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Differing Nutritional Needs Between Younger and Older Dogs
Feeding your dog has never been such a complicated process. As hundreds of pet food products have been released onto the market, each boasting different benefits for your dog, it is becoming increasingly difficult to know which benefits are nothing but hype and which are actually necessary for your pet’s well being. This becomes even more difficult when one considers the difference in feeding older and younger dogs. It seems as though every product on the market is designed for a specific age group. What does your dog really need?
Just as with humans, younger and older dogs have differing nutritional needs. Puppies need almost twice the calories of older dogs to meet their energy requirements, as well as extra calcium and vitamin D to help their teeth and bones grow properly. A good puppy food will consist of 30% protein and 15% fats; these are higher ratios than those provided by ordinary adult dog foods. If your puppy’s diet is not meeting these requirements there could be many difficult side effects, not the least of which being the inability to grow properly. A special puppy food will give your pup the best chance for a bright future.
Adult dogs will do best with a dog food specially balanced for adult dogs. Their caloric requirements are not as high as their younger counterparts, nor are they as low as they will be later in life. An adequate adult dog food will consist of 22% protein and 12% fat; this is the ratio found in most adult dog food products currently on the market.
In contrast to their more active counterparts older dogs are much more likely to suffer from obesity as aging and arthritis causes their bodies to slow down. For this reason it is important that older dogs be placed on a lower calorie diet rich in fiber. Older dogs do not have the same protein and fat requirements as younger dogs, and their diets should reflect that. A normal, healthy dog should be fed a dog food containing 18% protein and 8-12% fat; dogs with special needs, particularly those with renal problems (dysfunction of the kidneys) will need to have their diet adjusted accordingly. Many older dogs will prefer cat food over their own diet, a preference which makes life much simpler for owners with multiple pets; however, this practice should be discouraged due to the high protein content of most cat foods.
If you have any doubts about the diet you are feeding your pet, consult your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend a dog food that will best suit your pet, as well as prescribe any supplemental vitamins that may be necessary. Remember, your vet is your best source of knowledge about your dog and should be considered the final word on the subject of your pet’s diet. Working hand in hand with your veterinarian you will be able to ensure that your dog receives the proper nutrition throughout its entire lifespan.
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