Our Guide to Your Dog's Nutrition

Every fur parent wants the best for their furry best friend, but ensuring your pooch grows up to be healthy and happy can be tricky. Other than providing enough attention, love, and time for physical play, you need to give delicious food that is packed with nutrients! However, not all nutrients benefit your dog, so it's important to provide the right nutrition that meets your canine buddy's current needs to help them develop to their full potential. 

Just like humans, your dog's nutritional needs changes depending on their age and health. It is essential to learn more about dog nutrition, especially if you have a puppy, a senior dog, a large or small breed, or a dog with a special health condition. As mentioned, different nutrition may be needed to cater to the needs of your dog.

Nutritional Needs According to Your Dog's Stage in Life 

Ideal Nutrition for Puppies (0 to 1-year-old)

Puppies have a high requirement for nutrients to grow, which is why it is important to consider what you are feeding them. The main nutrients that puppies require are protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

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For one, protein plays a vital role in the puppy's growth and development. While carbohydrates provide energy and give your pups their iconic zeal. Keep in mind that when providing puppy food rich in carbs, be sure that it is easily digestible for puppies to avoid potential problems in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ideal Nutrition for Adult Dogs (1 to 7-years-old)

Adult dogs have an increased requirement for protein and fat to meet their higher energy needs and provide fuel for muscle maintenance and development. Most adult dogs are fed twice a day, in order to keep their metabolism and digestion up and running optimally.

High-quality protein and fat are also essential in maintaining strong teeth and muscles, as well as healthy skin and coat.

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Ideal Nutrition for Senior Dogs (7+ years old)

Unlike when they are younger, the energy requirement for senior dogs begins to decline. However, a dog's nutritional requirements are not the only thing that changes. For instance, senior dogs may have a hard time chewing, so they may need dog food that is easily digestible.

Obese senior dogs are at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain. As such, not only should you maintain your senior dog's ideal weight, it is also important to alter their diet to provide them with a nutritious, yet lower-calorie diet.

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Ideal Nutrition for Dogs with Special Conditions

Aside from providing the ideal nutrition for adult dogs, puppies, and senior dogs, you may also need to alter their diet for dogs with special conditions. For instance, if your dog is allergic to certain dog food ingredients, you may want to feed them hypoallergenic dog food.

If your dog has epileptic seizures, you may want to supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids to help lessen their seizures. If your dog suffers from IBD, you may want to feed them a dog food that is rich in prebiotics and probiotics to help boost the balance of beneficial bifidobacterial in their digestive system.

The Bottom Line: Feeding Your Fur Baby the Best Dog Food with the Right Nutrition for Them 

There are hundreds of dog food brands on the market nowadays but understanding dog nutrition is essential in choosing the best dog food for your dog. The key is to understand your dog's individual needs and find food that will help them develop to their full potential.

Why Choose Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville?

Our furry loved ones need the best care they could get, and at Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Marysville, we can guarantee that your pups will get all the love and care they deserve. 

We are a pet nutrition center and wellness spa that provides natural pet foods, raw foods, toys, treats, leashes, collars, and more. Besides that, we are also one of the best dog groomers in Marysville, providing in-house and at-home services. Check out our products and services today!