A dog’s dietary needs will change over the course of his life, from birth to adolescence to adulthood and then to old age. A life stage diet is one that is designed to meet the different nutritional needs a dog has as he ages.
Suitable Pet Foods
The best way to determine whether or not a dog food is suitable for a particular life stage is to check the packaging. The nutritional information on the label will state whether the product has been specifically tested and certified as a safe and effective feeding option for a designated canine life stage. Whilst some dogs may require special diets due to medical issues, the average small or medium breed dog will simply need to eat food which contains high-quality animal-based proteins, essential vitamins and minerals, vitamin-rich fish oils, healthy grains and fibre.
Portion Sizes
It is important to maintain effective portion control throughout a dog’s life. When reading the label on a pet’s food, owners should follow the recommendation for their pet’s ideal weight, rather than their current weight as some pets may require more or less than the stated amount to maintain a healthy weight.
Senior Dogs
Senior dogs are likely to develop age-related health issues in the later years of life. Fortunately, there are different food and supplements available which can help to address a range of different health problems. A veterinarian can advise owners which type of pet nutrition will be best for their senior dog.
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