Feeding for dog life stages

When it comes to ensuring our dogs have the best chance to live a long and healthy life, there are some key lifestyle factors that influence this. This includes feeding for dog life stages to ensure they are getting the changing nutrients they need.

Of course, like us, genetics plays a role, but so too does daily exercise, reducing emotional and environmental stress, exposure to toxic chemicals and, of course, ensuring they have a complete and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs for each of their life stages.

Puppies

When it comes to puppies, they are a bundle of energy, so they require a diet higher in protein, fat and overall calories than an adult dog needs, as well as specific nutrients to support their growing bones, teeth and muscles, and to facilitate optimal brain development.  This is why feeding for dog life stages is important, so you can adjust it accordingly.

It is also important to check with the breeder as to what your puppy was being fed, to ensure you correctly transition them on to a new diet.  Learn more about that HERE.

Large-breed puppies & adolescence period

Large-breed puppies grow rapidly, but mature later, so talk to your Vet about your puppy’s specific dietary needs, as well as exercise, especially as they hit their adolescence period, where they experience significant hormonal changes.
Be prepared for some behavioural issues as well at this time.  Given diet can play a role in a dog’s behaviour, again it is important you know about feeding for dog life stages.

Transitioning to an adult diet

When it comes to transitioning your dog on to an adult food, your Vet can advise on the right time to do this, based on your dog’s breed and size.

Key nutritional needs at all life stages

At all life stages, protein is vital to maintain strong lean muscles, so you should always look for, and choose a product that has a good quality meat protein as the first ingredient.

Fats provide the most concentrated source of energy in the diet, and need to be tailored to each life stage.

As our dogs mature, for example, a diet lower in calories, but still high in essential fatty acids is generally recommended, along with other nutrients that support their ageing brains and bodies.

At all life stages, look for a good quality fish oil to support your dog’s skin, coat and brain health, whilst vegetables and other fibre-rich ingredients provide additional vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to help maintain good gut health.

Keep all of this in mind when feeding your puppy or dog treats, and remember to feed no more than 10% of their total daily calorie requirements in treats.

If, at any time, you notice changes in your dog’s eating habits, stools or energy levels, always seek the advice of your vet.

And remember, when transitioning your dog to a new diet, you need to do it slowly to help avoid stomach upsets, which can be anywhere from 7 to14 days depending on the diet type you are transitioning from and to.

Visit VitaPet.com to learn more about their range and other tips for feeding for dog life stages.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com.  Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog