How often should I feed my dog?
Growing dogs need a lot of food, so your vet may recommend that you feed a puppy several times a day. However, what happens when your dog gets older? You may be wondering, "how often should I feed my dog?" or "how much should he give her?"
To answer these questions, here are some feeding guidelines for dogs of all ages, from playful puppies to calm older dogs.
How to feed a puppy
Since puppies grow quickly and burn a lot of energy, they need to eat very nutritious food often.
You will start by feeding your puppy frequently, and then gradually reduce the number of meals. This process will help them grow big and strong.
6 to 12 weeks
Puppies should eat foods that are nutritionally designed to meet the needs of their bone and muscle development as well as provide the energy needed to stay active. A quality puppy food contains optimal amounts of protein, DHA and vitamins to keep your puppy growing at the proper rate. The UK Kennel Club recommends four meals a day for puppies during this stage. It is also advisable to give puppies wet food to help them chew.
From 3 to 6 months
The Kennel Club recommends reducing meals to three a day when the puppy is four months old. During this stage, give them puppy rations until you see that they are slimmer and slimmer, signs that his body is starting to mature.
From 6 to 12 months
At six months, the Kennel Club recommends reducing meals to twice a day. Keep in mind that after spaying your dog's energy level may drop, so make sure you're giving him the right amount. This is also a good time to start thinking about the type of food you want to feed when you transition from nutrient-rich puppy foods to adult foods. While you should always consult your vet about your puppy's specific needs, small and medium breeds typically switch to adult foods at 12 months, while large or giant breeds may not start the transition until 18 months old.
As with anything that has a substantial impact on your dog's overall health and development, consult your veterinarian for appropriate feeding guidelines. Although dog food packages and cans often contain instructions, calorie needs can vary from dog to dog based on breed, weight, activity level, etc. Your vet will be able to give you valuable advice on feeding your puppy in order for him to grow up healthy.
How to feed an adult dog
Once your dog has reached adulthood, make sure to feed him food that will keep him fit and healthy to prevent health problems. The type of food and the size of the portions should be in accordance with the breed, size and lifestyle of the dog. Again, we advise you to discuss this with your vet to ensure proper nutrition.
From 1 to 7 years
Most owners give adult dogs two half-rations a day. How much food does this entail? It depends on your dog. He measures the rations, rather than by eye, to make sure your dog gets the right amount each day. Monitor your dog for signs of weight gain and if necessary reduce the amount of food under the supervision of your veterinarian. Signs that your dog is overweight include not being able to feel their ribs or feel their waist, as well as fat accumulation on the hips and base of the tail, and swaying when walking.
More than 7 years
Your dog is getting older and may be a bit slower. Remember that dogs age faster than people, so important changes in their health will take place much sooner. Choose a food specially formulated with ingredients that support brain, immune and digestive function to maintain your energy level and shiny coat. Foods formulated for older pets also take into account that their metabolism will likely have slowed down. Choosing the right diet will give your older dog the right amount of calories and offer him extra nutrients to help him regain a youthful spirit.
Caring for an older dog
Your dog is past middle age. With old age, your dog is undergoing changes, so monitor his nutrition and his health and consult your vet to see if he should switch to a senior dog food.
Larger breeds may reach old age sooner than smaller breeds, so it's important to check with your vet to find out when your dog has reached this stage. For example, your Jack Russell terrier may still be running around the house at eleven years old, while a golden retriever may be slowing down at seven.
At this stage you may prefer to reduce the amount of food to avoid weight gain that comes with less activity. Older dogs should also be watched for signs of weight loss, which can be indicative of certain health problems, such as dental ones. Keep feeding him twice a day, as your dog may like the routine. If you notice changes in your dog's weight or eating habits, consult your veterinarian.
Giving your dog the right amount of high-quality food at every stage of his life will go a long way toward keeping him healthy. Just as feed amounts change from person to person, they also vary from dog to dog, so consulting your vet is the best starting point.
Please note that the above information and age ranges are for guidance only. Your dog may age faster due to health problems or maintain his vitality well into old age. Watching over your dog's health, choosing high-quality food for each stage of his life and being in direct contact with your veterinarian will help you know how much food you should give your dog and make the best decisions to feed your friend four-legged from puppyhood to old age.
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