Nutrition: The Most Suitable For Each Dog
Nutrition is one of the most important factors when caring for a dog. Not everyone should eat the same amount of food, even when two dogs are of similar breeds. Each breed has its own characteristics, so each must follow the most suitable diet. Experts are in favor of a diet that is designed exclusively for dogs.
Today we want to give you some advice so that your dog can grow up healthy; in particular we will tell you what a dog needs, based on size, age and other health conditions.
Feeding the puppies
Photo author: Jerry
Puppies have more energy, so they burn calories faster than adult dogs. For this reason, they need to follow a diet that provides them with the right calories – not so many that they get fat, but not so low that they burn too quickly.
Heavy foods that can overload the stomach and digestive system, making digestion and subsequent evacuation difficult, should be avoided.
In pet stores you will find a wide range of special puppy foods, able to provide the animal with mineral salts, vitamins and other essential nutrients. They are also designed for the small mouth and still weak teeth of puppies. However, it is best to ask your vet for advice on the best nutrition for your particular dog.
The most suitable diet for large breed dogs
Large breed dogs tend to have problems with the skeletal system as they grow up. These dogs are characterized by slow growth and faster aging than others. For this reason, they need a diet that provides them with the substances necessary to strengthen the immune system and, of course, calcium, so that their bones can grow healthy and strong.
Don’t give your dog milk! We have already said, on other occasions, that giving milk to the dog can put his health at risk. Maybe some of you have done it and nothing has happened, however we advise against it, as dogs’ stomachs are not predisposed to digest lactose.
Large breed dogs tend to eat too quickly, almost swallowing without chewing. For this reason, even though we know that these breeds eat a lot and that it may cost a little more, we advise you to buy special food for large breed dogs; they are produced in large bites that force the dog to chew, releasing more of the nutrients they contain.
Nutrition suitable for an elderly dog
Older dogs spend less energy and, therefore, burn fewer calories. They don’t need a large intake of carbohydrates or fats. It is important, however, that their diet contains high-quality proteins, which are important for staying healthy and maintaining good muscle mass.
Along with protein, provide your senior dog with vitamins to help strengthen the immune system, and minerals, which help keep their slightly rusty joints functioning properly.
Check that the food you buy contains these substances, that it is broken into small pieces, easy to chew and digest, and that it is rich in meat. The latter increases the appetite and is essential for an older dog.
Nutrition for the pregnant bitch
During pregnancy, the dog has to eat more, so she will need good quality food and a balanced diet. The pregnant state could cause her appetite disturbances, leading her to eat a lot some days and nothing on others. The typical adult dog meal is unable to provide her with everything she needs.
In the well-stocked pet shops you can buy special food for pregnant bitches; if you can’t find it or it’s too expensive, replace it with good quality puppy food.
However, do not choose foods designed for large breed puppies, otherwise you could induce unnecessary overweight in the dog. The food for a medium-sized dog provides all the substances and minerals necessary for a pregnant dog
