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Peterson picks food to meet nutritional needs based on age. She cuts back if she has given treats to make sure that the number of calories they get per day stays the same. Adding more means extra calories, which could lead to weight gain. When Peterson feeds her two Norwegian elkhounds (medium-sized Nordic hunting dogs), she carefully measures the amount of food at each feeding. An older dog needs fewer calories and less fat, Peterson says. In the senior years, your dog's metabolism slows down and he's less active. Your Dog's Age and Nutritionĭog food companies offer options for dogs from puppy to senior. Also, looking at your dog's spine from above, you should see an indentation or waistline at the loin (area past the rib cage and before the hips). You shouldn't need to press really hard to feel them. How can you tell if your dog's the right weight? Peterson says you should be able to feel your dog's ribs when running your hands along his side. "You need to consult with your vet to change your pet's diet," Farcas says, "if your pet has a medical condition, if your vet indicates that your pet should gain or lose weight, if your pet needs to eat significantly more or less of a diet than the package recommends, or if you are not sure if your pet's current diet is appropriate." Has a solid stool about two to three times a day.Here are some ways to tell if your dog is getting the right diet. Smaller dogs have a higher metabolism, which means they need more calories per pound than larger dogs, says Lisa Peterson, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club and a dog breeder for over 30 years. Size also plays a role in meeting a dog's nutritional needs. The other nutrients in the formula will likely be the same as those needed by a less active dog. The food will likely be higher in fat, which provides more energy than protein or carbohydrates. The border collie will probably need more calories per day because it's a more active dog.ĭiets made for active dogs take this into account. Your dog's age and activity level are important when making decisions about feeding him, Farcas says.įor example, a 50-pound border collie and a 50-pound basset hound have different dietary needs. Farcas is a veterinary clinical nutritionist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. When you find out the score, your vet can calculate how much to feed your dog to reach and keep this score, says Amy Farcas, DVM. It's like BMI (body mass index) in people. To help you figure out the amount of nutrients your dog needs, your vet can check your pet's current and ideal body condition score. Your dog uses nutrients in dog food as a source of energy and to help him grow. "Most dog sizes and breeds can be fed the same diet, although the amount fed should be tailored to each dog's metabolism and activity to avoid obesity."
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"Overall, dogs' nutritional needs at various life stages are similar," says Louise Murray, DVM, vice president of the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. In these cases your dog may need a special diet. Low nutrition levels because of illness.Your dog should be able to get all the nutrients he needs from commercial dog food unless he has: Your options include puppy to senior formulas, food for small to extra-large dogs, and food for high to low activity levels. You'll also find dog food based on the age, size, or energy level of your dog. Some dog food brands are made for specific breeds. No matter what breed of dog you have, you've got a lot of choices to meet your pet's nutritional needs.