11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">From a puppy’s
energetic demands, to the unpredictability of adolescence, to self-assured
adulthood and finally the comfortable pace of old age – providing the right
diet for each stage will keep them functioning at their best.
The stages of a
dog’s life are roughly:
11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Puppyhood: ± 1 - 6 months
11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Adolescence: ± 6 – 18 months
11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Adulthood: ± 12 months – 6yrs
11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial"> Old age: ± 6 years +
Though it is
important to remember that dogs age at different speeds depending on their
breed and size.
11.0pt;font-family:"Arial Narrow";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial">No matter what
stage of life you’re feeding for, always ensure there is ample fresh water
available for your pets and feed the correct amount of food by confirming
quantities on the pet food packaging.
Puppyhood
Puppies need a
diet conducive to growth. This means high protein, enriched with the correct
amounts of vitamins, minerals and fats. Puppies also eat a lot more during the
day to facilitate rapid growth, so feeding more often is recommended (3 – 4
times a day). Most dog food manufacturers offer a specific formulation for
puppies – and sometimes even for differing breeds – for a time when protein,
calcium and phosphorous levels are more critical and much in demand. Most importantly, buy food that’s of the highest
quality that you can afford, so that your puppy gets exactly what he needs for
the right start to life.
Adolescence
through to adulthood
Your dog’s
adolescent months can be trying as your dog tests limits to establish
boundaries. Often filled with inattentive hyperactivity and curiosity, this is
the time to remain firm in your training – and use of your pet’s daily ration
of food can be used creatively with positive training methods to define these
boundaries.
It is also the right time to transition from puppy food to adult
food as your dog’s body begins to reach maturity. Some brands even offer a
transitional food specifically for adolescence. It may be a case of trial and
error when it comes to finding the right food for your dog, but thankfully
there are many options out there to suit you and your dog’s individual needs
(such as their level of activity, breed and size).
If the time comes to
move over to another brand always make a gradual change, introducing the new
food bit by bit over a few days to avoid a gastrointestinal upset.
Old age:
At this stage,
your once lively and energetic dog begins to slow down and often prefers to
rather bathe in the warm sun for most of the day. As the transition occurs
dietary needs change and a diet suited to a slowing metabolism becomes necessary.
Low calorie, high fiber diets assist in maintaining a healthy weight and aids
digestion. Certain geriatric foods also contain additional supplements to
alleviate symptoms of arthritis and joint pain, which are common in aging dogs.
Feeding your dog
correctly for each life stage has benefits not only for your dog but for you
too. A happy, healthy dog saves you expensive visits to the vet and aids in
achieving a longer, fuller life. And while choosing the right dog food brand
can be tricky with so many options to choose from, it’s reassuring to know that
there is a mark that sets foods apart – brands that commit to making safe,
nutritious foods, manufactured to international standards have chosen to join
the PFI (Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa).