Do Puppies And Adult Dogs Need Different Foods ?

Some people think that supplying an adult dog
with puppy food or giving a puppy adult food is
an appropriate means of nutrition. Then again,
there are mistaken beliefs surrounding what is
appropriate to give both puppies and adults.

Both adult and puppies have specific nutrition
needs. Just like a human baby, a puppy requires
the proper amount of protein and vitamins in its
diet. As the puppy grows, dietary changes must be
made in order to adequately nourish the dog as it
reaches adulthood.

Puppy food contains vitamins and protein that is
designed to provide the correct amount of
nourishment needed as it grows. Puppies have
higher metabolisms than adults. Because of this,
more nutrients, calories and vitamins are
included in puppy food. Typically, it is
recommended that they stays on puppy food until
it reaches 12-18 months of age, depending on the
breed. The nutrients can vary greatly depending
on the brand. Many veterinarians will recommend
specific foods for a puppy depending on its
weight and breed. Many dog food manufacturers
create food designed specifically for small,
medium and large puppies. The amount of food you
feed can also vary. A young animal should be fed
enough food, according to its needs.

As the animal grows, the type and frequency of
food may also change. For example, particularly
large breeds, such as Golden Retrievers may stay
on large breed food longer than another breed.
While owners sometimes assume that larger breeds
can simply eat adult dog food, that is not the
case. Both large and small breeds need adequate
nutrition to grow into healthy adults. Pet food
manufacturers often make food that is designed
to grow with the pet by providing owners with
different foods for dogs of different ages.

Adult food is designed for animals that have
stopped growing. Once they stops growing, its
metabolism slows down and it no longer needs the
added calories that are found in puppy food.
However, adults do need to be provided with the
proper balance of nutrients, calories and
protein. If an adult is given food that is
inadequate in providing essential nutrients, it
can cause the animal to get sick or gain an
unhealthy amount of weight. It is also
recommended that owners decrease the amount of
food given to adult dogs. While puppies require
more frequent feedings, adult dogs should only
eat the amount that is recommended for the
weight and type of breed.

A dog entering into its senior stage of life may
require food that is specially formulated for
seniors. Many older animals simply require a
smaller amount of food that is low in calories
but high in protein and fibre. Certain dogs may
need specially formulated senior dog food in
order to keep a well-balanced diet.

Although most dog food looks the same, there are
many differences. At each stage of a dog's life,
it needs the proper type and amount of food to
keep it healthy and happy. Before any changes
are made to a puppy or dog's diet, it is best to
consult with a veterinarian to ensure that the
food provides adequate nutrition.

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Please consult your vet for advice during
different life cycles of your pet and their
required diet. Resourced from
http://www.dodsonandhorrellpetfood.co.uk

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