Why Shifting Dog Food Is Needed And How Its Done

Dogs have almost the same nutritional requirements as human beings; indeed, the right nutrition is needed to stay healthy and strong. If your dog has been with you from the very beginning, you will soon realize that his Advance puppy food will not give it the adequate nutrients that it needs forever. Nutritional requirements definitely change when a dog grows from a puppy to a full-grown dog.

Consulting with your veterinarian regularly will help you know when it is time to change dog food. Regular check-ups with the vet will include regular assessments of his growth. Based on the assessment, your trusted vet can give you a more accurate idea of the growth trends of your dog. This specialist can also warn you of any nutritional issues that need to be tackled. If your dog is obese, then you will have to limit his food portions. If your dog is underweight, then he may have to be provided with the right variety of Advance pet food. The vet is also the best person to point out to you any metabolic condition your dog may be suffering from. Your vet can issue some tests to determine the problem. When these deficiencies are proven, a subsequent change in nutritional requirements is needed. A concern gets quickly addressed if you consult with a professional as soon as you noticed something wrong.

For some people who don't want to go to the veterinarian, they can just follow the suggestions provided by the food manufacturer. If your puppy has been on Advance puppy food for a few months to a year, you can safely shift to the next stage after that. The times are usually dependent on the exact breed of dog you have.

Aside from changing growth needs, you may also observe some allergy to food. Occasionally, a substance found in the food will cause your dog to react adversely to it. Your vet will probably suggest that you look at another type of food to give your pet. Since a new variety will surely taste different, mixing it with the old product will help your dog get used to the change slowly. Usually, people start with a combination of seventy-five percent old and twenty-five percent new. After 2-3 days of mixed feeding, gradually increase the amount of new Advance pet food;lessen the old one until your pet is used to a completely new food.