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8/3/2014
From the desk of Sharda Baker.
Hi and welcome everyone!
This is Sharda with a wonderful newsletter about dog food.
Today let’s learn the dog food feeding requirements for adult dogs!
The dietary needs for adult dogs will vary dog to dog depending upon condition, size, and breed.
In general, the aim of adult dog food should be the continued maintenance of well-being for the immune system, skin, coat and muscles.
Adult dogs will be eating less often than their puppies, averaging two servings a day; some breeds will only need one serving a day.
It is vital to ensure that your dog is meeting all of the nutritional requirements at each meal to keep it healthy and happy.
Routine is also important and allows your dog’s digestion system a sense of regularity. With a stable routine, your dog’s body will come to expect meals at the appointed time which will help the digestion process and even his mental health.
When deciding what time to feed your dog, take into consideration your own daily habits and choose times that will allow you to follow through with the plan each and every day.
In time, you and your dog will fall into habit reducing stress and making life much easier for both.
Now, with your dog coming into adulthood, you will have to change the food from puppy chow to a food formulated for older dogs.
This should start around the one year mark for your puppy. Changing dog foods should be done carefully and with great care and consideration. Pay close attention to your dog’s likes, dislikes, and attitude toward the new food.
When choosing the new food, make sure that it contains the six major nutrient groups which will provide your dog with a healthy diet. These groups are the proteins, fats and oils, minerals, water, carbohydrates, and vitamins that can be found listed on the Guaranteed Analysis on the dog food package.
It is also important to consider your dog’s special needs and circumstances while choosing an adult formulated food. Breed and size are two factors as well as any health issues and if your dog is active or inactive.
Smaller breeds metabolize much faster than larger breeds and will need twice the calories. Larger breeds will need to eat more and will also need dog food that helps strengthen their bones and joints.
Active dogs will need food with high levels of fat which will not help the inactive dog.
No matter what food you choose, make sure that it will meet your dog’s dietary needs. Remember that the feeding recommendations below and those found on other food’s labels are merely guidelines.
You, as the owner, will be the first to know if your dog is benefiting from the diet or that adjustments are needed. And, as always, do not hesitate to consult with your veterinarian if you should have any questions or concerns.
SENIORS
Senior dogs require nutrients and a diet suited to their advanced age and biological systems. A high quality diet which caters to the dog’s mature metabolism will be important.
Senior dogs especially need these higher quality ingredients in order to make up for any of the dog’s own short falls.
Dogs, much like humans, require special attention as they age. Providing this attention and care will increase the longevity and well-being of your pet.
Starting from puppy hood, the diet of your dog helps to build a foundation of health. With a sturdy foundation, your dog will be able to live through his adult life and into his senior life with the greatest possible health.
As the dog approaches five to seven years, special care in his diet will need to be taken. Most dog breeds see a decrease in metabolism during this time and an increase in the need for certain vitamins to help keep bones and joints strong.
Obesity is often a concern for older dogs and should not be taken lightly. Obese dogs are prone to several health concerns and these concerns are doubled if the dog is advance in years.
There are many wonderful foods available on the market for senior dogs. Many commercial brands have a senior variant which is aimed at providing your older dog with the needed nutrients.
There are many other factors that must change in order to provide your senior dog with a better lifestyle. Reducing stress is important so keep up the feeding routine and other routines in your dog’s life.
There are many wonderful foods available on the market for senior dogs. Many commercial brands have a senior variant which is aimed at providing your older dog with the needed nutrients.
There are many other factors that must change in order to provide your senior dog with a better lifestyle. Reducing stress is important so keep up the feeding routine and other routines in your dog’s life.
Exercise is always important no matter the age or breed of your dog and while your older dog may not be able to sprint like he used to, moderate exercise will increase blood flow and help digestion.
Along with veterinarian check-ups and high quality food, you can provide your senior dog with the tools necessary to fully enjoy his golden years.
The brands of dog food in this book represent a mixture of the best in commercial foods along with a few brands that may not be available at local markets.
The foods represent some of the best out on the market and in general will provide your dog, no matter the age, with the necessary nutrients for his diet.
Senior dogs may have specialized needs depending upon their lifestyle and medical conditions so the foods listed below may not suit the dietary needs of your dog.
If you have any questions consult your veterinarian.
I hope you learned a lot from today’s dog food newsletter.
I will be back for more!
Warmest regards,
Sharda Baker