Like their human counterparts, dogs can have varied nutritional needs depending on their age, activity level or other underlying conditions. From puppies to elderly dogs, the different vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins needed may differ. To ensure your dog's health remains a priority, it is crucial to learn what nutrients they need most and provide them healthy food options to help meet or fulfill those needs. Dog nutrition is often one of the most important things to keep in mind to ensure that your pet continues to live a long and happy life.
At Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital, we know how vital dog nutrition is at all canine lifecycle stages. Our goal is to help fulfill the macronutrient requirements that your dog may have and ensure that any existing medical conditions they may be experiencing are treated with food that can help improve their overall health. When you partner with our friendly veterinarians, you can take the guesswork out of dog nutrition and provide your favorite canine with the nutritional support they need the most.
What Nutritional Requirements Do Dogs Have?
Each dog's nutrition needs may vary widely depending on their current age, breed or other conditions that may be affecting them. For instance, a growing puppy will often need more protein and fat than an adult dog; however, an elderly dog may need food that helps limit its chances of obesity or constipation. While the type of food used in a dog nutrition plan matters, it is essential to understand that the food quality is often just as important.
Working with an experienced veterinarian is often the easiest way to pinpoint a specific dog's needs and ensure their nutrition plan is as well-rounded as possible. No matter what age a canine may be, a good dog nutrition plan will often include protein for immune function, fiber for digestion, soluble carbohydrates for energy and fats for a shiny, healthy coat. Most quality commercial dog foods are strictly regulated and will have undergone testing by veterinary specialists to ensure nutritional benefits are backed by science.
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How Often Should Dogs Be Fed?
According to most experts, dogs should be fed twice a day. Their breed, size, age and energy level may factor into how often they are fed and how much. The best way to determine your pet's exact dog nutrition needs is to talk with a veterinarian. After an examination that looks for underlying health conditions, they can create a customized nutrition plan based on your dog's exact needs.
Some of the various factors that impact how often a dog should be fed include:
- Life Stage or Age – As we mentioned previously, puppies will often have far different nutritional needs when compared to an elderly dog. Knowing what life stage a dog is in and the health issues they may be facing can help ensure a customized nutrition plan is as beneficial as possible.
- Energy Levels – Often, a dog's breed will dictate how active they may be daily; however, all dogs need a bare minimum level of activity to remain healthy. If a dog is more active, it may require a higher level of calories to compensate for what it is burning.
- Current Weight – Obesity is a common threat among adult and elderly dogs, mainly if they are being fed treats more often than they should be. If a dog is not at its ideal weight, working with a veterinarian to create a diet plan may be beneficial.
- Food Types – Although pet owners may not realize it, there are vast differences between kibble and canned wet food for dogs. Even more confusing, each brand has its own formulation and quality standards. Adjusting feeding times and amounts may be required based on these factors.
- Underlying Health Conditions – Because health conditions may affect the nutritional needs of a dog, prescription food may be required. If this is necessary for a dog nutrition plan, a veterinarian will prescribe the food that should be used and give feeding guidelines.
How Can I Get a Dog Nutrition Plan?
If you need a dog nutrition plan, the Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital team is here to make the process easy. We have refined the process of determining each dog's specific nutritional needs safely and effectively while minimizing problems that your best friend will experience. Contact us to get started or schedule your dog nutrition appointment today. We look forward to helping you ensure your pet remains healthy and happy!
Why Choose Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital for Dog Nutrition?
Education is our passion, and our staff will take the time needed to educate pet owners about their dog's specific nutritional needs. After an examination is completed, our veterinarians can help create a customized nutrition program that pinpoints unique problems that the dog faces to ensure they remain healthy and happy. No matter what challenges you are facing, we are confident that our dog nutrition programs can help.
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