October 12, 2006
Your Dog's Good Health Starts with Good Nutrition
Good health starts with good nutrition. It helps dogs fight disease, grow correctly, and age gracefully. Giving your puppy or adult dog the correct diet in the correct amounts makes for a happier, healthier pet.
Dogs need different diets as they age. Most puppies require greater amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates than an adult dog. Their bodies are going through tremendous growth in a short amount of time and so foods rich in these items are very important.
However, different dog breeds require different amounts of protein, calcium and fat. It has actually been discovered that larger-breed puppies do better on adult dog food because puppy food promotes fast growth.
Breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards can grow at phenomenal rates, some gaining 100 pounds in a matter of months. When bones grow too fast they become less dense and more porous, leaving the dog more vulnerable to degenerative conditions.
In some areas puppy food is available specifically for different breed sizes. It’s recommended that owners talk to their vet about what food is best for their puppy.
Feeding schedules are different for the age and the size of the animal. Small-breed puppies such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas may not get the energy they need unless they are fed 3-4 times a day for the first few months.
There are special formulas for small breeds. They typically come in smaller kibble so it is easier for the dog to eat, as well as being higher in nutrition so the dog gets the necessary energy they need for their higher metabolism.
Canine athletes or working dogs need extra calories to provide enough energy for each day. There are formulas that are custom-made that contain a high percentage of calories from protein and fat.
Elder dogs have completely different needs than puppies, younger dogs and working dogs. They need less protein while at the same time the protein needs to be easily assimilated into the body and easily digestible. Too much protein can lead to burdening the renal structures and may damage the kidneys.
Arthritis, heart disease and other age-related conditions could mean less exercise and so less food. However, senior dogs that remain active, have a healthy weight, and are free from serious health problems don’t necessarily need a senior diet.
Some senior diets have reduced protein levels. But healthy seniors need sufficient protein to help maintain muscle mass. Owners need to check with their dog’s vet to determine the best formula and the correct amount for their elderly dog.
A stage that some female dogs go through is the pregnancy stage. This requires a different diet and schedule. Females in the pregnancy stage require a balanced nutrition with proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.
Later, when they are nursing the puppies, they need enough calcium so the bones of the puppies will be strong.
As your dog goes through each stage it is important to evaluate how your dog is doing. Any change in weight, coat quality, mobility, or other health aspect in your dog needs to be discussed with your vet for a possible change in diet.
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