Puppy food, junior food, and senior menus: What the different types of dog food differ and why it is important to feed dogs according to their age.
Stages
The life phases of the dog are divided into the four categories puppy, junior, adult, and senior. What do you call a shih tzu and a poodle mix? It should be noted that small dogs grow up faster than large ones and at the same time age more slowly. At every stage of life, dogs have different nutritional and calorie needs, so a dog diet is adapted for all ages.
Dog food: puppies, junior and adult
Dogs that are still growing are given a special puppy and junior food. It is usually adapted to the size and the expected final weight. Dog food for young dogs not only provides the little ones with all important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals but ideally also promotes an appropriate growth rate. This is important because too fast growth can lead to problems in the bone structure and the joint apparatus. The sticking point here is the right ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the food, adapted to the dog’s life phase.
In puppies, the food ration is spread over about four meals a day. Adult animals are given one to two meals a day. In adult dogs with digestive problems or chronic diseases, however, smaller portions can also be fed more frequently.
Pay attention to the feeding recommendation of your food brand and to a sufficient supply of fresh water. Snacks must always be deducted from the daily ratio so that your dog does not become overweight. Weigh your pet regularly, because with reaching the final weight, the energy requirement decreases. In most cases, the switch to dog food for adults, i.e. adult dogs, is now also made. This should always be done over a longer period of about two weeks by gradually increasing the proportion of the news feed.
Dog food for the senior
If the activity decreases with age, the energy requirement also decreases. If you do not adjust the food accordingly, obesity is the result. Especially for a senior, this is stressful. At the same time, age-related diseases may now occur that place special demands on nutrition.
So it is important that you look at your senior individually: How active is he still? What are the health problems? In general, it can be said that the protein content of the senior food must not be too high, as the functions of the liver, kidney, and metabolism often decrease in old age. Also, pay attention to a good digestibility of the individual components.
Age-appropriate dog feeding: Conclusion
A dog feeding adapted to the individual phases of life supports the health of your favorite from puppy age to retirement. It can prevent many health problems and have a supportive effect on diseases.
Nutrition for old dogs: tips for feeding your senior
In the last third of life, your dog’s metabolism works much slower. In addition, most dogs automatically become calmer and thus consume less energy. The senior now needs high-quality and easier-to-digest food. As with all other ages, its diet should be individually adapted to its current exercise activity.
When is a dog considered a senior?
The age phase of a dog begins at different times depending on its size. The changes that then occur gradually increase the dog’s susceptibility to diseases and sensitivity to stress. The performance decreases steadily and the sensory organs become weaker. Chronic diseases occur more frequently with age.
Despite all the differences: From the age of about 7 years, all dogs are considered “seniors”. From then on, an annual check-up at the veterinarian should also take place.
Old dog: tailor-made nutrition
Simply changing the amount of adult food is not a good idea. The composition of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins should be optimized in an age-appropriate way. This relieves the digestive system and supports the declining immune system. The ideal is a special senior dog food that offers a high-quality and easily digestible composition.
Feeding dog seniors – The right nutrition
In dogs, changes in metabolism are noticeable from about the age of eight. For you to meet these changing needs, it is important to switch to high-quality senior food.
Seniors at the bowl: tips for feeding old dogs
With age, the dog’s teeth also get worse and the salivation decreases. You should always keep these tips in mind to feed your dog in a balanced way even in old age:
Tip 1
Often the teeth of the old dog are no longer the best, different types of rat terrier which is why he can not chew large chunks of food so well. Do your dog a favor and crush large chunks in advance.
Tip 2
Don’t give your senior dog any more bones for safety. Because bones make extremely hard feces and especially in the older dog the intestine becomes sluggish. Bone feeding can lead to severe constipation, but also life-threatening intestinal obstructions and injuries to the intestine.
Tip 3
Older dogs often no longer tolerate large portions so well. Relieve digestion and the organism by serving it in smaller portions up to four times a day.
Tip 4
Many old dogs drink too little. If your four-legged friend is also part of it, you should give him wet food instead of dry food or soak the latter in plenty of water before feeding. When you mix wet and dry food with water, your dog will not only absorb it more easily but will also get extra fluids.
Tip 5
Rich wet food at room temperature or slightly heated. This not only makes it more digestible but it is also made more attractive by the more intense fragrance. This helps decline the olfactory performance of your dog senior or poor eaters.
Cooking nutrition for old dogs yourself
If older dogs eat very little and show little interest in their food, it can be helpful – in addition to the tips mentioned above – to prepare the food themselves. Although this is associated with some effort, it can be very worthwhile. Talk to your veterinarian about it, who will also be happy to create a food plan for you.
Dietary supplements for old dogs
There are many building preparations for senior dogs.best german shepherd games if your pet receives balanced senior food and eats well, they are usually not necessary. However, if he already has diseases, such as. B joint problems, a supportive administration of feed additives can be positive.
Your old dog is losing weight despite good food? Please go to the veterinarian first to rule out a serious organic problem! If only an age-related decrease in feed conversion is the basis, the feed should be adjusted.
