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With so many choices, finding a good puppy food can seem outright daunting. Well, it’s about to get a little easier. Watch as Dr. Katy Nelson takes you through the ins and outs of puppy nutrition with information on everything from age appropriate dog food, to the importance of feeding schedules.
Hi, I'm Dr. Katy Nelson with IAMS. Today we're going to talk about dog nutrition, and what you should look for in your puppy's food. Just like infants, puppies require different levels of nutrients than older dogs. Physically, puppies grow fastest during the first six months. The right nutrition is critical to support this rapid growth. That said, your puppy should only receive premium puppy food until he reaches his adult height and weight. That's typically in the first year for small and medium breeds, and can be up to two years for large and giant breeds. One more thing to consider is that a puppy's energy requirements can be nearly twice that of an adult dog. And since their stomachs are smaller, they need more nutritionally dense food formulated just for puppies to help them meet their energy needs. There are three types of food: dry kibble, semi-moist—which comes in sealed packages—and moist or canned. Most veterinarians and trainers recommend dry kibble food, because of its fat content, and the fact that moist food can spoil. Dry kibble also helps with tartar control, which is particularly important for his developing teeth. When you're shopping for food, there are a couple of things you want to look for and keep in mind. Number one, look on the label for a statement that says, 'Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food Nutrient Profiles for growth.' Number two, read the ingredients list on the back of the package, and look for real meat as the first ingredient. Puppies grow the fastest during the first six months of life, and because growth rates differ among breed sizes, you need to feed a formula designed to address the needs of your puppy's breed and size. Ideally, puppy food should also contain animal based protein for strong muscles. The protein requirement for growing poppies is higher than that for adult dogs. High quality protein is critical for puppies to create new body tissue as they grow. Calcium for strong bones and teeth, iron for healthy blood, DHA for the brain, central nervous system, and vision. DHA is a key ingredient found naturally in mother's milk, and is important for a baby's neural development. Just like a baby, your puppy's ability to learn depends on healthy brain development. Prebiotics for healthy immune system, because 65% of your puppy's immune system is in his digestive tract, and high in calories for all the energy a puppy burns. The nutritional needs for puppies differ for different breeds sizes. Large breed puppies grow more quickly. Because of that, they actually need less calcium, so their bones don't grow too fast. Medium breed dogs need a careful balance of calories and nutrients to be sure that they don't gain excess weight, while small breed puppies need nutrient dense food in small bites, because their metabolism tends to be faster, and they have different energy needs than larger dogs. Another important thing to know is that what is good for humans is not necessarily good for animals. Because proper nutrition is critical for optimal development, and because human food doesn't offer the proper balance of nutrients puppies need, it is important to teach your whole family that feeding your puppy or your dog table scraps is a big no-no, and a major health hazard. Now let's talk about feeding schedules. Just like babies, puppies do best on a regular schedule. Schedules teach them that there are times to eat, times to play, and times to potty. Obviously, the feeding schedule will largely be dictated by your own personal schedule. But no matter what, it is critical that puppies younger than four months be fed multiple times per day. Depending on your puppy's breed size, at around six months, you can start to limit feedings to twice a day. Also, keep in mind that eating is soon followed by the urge to go to the bathroom. If you work away from your house and are unable to feed and walk your puppy as often as needed, think about hiring a dog walker, or ask a neighbor to help you keep your puppy on his schedule. For more information on house training, watch 'How to House Train Your Puppy.' Another important nutritional determinant is how much you're supposed to feed your developing puppy. Even though the back of the puppy food bags usually have suggested portion sizes based on weight, they are not always right for your puppy. So it's best to pay attention to your puppy's body and talk to your veterinarian. Remember, a fat puppy is not necessarily a healthy puppy. Just as childhood obesity can lead to adult health issues in humans, monitoring a puppy's weight is very important to ensure proper development. Treats are another food source to consider when determining portion size. It is important to limit treating to less than 10% of your puppy's daily caloric intake. When selecting treats, hard chew treats are ideal, because they improve dental health through gnawing. Also, try to save treating for training sessions to reward good behavior, but be careful not to overdo it. For more information on training, watch our video 'Puppy training basics.' The last part of puppy nutrition we are going to talk about is water. Puppies need fresh, clean water available at all times. Like us, it is their most important nutrient. You should change your puppy's water often, at least once a day. Providing fresh, clean water greatly reduces the risk of disease, and therefore keeps your pet happy and healthy. I'm Dr. Katy Nelson for IAMS, and I hope that you found this helpful as you welcome your new addition into your family.
Have you ever spotted your beloved canine companion nibbling on the lush green blades in the backyard and found yourself pondering the reason behind this seemingly peculiar behaviour? This intriguing habit has fascinated pet owners and experts for generations. In this blog, we will explore the various factors that might drive your furry friend to indulge in this grassy feast, unfolding the mystery behind their seemingly strange dietary preferences and habits.
Dogs have been known to display a liking towards occasionally nibbling on grass. While the exact rationale may differ from one dog to another, several theories attempt to shed light on this behaviour, providing explanations for this habit. Understanding the underlying motivations can provide valuable insights into our furry friends’ dietary preferences. Your dog could be eating grass due to various causes, some of which are listed below.
Some dogs simply relish the taste and texture of grass, which might be due to the change in taste, texture, or smell during different seasons. For them, indulging in a bit of greenery might be akin to us savouring a favourite snack. It may not necessarily serve any particular purpose other than fulfilling a canine craving for something different and intriguing, making it a harmless pastime that satisfies their curious taste buds and offers them a brief moment of sensory delight amid their daily routines.
In certain instances, dogs may resort to grass as a means of alleviating boredom and seeking sensory stimulation. Particularly for those lacking sufficient mental or physical engagement, exploring the various textures and tastes of the outdoors can serve as a form of entertainment, helping to pass the time and provide a temporary distraction from their otherwise monotonous routines. This act of grazing on grass could serve as a form of mental enrichment, offering them a much-needed change of pace and an opportunity to engage their senses.
Dogs, like humans, require a certain amount of fibre in their diets to maintain a healthy digestive system. Since grass is a natural source of fibre, sometimes dogs can eat grass instinctively to aid in digestion, especially if their regular diet lacks adequate fibre content. This act of consuming grass could potentially help them regulate their digestive processes, promoting better overall gut health and ensuring smooth bowel movements, contributing to their overall well-being and physical comfort.
Surprisingly, grass contains certain properties that could aid dogs in purging their system of any potentially harmful intestinal parasites. By inducing vomiting through grass consumption, dogs might instinctively attempt to cleanse their digestive tract, ridding themselves of any unwelcome parasites that could be causing discomfort or distress. This natural mechanism could be a part of their innate self-care routine, serving as a means of maintaining their overall health and well-being while safeguarding them from potential health risks posed by internal parasites.
Keeping a close eye on your dog's grass-eating habits is essential for understanding their overall well-being. Despite common assumptions, the act of consuming grass does not necessarily indicate an underlying illness, with reports suggesting that only about 10% of dogs appear to be unwell before indulging in grass. This emphasises the importance of paying attention to other cues to gauge your pet's health accurately and understand if grass is good for dogs.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that most dogs, approximately 25%, who consume grass do not end up vomiting regularly after grazing. This challenges the conventional notion that grass consumption leads to subsequent vomiting. Some experts propose that this behaviour might aid in digestion or cater to specific nutritional requirements, such as the need for additional dietary fibre, indicating a potentially intuitive dietary mechanism in canines.
However, as mentioned previously, it is plausible that your dog simply relishes the taste or texture of grass, viewing it as a form of sensory stimulation. By closely observing your dog's grass-eating patterns and any accompanying behaviours, you can discern whether this habit is a matter of preference or indicative of underlying health issues that require attention. This vigilance allows for a comprehensive understanding of your pet's dietary preferences and potential nutritional needs.
If you suspect your dog is eating grass out of boredom, it is crucial to ensure it is getting sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Consider incorporating engaging activities into its routine, such as playing interactive games like fetch or providing it with durable chew toys to keep it occupied and mentally stimulated.
In cases where your dog's grass-eating behaviour stems from a potential nutritional deficiency, transitioning to a higher-quality dog food, particularly one rich in dietary fibre, could help address the underlying issue. Consulting with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable dietary adjustments for your dog is advisable to ensure it receives the necessary nutrients.
While most experts agree that grass consumption itself isn't harmful, it's important to remain mindful of potential hazards. Some lawn treatments, including herbicides and pesticides, can be toxic if ingested. Similarly, several common household and garden plants are toxic to dogs, leading to health complications if consumed alongside grass. Being vigilant about the types of plants and substances your dog has access to will significantly mitigate potential risks associated with their grass-eating behaviour.
