Page 314 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | CHANGING DIETS

Changing diets

Dogs at different stages of life have particular nutritional needs—whether
growing puppies, nursing mothers, sports dogs, or older pets. It is important
that your dog has the right nutrients for his age to optimize his well-being.

PUPPIES Growing up
Once puppies are weaned, they need to Always provide your puppy with a balanced diet to
build a strong body. Be sure to choose food that is
be fed little and often—four times a day specially formulated for puppies, and change to an
at first, reducing to three times a day from adult formula as your puppy matures.
about six months. Puppies grow fast,
so they need high-energy food; ask your CONVALESCENT DOGS
vet if you are unsure of the right quantity A sick dog needs easily digestible, extra-
to feed your puppy based on his size. nutritious food such as boiled chicken and
Increase the amount slowly as he grows but rice or special commercial foods; your vet
avoid overfeeding. It may be best to feed can give you guidance. Feed your dog little
commercial puppy food to make sure he and often and make sure that the food is at
gets the right balance of nutrients. body temperature so it will be more tempting.
If you bought your puppy from a breeder, Keep a note of how much he is eating, and
he may supply a sample of the food that the report any loss of appetite to the vet.
puppy has been eating. Stick to this food in
the beginning, introducing changes gradually. needs will increase by 25–50 percent. She OLDER DOGS
may lose her appetite as birth approaches, From about age seven onward, dogs start to
ADULT PETS but it will soon return after the puppies are need more nutrients but fewer calories. Many
Two meals a day (morning and evening) is born. A bitch producing milk will need two do well on a normal adult diet, slightly
often enough. Neutered dogs need fewer or three times as many calories as normal reduced in quantity and with vitamin and
calories than un-neutered ones; otherwise, in the first four weeks when the puppies’ mineral supplements. You can buy “senior”
feed according to your dog’s size and activity milk needs are at their highest. Feed her formulas that are softer, with higher protein,
level, and monitor his weight (see pp.314–15). energy-dense food specially formulated lower fat, and extra vitamins and minerals.
for lactating bitches, and feed little and You may need to adjust feeding to three
WORKING DOGS often. When the puppies begin weaning (six times a day. A slower metabolic rate makes
Working or sports dogs should have high- to eight weeks), the mother will still need older dogs more prone to obesity. Keeping
protein, energy-dense, easily digestible foods extra calories. Only when she stops producing a healthy weight can improve the quality
to maximize their strength and stamina. milk should her diet be changed. and length of your dog’s life.
However, the volume of food given to a
working dog should be no more than for a
normal adult dog. Dogs engaged in short,
sharp bursts of work, such as racing or
agility shows, need a moderately increased
fat intake. For endurance work such as
sledding, hunting, or herding animals, high
fat foods with extra protein are required.

NURSING MOTHERS
A pregnant bitch can stay on her usual diet
until the last two to three weeks of pregnancy;
from this point until whelping, her energy

Climate considerations
Dogs in colder climates or those living in outdoor kennels
need more energy than those in warmer regions in order to
keep their body temperature stable. Regular meals that are
high in fat calories can fulfill their additional energy needs.

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