Dog Health Care: Why Diet Is Important

Successful dog health care can only be achieved by fulfilling their dietary requirements.

A dog’s nutritional requirements differ depending on their age, so managing their diet is not as straightforward as it initially appears.

This guide will inform you as to how you can tailor your dog’s diet to make sure it is benefiting their general health. A good diet is essential to successful dog ownership.

Feeding Adult Dogs

Balance is the most important aspect of a dogs diet, just like in humans. Protein is fundamental in maintaining this balance. The recommended protein content for dogs is 20 to 30 per cent, so it is imperative to feed them protein rich foods such as chicken, salmon and lamb.

Pastas, cereals and rice will give your dog the crucial carbohydrates they need to fuel their energy.

You can ensure smooth bowel movement by complementing their diet with plenty of fibre.

You should feed your dog twice a day, at the same time, with similar portion sizes.

Feeding Puppies

The dietary needs of a puppy are very similar to those of adult dogs, with the major difference being that the food needs to be easily digestible and higher in energy. You will need to feed a puppy less, more often, because they have smaller stomachs.

There are some foods you should avoid giving to a puppy, that you would normally be okay giving to an adult dog. For example, table scraps, which a puppy would find particularly hard to digest.

Feeding Senior Dogs

The nutritional needs of older dogs differ because they are less active and have slower metabolisms than puppies and adults.

It is imperative to keep the calorie levels of an older dog down, as well as giving them food that is easily digestible. Key minerals such as vitamin C and vitamin E will support their aging joints.

As dogs begin to age, their ability to chew effectively lessens. Keep the portion sizes of an older dog smaller and avoid giving them large pieces of chewy meat.