In general, the life stages of a dog are puppy, adult and senior. During each of these stages, the dog needs a diet appropriate for its age. This is because your nutritional needs change as you age.
Life stages of a dog
- PuppyThis stage of a dog’s life goes from birth to twelve months. During this time, puppies need a specially formulated food to meet their growing needs. To do this, you can look for puppy foods that are labeled “complete and balanced” and meet nutritional requirements set by animal health organizations. Foods contain adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus for bone and muscle development. Puppies also need foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. All of these components are usually included in foods formulated for puppies.
- Adult: When they are over twelve months old, they are considered adult dogs. At this stage, your diet must be balanced to maintain your health and well-being. The food should contain a good amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The caloric content should be appropriate to their size and age. This will help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent disease.
- SeniorDepending on breed and size, your dog will be a senior at approximately seven years of age. At this stage, you will need fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. It will also need to receive essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to help improve skin and coat health and adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus to maintain strong bones.
How to change food
According to canine nutritionist Rosana Carrasco, responsible for
naturalwil.com
chroughout the different stages of a dog’s life, it is important to ensure that it receives the right nutrients for its growth and development. To make the changes, you can take into account the following recommendations:
- From puppy to adultGradually introduce the new food. Try mixing small amounts of the new food with the old food. You can then gradually increase the proportion of the new food over about a week. The change will be gradual, until your dog is completely fed with the new food.
- Adult to seniorTransition should be done gradually, as in the previous case. This will help minimize the risk of your dog suffering from an upset stomach or allergy.
While these are general recommendations, it should be noted that each dog is unique and may have specific food needs. Ideally, always consult your veterinarian before making any changes in your dog’s diet.
In fact, the veterinarian is the one who will be able to advise the right time to make the necessary changes in your dog’s diet. In doing so, it will take into account factors such as your dog’s breed, size, health status and other individual considerations.
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