A dog’s lifespan can be classified into three age groups: puppy age, adulthood, and senior age. As it ages, the dog’s dietary requirements will shift to accommodate its changing needs. Also, their appetites can change as they mature. This is why you need to know the best time to switch brands and types of solids that are right for your dog’s health and eating habits.
Puppy food is designed to be packed with calories and nutrients needed to build bones, muscles and strengthen their body systems. Meanwhile, many adult dogs require specific amounts of calories, nutrients, and protein to maintain their strength while maintaining a healthy weight. Because of differences in dietary requirements, dogs must be provided with a food that is appropriate for their age.
If you want some suggestions on how and when to change your dog’s diet from puppy food to adult dog foodYou can consider the following tips:
- Consider your dog’s age and breed size
Dogs about 6 to 12 months old are usually ready to move into adulthood dog’s food. Some of these signs include leftovers after each feeding or skipping a meal, which indicates that the dog may have felt full with less puppy food because it contains more calories.
In addition to these signs, you can also consider your breed size when thinking about switching to adult dog food.
Dogs of smaller breeds such as corgis, puppies, and chihuahuas tend to mature more quickly, with many reaching adulthood between seven and nine months of age. On the other hand, medium-sized breeds such as bassets, border terriers, and beagles typically reach maturity after 12 to 16 months of life. Finally, the largest breeds such as Great Danes, Rottweilers and Saint Bernards can take up to two years to mature.
To prevent obesity and nutritional imbalances, you can consult your veterinarian for the best recommended dog food for your furry friend. This step is important to avoid giving your puppy cooked food, which can cause weak bones, diarrhea, and unwanted weight gain in the long run.
- Adjust feed ration and feeding time
Since puppies need more nutrition to promote their growth and development, they are usually allowed to eat several small meals throughout the day.
For example, puppies under four months of age can eat solid food four to five times per day. Feedings are often done between feeds to help babies transition to the diet and wean more effectively. After four months, they can be fed three times per day. Meanwhile, food should be limited to 10% of their daily nutrient intake to maintain balance.
It is said that a dog’s calorie needs will decrease as it matures. Therefore, it is essential to switch to an adult dog food that suits their needs. In addition, its feed intake should be gradually reduced to two feedings a day to ensure proper weight management and adequate digestion. To do this effectively, it is essential to follow a set feeding schedule. Doing so will prevent grazing and encourage healthy eating behaviors, such as eating and chewing slowly.
When it comes to servings, each serving of food should be measured and prepared according to the instructions on its label. In addition, it is essential to consider the dog’s weight and the veterinarian’s recommendations based on its state of health. Finally, limit yourself to one to two servings per day to avoid overeating.
- Observe your dog’s feeding behavior
Another way to tell if your dog is ready for adult food is to observe its eating behaviour. A good sign that it is ready for a diet change is to see how much food it consumes per feeding and if there are any noticeable changes in its appetite. If the dog is ready for an adult snack, the puppy’s leftovers should be left behind after each feeding.
Plus, your dog may suddenly appear picky or eat less than usual. Some may also skip meals, become lethargic, or develop stomach problems from nutrient-rich puppy food. If this happens, consult your veterinarian immediately and seek immediate treatment. Furthermore, consult your veterinarian about helping your dog acclimate to an adult diet and feeding.
Once you’ve confirmed your dog’s readiness for adult food, you can create a feeding plan to help ease your dog’s transition to the new diet. Depending on your dog’s appetite and food preferences, it may take some time before they get used to eating less than twice a day. To make this process easier, you can serve adult dog food on specific days of the week until your dog feels more comfortable and exhibits good health with a nutritional plan. new care.
In the meantime, you can also consult a veterinarian, especially if your dog has special dietary needs or health problems. Also, some dogs take longer to adjust to a new diet, and it can take a few tries with different flavors and brands before you can find the one that best suits your taste. of dogs. Therefore, it is essential to be patient with the transition and make adjustments to help your dog consume the right amount of food and nutrients.
- Encourage behavior in healthy meals
Transitioning to an adult diet may also be the best time to improve their behavior during feeding. In addition to making mealtimes more convenient and hassle-free, healthy feeding behaviors can also have significant benefits for your dog’s health and well-being.
For example, if your dog has a habit of eating too quickly, changing his portions and food may encourage him to eat more slowly. On the other hand, dogs that consume too much food will benefit from serving smaller meals at spaced intervals to help them break old eating habits and eat the right amount of food at each feeding.
Inference
Your dog’s diet and feeding schedule should be based on their health and age requirements and your veterinarian’s recommendations. As your dog grows and matures, it is essential to do change in their meals and nutritional intake to ensure that they are optimal for their health and well-being. In addition, doing so will help prevent illness or discomfort and prolong their lifespan.
