Responsible dog owners do their best to feed their loveable pooch a balanced diet based on their age. They understand that puppies eat foods made for puppies, adult dogs eat foods made for their age bracket, and now dog food companies are catering to seniors with special needs. Most also understand that their canine friends should not be given human food since their bodies may not be able to take it. While Purebred Breeders LLC commends this effort, we feel that is is necessary to point out that it is not always enough. Did you know that a dog’s nutritional needs depend on its size and breed as much as it depends on its age?
The Truth About Doggie Nutrition
It is important to feed your dog in a way that helps to lengthen his or her life, and reduce the stresses that can come from genetic predispositions. This means that you should take into consideration what your dog is prone to due to its breed or size. Small dogs tend to burn food quickly hence need more food per pound than bigger dogs, while big dogs are prone to joint problems. This is why Purebred Breeders LLC stresses that each bowl of food served should cater to these varying needs.
Small dogs need more food (in excess of 2000 calories per day), but have small stomachs. Additionally, overfeeding can lead to health problems, while too little food can cause issues such as muscle tremors, seizures, lethargy and even death. The best way to address this is to feed your small dog calorie-rich meals between three to four times per day. Large amounts of antioxidants are also important.
Large dogs may require only around 400 calories daily, and should be given foods that cater to their predisposition to developmental orthopedic disorders. This includes meals that have a more balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. The phosphorus and calcium level should be slightly less than other foods, and the calorie provided should also be lower. Purebred Breeders LLC recommends foods with chondroitin, glucosamine and other joint care ingredients, especially for seniors.
Purebred Breeders LLC urges you to speak with your vet for individualized care. Both dogs will need full nutrition, although some types will need more of a specific nutrient then others. Extend your dog’s life and make it as pain-free as possible by learning all that you can.
Zackery is a PurebredBreeder.com columnist who writes features on a variety of dog related topics. He is also a big fan and attendee at many of the dog shows on the East Coast, and has a vast knowledge of the characteristics of the breeds and their special needs. He is not just a fan though, he has the ability to help plan shows or advise potential contestants as well as everyday owners on the best methods for training and housebreaking. He even uses this expertise to help man the Purebred Breeders Customer Service line where he feels he has a unique opportunity to educate a wide audience by answering question.
Always a giver, Zackery considers his association with our Purebred Breeders Puppy Mill projects as a great source of self-fulfillment and sees his job as another forum through which he can impart his skills, meet fellow dog lovers, discuss ways to enhance each dog’s quality of life, and bring more joy to their owners. He also delights in going through the emails received via Purebred Breeder Reviews. Zachery is lover of classical music, ballroom dancing, travelling and reading. He is a die-hard Mets fan as well who keeps connected with his friends and associates through Facebook and Twitter.
