Keep your pup healthy at all stages of life
Just like humans, dogs also have different dietary requirements and health concerns at their different stages of life. We care about feeding our human family a balanced, nutritious diet, so what about our pups?
From starting them off right with food to help growing bones and teeth, to high-energy low-fat fuel through their adult years, to fortified foods to help their joints and ailments as they age, it’s important to know what to feed your dog at each stage to keep him healthy and strong.
That’s why this month, we’re taking a look at nutrition for dogs, from puppies to seniors.
At Nose To Tail, we stock high-quality preservative-free dog food that’s specially designed for each life stage - check out our product reviews to find the right one for you.
Nutrition for Puppies
Generally, dogs are considered puppies for the first year of their lives, and should be given special puppy food for this time. Some larger dogs may be puppy-like for up to two years, so check for information relevant to your breed to make sure you’re giving them the right nutrients at the right stage of their life.
In order to grow up strong and healthy, puppies need plenty of nutrients to support their bones, skin, teeth, and organ development. Puppies also require a lot more calories than adult dogs, to feed their high activity levels and fuel their play.
That’s why we recommend giving puppies specially formulated puppy food, as opposed to adult dog food or home-cooked meals. Puppy formulas are specially mixed to ensure they receive adequate nutrition to set their bodies up for a long and healthy life.
With extra calories for energy, vitamins and minerals for their immune system, omega fatty acids for brain and vision development, and calcium to support bone and teeth growth, puppy formulas contain everything your growing dog needs.
Nutrition for Adult Dogs
Once your dog becomes an adult, they need to be weaned onto a different type of formula. As adults, they no longer require the dense mix of calories and supplements, and can end up overweight if they stay on puppy food long term.
Through the middle stages of your dog’s life, they need a balanced diet of lean protein and vegetables with healthy fats – not too dissimilar to what doctors recommend for us!
A range of specialist dog foods are available now that cater for all sizes, strengths, and dietary needs. Whether your dog has skin sensitivities & allergies, needs to lose or gain weight, or is just a picky eater, we’ll find a food that’ll help make him happy.
With the right dog food, your pup’s coat, eyes, and energy will shine with health. See our range of foods online now.
Nutrition for Senior Dogs
Dogs become “senior” at different ages according to their breed, but generally they’re considered elderly once they reach two-thirds of the breed’s average lifespan. At around this time, you should be looking at changing your dog’s diet again to account for the new needs he’ll be having in old age.
Firstly, senior dogs require fewer calories than young dogs, as they’re generally less energetic so can’t burn it off as easily. Senior dog foods tend to be lower in calories so you won’t have to worry about him putting on weight in his elderly years.
Older dogs need more fibre in their diet to support their digestive system as it slows down with age. The principles of good nutrition for adult dogs also remain – a good balance of healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables will continue to support their bodies and minds.
Some senior dogs require extra support to combat common aging problems such as arthritis. Supplements to help ease aching joints can be added to your dog’s food mix, or given separately. Talk to us in store about which senior dog food mix might be right for your furry family member, and how we can support them as they age.
See our recommendations for dog foods for your puppy, adult, and senior dog, or call us for advice.