The formula and size of your dog food kibble does matter when it comes to your family pooch s health. The size of dry nuggets and even nutrient levels can vary greatly from brand to brand, particularly when the formulas are targeted to various size breeds. Understanding the breakdown will go a long way towards ensuring longevity for your dog.
Puppies Need Extra Attention
The size of your breed is a critical food feature no matter what stage your dog is in but the puppy stages are the most important. Proper nutrition at the onset will ensure your dog grows up healthy and happy which translates into fewer veterinarian bills. Most puppy dog food formulas provide nutrients necessary to support optimal growth but breed size is an important factor.
Medium to small size breeds are in little danger if the puppy food formulas targeted to their size promote fast growth but this is not an accurate viewpoint for giant and large breed dogs. It is important that the puppy formulas for large and giant breed dogs provide enough nutrition for good health but not so much as to cause fast growth because they could develop orthopaedic issues. In fact, large breed formulas often have a little less calcium and calories to prevent harmful growth spurts.
Adult Needs
Once dogs have reached their potential full growth, they need a maintenance formula tailored to their particular size breed. These formulas are tailored to offer specific calorie needs as well as metabolisms. For instance, small or toy-sized breeds need little pieces of kibble that are calorie packed and portion-controlled for at least two meals a day to maintain energy levels. However, medium to large breeds can handle larger pieces of kibble with fewer calories per serving.
Another thing to keep in mind is that large and giant breed dogs might also require special nutritional considerations because their body needs are different. Larger dogs are likelier to experience joint problems such as arthritis so they would need additional nutrients like chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and cartilage health.
Senior Dogs
Different dog breeds age at varying rates, although it is safe to say that heavier or larger dogs experience aging effects more quickly. Therefore, giant and large breeds may need to start mature food formulas as early as six to eight years of age whereas toy breeds may not need to make a formula switch until they are at least ten. Another aspect of mature food formulas is that they contain more nutrients, sometimes at higher concentrations than adult food. Antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamin E are important immune boosters and the glucosamine is still an important additive for healthy joints.
If you are confused by the choices available, it is important to talk with your pet s veterinarian to ensure you are purchasing the right dog food formula. Whether you choose dry, moist or canned versions, you are ultimately in charge of your dog s health.
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