Changing Your Dog’s Diet: From Puppy to Adult

Did you know that transitioning from puppy to adulthood requires a different diet? Yes, that’s true. Let us tell you how that change significantly affects their diet.

Puppy Nutrition

The puppy-to-adult transition happens quite fast. Here’s the crucial significance in their diet that needs to be addressed:

• High calorie: These need to be coming from protein. Puppies need more calories that help their bones, muscles, and organs grow.
• Important Nutrients: DHA, also known as Omega-3, helps with eye development, which aids in puppy learning development and vision.

Switching to Adult Food

Most puppies are ready for adult food around 12 months, and larger breeds might take up to 18 months. Signs they are ready to change include being less interested in puppy food or growing more slowly. Mix adult food with their current puppy food over 7-10 days to avoid upsetting their stomach. As puppies grow up, they need less food. Cut back on portion sizes to prevent them from gaining extra weight.

When dogs enter adulthood, their dietary requirements shift dramatically. This necessitates a focused approach to nutrition.

• Protein sources: When it comes to protein, aim for lean protein, mostly animal-based such as chicken, fish, or lamb. This is more easily digestible and helps maintain their muscle mass. This should be the primary nutritional value. Tip: The ingredients listed first make up the majority composition of the food. Make sure the lean protein is among the top-listed ingredients.
• Calories and meal timings: Compared to puppies, adult dogs thrive on meals that are spaced out to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day. For this reason, calorie needs must be met efficiently. Based on their weight and activity levels, calories need to be measured. This prevents obesity and health issues.
• Breed-specific nutritional needs: Certain breeds, like bulldogs, are prone to joint issues and can benefit from diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine. Breeds like Greyhounds, with fast metabolisms, require higher-calorie diets. Their activity level is required to be high. Make sure to consult a vet for breed-specific advice.

Picking the Right Adult Dog Food

Here’s an easy way to read the label instructions and what to look out for:

• Ingredients: The first ingredient should be animal-based lean protein: chicken, or fish.
• Avoid Fillers: Stay away from foods with lots of fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products. They are not required in the food apart from certain preservatives to keep it fresh. Make sure you differentiate between them and look out.
• Special diet: In exceptions like sensitive digestion or joint problems, it’s better to look for food that supports addressing the problem.

At Bearhugs, we use real chicken with no fillers, gluten, or artificial ingredients, ensuring a nutritious and delicious meal for dogs of all sizes and ages.

Supplements and Extra Nutrition

Some dogs need supplements to keep them healthy, such as for joints, skin and coat, and brain health. Here’s how to look out for them:

• For joints: Big dogs or very active dogs need glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.
• For Skin and Coat: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help keep their skin and coat healthy.
• For Brain Health: Antioxidants and certain fatty acids can help keep their brain sharp as they age.

Tips for Feeding Your Dog

Good feeding habits are important for your dog’s long-term health:

• Feed on a Schedule: Feed your dog at the same times every day.
• Don’t Overfeed: Measure their food to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to weight gain.
• Picky Eaters: If your dog is picky, don’t give them too many treats or table scraps, as this can create bad habits.

By adjusting your dog’s diet as they grow, you can make sure they get the right nutrition to stay healthy. A good diet will help them thrive from puppyhood into adulthood.