Dog food on the market can be divided into puppies, adult dogs and old dogs. This is because the proportion of nutrients required by dogs at different growth stages is different. Dog food with different formulas should be eaten according to the needs.
1. Dogs at different growth stages need different nutrients
Puppies:
The first one to two years after birth is a critical period for dogs to grow, so they need more protein, calcium, calories, fat and other nutrients for development. Moreover, puppies have poor physique and weak digestive function. They need a diet that is easier to digest and absorb.
Adulthood:
Adult dogs have completed their physical development, so they don’t need too much protein and calories, and just the right amount of balanced nutrition is enough to maintain their daily needs. Dogs with different breeds or living habits have different nutritional needs. Those who are active or go out often need a meal with high calories and sufficient protein to supplement physical exertion. Those with less activity do not need too many calories, but a diet with higher fiber content to prevent obesity or constipation.
Old dog period:
Older dogs have a slower metabolism and less activity, so they need fewer calories. And their gastrointestinal function slows down, so we should pay more attention to the fiber content in the diet to prevent obesity or constipation. In addition, the food intake of old dogs will decrease, and the rate of nutrient absorption will also decrease. Therefore, the proportion of protein in the food should not be too low, otherwise it will lead to muscle loss and weight loss, making the body condition worse.
2. Different dog foods have different nutritional content
Food for puppies:
Contains rich nutrition, a lot of protein and more fat; easier to digest and absorb; finer grain and easier to soak.
Food for adult dogs:
Contains balanced nutrition, moderate amount of protein and fat.
Food for old dogs:
High in calcium, low in phosphorus, and low in calories; contains high-quality protein, less fat and a moderate amount of cellulose; easier to digest and absorb; softer in texture.
4. What are the consequences of wrong distribution of dog food?
Dogs of different growth stages should only eat dog food commensurate with their growth stages. Improper diet will have a negative impact on the dog's body.
Puppies eat adult dog food:
Adult dog food contains less protein, calories and some nutrients than puppy food, so puppies will not get enough nutrition and calories for development, and it will also lead to nutritional imbalance, which will seriously affect their growth. Moreover, the digestive function of puppies is weak, and they have no ability to digest into dog food, which will harm the puppies' stomach and cause vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Adult or old dog eating puppy food:
Since puppy food is rich in protein and high in calories, eating puppy food for adult or old dogs will lead to overnutrition, leading to problems such as overweight and obesity.
> Veterinary advice should be consulted when choosing dog food
The growth cycle of different dog breeds is slightly different, the above information is for reference only. The health status of different dogs is also different, so dog food is not only divided into age, but also according to physical condition. For example, for pregnant dogs, for diabetics, for obese dogs, etc. Therefore, to choose which dog food is most suitable for your dog, you should consult a veterinarian first, and the veterinarian will evaluate the dog's physical condition and judge which dog food is more suitable.