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Your Dog's Good Health Starts with Good Nutrition

By Carol Stack

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Published: 26Oct2006
Word count: 556
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Good health starts with good nutrition. It helps dogs fight disease, grow correctly, and age gracefully. Giving your puppy or adult dog the correct dog food in the correct amounts makes for a happier, healthier pet.

Dogs need different diets as they age. Puppies usually require larger amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates than an adult dog. Their bodies are going through tremendous growth in a short amount of time and so dog food rich in these items are very important.

However, different dog breeds require different amounts of calcium, protein, and fat. It's been found that puppies of larger breeds need less protein and grow at a healthier rate on adult dog food because it doesn't promote the fast growth that puppy food does.

Dog breeds such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and Saint Bernards can grow at phenomenal rates, some gaining 100 pounds in months. When bones grow too fast they become less dense and more porous, leaving the dog more vulnerable to degenerative conditions.

In some areas puppy food is available specifically for different breed sizes. It's recommended that owners talk to their vet about what dog food is best for their puppy.

Feeding schedules are different for the age and the size of the animal. Small-breed puppies such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas may not get the energy they need unless they are fed 3-4 times a day for the first few months.

There are special formulas for small breeds. They typically come in smaller kibble so it's easier for the dog to eat, as well as being higher in nutrition so the dog gets the necessary energy they need for their higher metabolism.

Extra calories are needed by dog athletes and working dogs to provide the energy they need each day. There are custom-made formulas that contain a high percentage of calories from protein and fat.

Elderly dogs have completely different needs than puppies, younger dogs and working dogs. They need less protein while at the same time the protein needs to be easily assimilated into the body and easily digestible. Too much protein can lead to burdening the renal structures and may damage the kidneys.

Arthritis, heart disease and other age-related conditions could mean less exercise and so less food. However, senior dogs that remain active, have a healthy weight, and are free from serious health problems don't necessarily need a senior diet.

Some senior diets have reduced protein levels. But healthy seniors need sufficient protein to help maintain muscle mass. Owners need to check with their dog's vet to determine the best formula and the correct amount for their elderly dog.

A stage that some female dogs go through is the pregnancy stage. This requires a different diet and schedule. Females in the pregnancy stage require a balanced nutrition with proper supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Later, when they are nursing the puppies, they need enough calcium so the bones of the puppies will be strong.

As your dog advances through each stage it's necessary to check how your dog is doing. If there is a change in weight, mobility, coat quality, or any other health aspect in your dog you need to discuss it with your vet. It is possible that your dog needs a change in diet.

Carol Stack enjoys writing articles about dogs. She lives with her husband, children, four dogs and seven cats in the United States. Carol and her daughter Christy have been working on a web site especially for dog lovers. Tips and information about dog breeds, dog care, and dog training can be found at http://www.christysdogportal.com

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