Dog Nutrition Guide
Proper nutrition allows the body to perform at optimum levels and promotes longer life. In human nutritional circles there is a saying "junk in, junk out." This simple idea holds true for your dog or cat. You can't expect your pet to be healthy if you feed them a poor quality diet. What you feed your dog and how much you feed them will change throughout their life as their nutritional needs evolve.
Nutrition for the Puppy
Access to first milk or colostrum is critical. It contains valuable nutrients and immune system boosters. Adequate nursing will ensure proper growth and development during the first 4 to 6 weeks until weaning.
Puppies should then begin to eat good quality solid food after weaning. Setting regular meal times establishes structure which most dogs will need and allows you to know how much food they are eating.
Clean, fresh water should be available at all times and changed as often as needed.
Treats and snacks should be limited to rewarding good behavior as they may contain excessive calories. The number one nutritional disorder in dogs is obesity and it can be prevented when your dog is still a puppy.
Nutrition for the Adult Dog
Lifestyle dictates what and how much you should feed your dog: working dog versus lap dog. Set meal times are desirable so that you know how much your dog is eating. Providing a high quality, balanced diet is essential.
Treats, snacks, and table scraps add calories. Prevention of obesity is very important in the adult dog.
Nutrition for the Senior Dog
As your dog ages, their stomach may be more sensitive and their diet should be easy to digest.
Providing a high quality, balanced senior diet is crucial.
Set meal times become increasingly important so that you can detect decreases in appetite, often an early sign of illness.
Remember that the metabolism slows down with age and obesity can quickly develop.
A Word on Table Scraps and Treats
A high quality, balanced diet is all your pet needs to maintain their health. Table scraps, treats, and snacks add unnecessary calories and may contain substances harmful to your dog. It is best to limit these extras and stick with a consistent, quality dog food appropriate for your pet's life stage.
Concerned About Your Dog's Weight?
Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and can lead to serious health problems including diabetes, joint disease, and heart conditions. If you are concerned about your dog's weight or body condition, we can help.
Questions About Your Dog's Diet?
If you have questions about what to feed your dog, how much to feed, or whether your dog's current diet is appropriate for their age and activity level, our team can provide guidance during a wellness exam.
