How To Decide On Nutritional Requirements Based On Your Dog's Age

How do you feel when your cute pup grows up slowly to become a mature adult dog? Your dog needs protein, fat, and carbohydrate to stay healthy like human beings. Still, you must focus on your dog's age while deciding on the food type. Dog treats that you choose every day contain different nutritional values. We have provided you with a brief guide on how to match your dog's nutritional requirements with its age. Pet foodingredient suppliers also focus on dogs’ age while advertising the products.

What should your puppy eat?

The most important thing for a puppy is its mother’s milk. Breastfeeding can be continued for 4 weeks. Puppies start weaning for 1 to 2 weeks. It is to be noted that your puppy needs nutrition based on its body weight. For every pound of weight, you have to consume 2 times of calories taken by adult dogs. Thus, a little canine pet needs more fats and proteins than the adult one. You have to be careful of maintaining the right quantity, especially for bigger breeds. Ingredient manufacturers know about these facts related to puppies, and thus, they can provide you with the best products.

Puppies grow very fast, and you have to serve them 2 to 4 meals every day. It ensures that their tiny stomachs can accommodate the food.

Nutritional needs for an adult dog

Your puppy has become an adult dog within a year. Now, you can feed your pet with a standard adult diet. But, you must not upset your pet’s digestive system by providing different foods regularly. It is better to make a blend of puppy food and adult food. You can increase the proportion gradually.

Although breed and size are the most important factors for nutrition, your dogs’ everyday activities can make a difference in their nutritional requirements. Thus, active dogs should take more calories compared to sedentary dogs.

The best way to ensure that your dog has good nutrition is by checking the weight. Your pet must not be overweight or underweight. Underweight dogs have visible vertebrae, pelvic bones, and ribs.

On the contrary, overweight dogs must be provided with low fat, low-protein, and low-calorie diet. However, in most cases, dogs like to overeat, and it results in other issues. You have to limit the daily treats for your overweight dogs.

Some pet owners think that as minerals and vitamins are important, it is good to add supplements to their dog’s diet. However, it is not true, according to veterinarians. Raisins, grapes, and onions are harmful to dogs.

Caring for older dogs

Due to the reduced activities and slower metabolism, older dogs need fewer calories. You can give 20% fewer calories than adult dogs. Fiber-rich foods are best for senior dogs. Dogs that have kidney and liver issues should take a low-protein diet. However, other old dogs who do not have these problems must take a high amount of protein, which is easily digestible. Because of sensory loss, senior dogs do not feel much hunger.

Nutrition for pregnant dogs

Pregnant dogs need special attention during mealtime. Protein should be a part of their diet. You must serve smaller meals more frequently. Some vets claim that mineral and vitamin supplements are beneficial for pregnant dogs. But, you can take your pet to a vet’s clinic, as every dog is different.

These are some nutritional tips for dogs of different ages. Buy the best dog treats and keep your pets healthy throughout the year. Suppliers of food ingredients like Seatarra Ingredient Alliance for dogs know how to pick the right ingredient for every canine breed.