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Your adorable puppy is growing up, and you've noticed the signs. Although they seem somewhat similar, puppies of different breeds grow at different rates. Puppies of larger breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers grow faster than smaller breeds like a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, or Yorkie. They need different diets that match their growth needs.
Proteins make up the building blocks of a puppy's body and are essential for daily growth and functions. Puppies need more protein than adult dogs as their bodies are constantly growing. Puppy food is also rich in calories to provide enough energy puppies need for playing and developing like Diamond Puppy Food. At least half of these calories are consumed for their growth and development.
When trying to determine the ideal dog food for your puppy, consult your vet for the best advice. Excessive protein can be harmful and unnecessary, causing the puppy's bones to develop far too quickly, which can result in abnormal formation of joints leading to arthritis as the dog grows older and be dependent on joint supplements for dogs.
When should you switch your puppy's food to adult dog food?
Depending on your puppy breed, most dogs will continue growing through the first two years. Consult a veterinarian to gauge your puppy's body condition score to identify the best time for you to switch from puppy food to adult dog food. Your vet can also help determine food portions and the kind of nutrients and calories your pet will require.
How can you choose the best adult dog food for your pet?
When you've decided to switch your puppy's food to adult dog food, it can be somewhat confusing to identify which food is the best for your pet. It would help if you chose an adult dog food formula from a reputed dog food brand that has qualified for all feeding trials.
It ensures that the dog food has been tested, so there are no deficiencies. You may also want to consider choosing a brand that has conducted scientific research to prepare its dog food formula like hill science dog food. Brands that consult with veterinary nutritionists are an ideal choice as they manufacture dog food that has been specially created to cater to your pet's growth and development.
While buying dog food, pay attention to what is mentioned in the description. Terms like "All Stage Food" mean that the dog food formula may contain more phosphorus and fat than the quantities required by your dog. Also, read through the composition mentioned on the package, so you know what ingredients have been used to prepare the formula and determine if that is the best for your pet. Consult your veterinarian to determine what food is ideal for your dog's needs.
Teach Your Dog To Eat Dry Food
Your dog may not want to eat dry food. If it does this, take it to the veterinarian first. Give them a complete check-up. It is vital as picky eating could symbolize a severe problem. In case your dog's nature is like that, you need to take a few steps to change your pet's eating habits. The steps include buying premium quality dry food and feeding the dog per a schedule. You can also adjust the diet of the dog over time.
Understand why your dog is unwilling to consume dry food
To understand what is going on, take the pet to a veterinarian. Two reasons exist as to why a dog turns out to be choosy in his diet. The first one is that he could be sick. The second reason is that he has access to a wide variety of food, including the menu you eat. It would help if you found out what exactly the cause is. If your dog is healthy, it can be a fussy eater due to conditioning.
If this is the case, you must work with your pet to change its habits. Find out when your dog starts to act picky. If the veterinarian asks, then tell them the approximate date. A sick dog will become a picky eater in one day. You could notice that the dog only nibbles at the food or does not eat. There could be two reasons for this; they may have lost their appetite or nausea. Several medical conditions could contribute to picky eating.
These include liver, kidney, or heart disease, dental problems, digestive problems, or tumors. Fussy eating habits could lead to many issues- even if your dog is healthy. These are not to be taken lightly, as they could threaten the life of your pet. The problems include obesity, nutrient deficiencies, diarrhea, pancreatic, behavioral issues, and difficulty treating chronic diseases later in your pet's life.
Adjusting the dog's diet
There is no substitution for feeding your dog premium quality food such as hill's science diet dog food, Orijen dog food, Natural Balance dog food, and Nature’s Recipe dog food, among others. Dog food is formulated in such a manner that all the nutritional requirements are met. Do understand that dogs have different needs than humans for protein and fat. The differences are mainly in the intake of vitamins and minerals. Dogs cannot get proper nutrition from human food. The dry food assists in removing the plaque and bacteria collected daily on the dog's teeth. Dog food has nutrients, like calcium, which helps create strong bones and teeth. Ensure that meat is included in the food of the dog.
