What Is The Proper Food For Dogs According To Their Types?

Food is one of the most important factors when taking care of our dog. Not all dogs can eat the same and not the same amount, even if their breed is similar. Each breed has certain characteristics of its own and, therefore, each one has a specific diet that suits its organism.

We already know that experts are in favor of dogs being fed with food or some type of food developed especially for them, so we recommend always following the indications so that your dog grows healthy.

Here we’ll give you some advice on what dogs need according to their size or age, and how we can provide it for them.

Proper feeding for puppies

Author: Jerry

Puppies have more energy and therefore burn calories much faster than adult dogs.  For this reason, they will need a diet that provides them with the necessary calories, but not so many that they make them fat, nor so few that they burn them too quickly.

Nor can it be a heavy type of food that overloads their stomach and digestive tract, making digestion and subsequent evacuation difficult.

In veterinary stores and clinics you can find a wide range of special foods for puppies. These will provide the necessary minerals, vitamins and nutrients and have been specially developed for the small mouth of puppies and their still weak teeth. It would also  be good if you still asked your veterinarian what is the most suitable food for dogs like yours.

Proper food for large breed dogs

Large breed dogs often have bone problems when they grow up. These dogs are characterized by slow growth and aging earlier than others. Therefore, they will need a diet that provides them with the components necessary to strengthen their immune system and, of course, calcium so that their bones grow healthy and strong.

But don’t give your dog milk! We have said on other occasions that giving milk to dogs is an unfounded myth that can only harm their health. Possibly some of you have already given and nothing has happened, but it is not recommended as the canine stomach is not prepared to digest lactose.

These dogs also eat very quickly, swallowing without chewing. So, although we know that they eat a lot and that this can cost you a little more money, we recommend that you buy a special feed for large breeds, as they are made in large pieces that force the dog to chew and, therefore, more easily release nutrients, making it the most suitable food for large breed dogs.

Adequate food for older dogs

Older dogs expend less energy and therefore burn fewer calories. Therefore, they do not need a large intake of fats or sugars. However, it is important that they eat a high quality protein source that allows them to maintain a good physical level and good muscle mass.

Along with these proteins must be vitamins, which will help to strengthen the immune system, and also minerals, which will help your already aging joints to function.

Make sure the feed you buy has these components, that they are small pieces that are easy to chew and digest, and also that it is enriched with meat. Meat can increase your dog’s appetite and this is essential in an older dog. All of this together makes it suitable food for older dogs.

Proper food for pregnant females

During pregnancy, the bitch will have to eat for several, so she will need a good quality and balanced diet. Her condition may cause disturbances in her appetite, causing her to eat a lot on some days and nothing on others, so a food prepared for adult dogs may not contribute everything she needs.

At some pet stores you can find special feed for pregnant females, but if you can’t find it or if you can’t afford it, we recommend that you buy a good quality puppy feed. But don’t choose one for large breed puppies, as this could lead to unnecessary overweight. A feed for medium breed puppies will contribute all the nutrients and minerals a pregnant bitch needs.

Image credits: Coghlan.