Dog Nutrition
Q & A:
Are there any pet foods that promote healthy teeth?
Yes. Dental diets can actually help decrease the accumulation
of plaque on your pet's teeth.
My pet's a finicky eater. How can I get her to eat right?
Some pets prefer a particular taste or texture to their food. Try a
different kibble size or meal formulation, such as chicken rather
than beef, tuna rather than sardines.
Is it better to feed pets canned or dry food?
Ether is fine but many vets recommend a mixture of both for
optimal palatability.
Are there any pet foods that promote healthy teeth?
Yes. Dental diets can actually help decrease the accumulation
of plaque on your pet's teeth.
My pet's a finicky eater. How can I get her to eat right?
Some pets prefer a particular taste or texture to their food. Try a
different kibble size or meal formulation, such as chicken rather
than beef, tuna rather than sardines.
Is it better to feed pets canned or dry food?
Ether is fine but many vets recommend a mixture of both for
optimal palatability.
How much am I supposed to feed my pet?
| How old is your dog in people years? |
| Beautiful, regal. |
Feeding your youngster (up to 12 months):
Puppies need a special diet that stimulates growth. Most will
increase their birth weight by 40 or 50 times. A growth diet will
ensure strong muscles, bones, and teeth. Higher levels of
protein and other nutrients provide nutritional "building blocks"
needed for this age. Nutritional needs of puppies can vary by
breed. Talk to your breeder or vet for specifics for your breed.
Overfeeding and underfeeding can cause serious health
problems. Make sure puppies don't eat table food. Doing this
will prevent them from getting all the nutrients they need. Don't
forget that puppies need to eat more often than older dogs and
several meals a day is best.
Feeding your adult pet (years 1-6):
Nutritional needs for animals as they age will taper. Dogs are
omnivores (eat meat, vegetable, and grains) but they require a
significant source of protein.
Feeding your senior citizen (7+ years):
All pets age differently so consult a vet before starting a senior
diet. Below there is a list so that you can determine when your
dog is a senior and at what time you should start planning for
this time of his or her life. Just remember that a senior needs
antioxidants blends, joint supplements, and special formulas
that are easier to digest. This is also a time when weight
sneaks up on a dog so pay attention and adjust accordingly.
How to read pet food labels:
Puppies need a special diet that stimulates growth. Most will
increase their birth weight by 40 or 50 times. A growth diet will
ensure strong muscles, bones, and teeth. Higher levels of
protein and other nutrients provide nutritional "building blocks"
needed for this age. Nutritional needs of puppies can vary by
breed. Talk to your breeder or vet for specifics for your breed.
Overfeeding and underfeeding can cause serious health
problems. Make sure puppies don't eat table food. Doing this
will prevent them from getting all the nutrients they need. Don't
forget that puppies need to eat more often than older dogs and
several meals a day is best.
Feeding your adult pet (years 1-6):
Nutritional needs for animals as they age will taper. Dogs are
omnivores (eat meat, vegetable, and grains) but they require a
significant source of protein.
Feeding your senior citizen (7+ years):
All pets age differently so consult a vet before starting a senior
diet. Below there is a list so that you can determine when your
dog is a senior and at what time you should start planning for
this time of his or her life. Just remember that a senior needs
antioxidants blends, joint supplements, and special formulas
that are easier to digest. This is also a time when weight
sneaks up on a dog so pay attention and adjust accordingly.
How to read pet food labels:
 | Make sure the label of any food you feed your pet states | |
| that it offers "complete and balanced nutrition for all stages of life." | ||
| Two different pet foods can have the exact same | |
| ingredient list, but differ greatly in terms of the actual nutrition they offer. Lower cost brands tend to provide less nutrition. | ||
| Always check for a "best before" date to make sure the | |
| food you're feeding your pet is as fresh as possible. |
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