter is of the 

 greatest moment. 



The actual quantity consumed within a given period is 

 of more consequence than the intervals at which food is 

 given. As a rule, twice in twenty-four hours will be quite 

 sufficient, with many exceptions in favor of one daily 

 meal. 



In all matters relating to feeding, the circumstances 

 under which the animal lives, and its individual peculiari- 

 ties, must be carefully considered. 



