Every pet parent wants the best for their furry child and their well-being and fitness must be the top priority if you want them to be around for the longest possible time. Nutrition is an important aspect of your animal companion's health and nourishment at every age has a different role. A puppy's food requirements are different from an adult dog's. A pregnant dog would be needing a different set of nutrients compared to an elderly one. Following generalised tips for nutrition can create deficiencies in your dog and put them at risk of several diseases. Food can also contribute to their mental health and the right doses of nutrients can help you pup feel happy and on top of their health. (Also read: Pet parent shares 6 things that helped her dog deal with separation anxiety)
"Gone are the days when a family picture just had 3 generations perched on high chairs staring at a tripod camera. The world today puts up collages of happy parents holding onto their giggling kids and face licking pets. Yes, a pet today is a must. As this new world is waking up to the benefits of pet parenting on their mental and physical health, pets are also an increasing demand from the kids who seek solace and company when their parents are away," says Mitu Paul, Brand Head – Premium Lines, Drools Petfood Pvt Ltd.
It is every pet parent's responsibility to raise their pets well and give them the nutrition they deserve.
"Despite the wide variety of recommendations, there are ways to objectively evaluate the best dog food diet for your pet at home. But food is no 'one size fits all'. Your dog’s best food will depend on its unique needs, most importantly their life stage, weight, and known medical conditions. Dogs have different nutritional requirements depending on their age or life stage, and pet foods are generally formulated to meet the distinct needs of three groups: puppies, adult or maintenance and senior care," says Paul.
{{/usCountry}}"Despite the wide variety of recommendations, there are ways to objectively evaluate the best dog food diet for your pet at home. But food is no 'one size fits all'. Your dog’s best food will depend on its unique needs, most importantly their life stage, weight, and known medical conditions. Dogs have different nutritional requirements depending on their age or life stage, and pet foods are generally formulated to meet the distinct needs of three groups: puppies, adult or maintenance and senior care," says Paul.
{{/usCountry}}Paul says some foods are formulated for 'all life stages,' which means they can be fed to any pet.
"In order to make this claim, the food must meet the minimum requirements for growth and reproduction. This means that an 'all life stage' food will have more calories and nutrients than what is needed for a healthy adult pet. While this is not necessarily harmful, it may lead to excess weight gain," says Paul explaining the dark side of having 'too many nutrients'.
Many veterinarians recommend choosing a food labelled for your pet’s specific life stage, says Paul as she explains different kinds of food that your dog needs at different life stages and age.
Puppies
Puppies need more calories, fat and protein than adult dogs. Puppy diets also contain higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, like calcium and phosphorous, to support tissue growth and development until they reach maturity around 12 months old.
Pregnant dogs or lactating mother dogs
It’s also best recommended for pregnant or lactating mother dogs to meet the enhanced needs of a mother dog. Your veterinarian may recommend switching a pregnant dog onto a puppy diet halfway through gestation until the puppies are weaned.
Adult canines
Adult canines (four to eight years of age) should be fed a maintenance diet that helps them sustain a healthy weight and adequate energy levels. Compared to puppy food, the formulas have fewer calories, moderate amounts of most nutrients, and some additives that make dogs feel full upon eating. You may see some types of high-performance food geared toward active dogs between the ages of one and three. These diets are formulated to fuel the increased energy levels in young adults and athletic breeds with a unique blend of protein and fat.
Senior dogs
Caring for your senior dog should include a carefully chosen diet based on their specific health needs, such as the prevention or treatment of chronic disease. These formulas are designed to improve the immune system and may include specialty ingredients like glucosamine for dogs with arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight is of utmost importance to your dog’s health.
With this in mind, you should pay attention to the calories and feeding directions on the label. Your veterinarian can help you determine what an ideal weight and calorie target are for your pet.
Dogs with medical conditions
And let’s not forget the medical conditions while discussing this. If your dog has any medical conditions, including urinary stones, allergies, intestinal disease, or kidney issues you should consult with your veterinarian about the best dog food choice, as they may recommend a prescription diet.