Many people believe that feeding an adult dog puppy food or feeding a puppy adult food is an acceptable means of nutrition. However, there are misconceptions surrounding what is appropriate to feed 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.
