Your dog’s vet can help you understand how your dog’s body condition affects the amount of food they need. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine web site has a body condition scoring chart that shows and describes various body conditions, ranging from emaciated to obese. Next, you may need to make adjustments based on your pet’s body condition. These foods have a higher fat content to provide extra calories. Working dogs - those that regularly receive high-intensity exercise, such as a sled dog or police dog - may need a food designed for working or performance dogs. An active dog that exercises outdoors may need 20% to 40% more.
Lap dogs who get little exercise may need 10% less than what’s recommended on the package label. Dogs on the heavier end of the scale may need more food.Īssess your pet’s activity level. If your dog weighs on the lower end of the range, feed the smaller recommended amount. Start by checking the amount recommended for your pet’s weight range. Use feeding charts on pet food labels as a guide. That depends on the size of the dog, its age, and how much exercise it gets. How much food should my adult dog eat each day? About one out of every four dogs is overweight. He advises owners to focus on providing the right amount of food and making sure dogs are active and engaged. Buffington is professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital. It’s rare for a dog to be malnourished because of a badly formulated diet, says C.A. Also, check in the backyard for other signs of trouble: Lots of feces may indicate a problem with digestibility, says Joseph Wakshlag, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. If your pet has a dull coat and lacks energy, try another kind of food. Sometimes, the way a food is processed or the ingredients it contains may prevent your dog from absorbing all the needed nutrients. If your dog appears to be thriving on the food and has a glossy coat, lots of energy, and a fit appearance, the food agrees with them. Watch the condition of its body and coat.
Most of a puppy’s growth occurs by 6 or 7 months of age, but large and giant breeds can continue to grow for 12 months or beyond.Ĭontinued How can I tell if a food is right for my pet? An adult dog diet, or maintenance diet, contains nutrients suited for animals that have passed their growth stage. When a dog reaches 90% of its expected adult weight, it’s considered an adult for feeding purposes, according to The Merck Veterinary Manual. The nutritionist can help you design a healthy diet for your dog. She tells WebMD that if you are going to prepare a homemade diet, you should consult a nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Freeman, DVM, PhD, is a professor of nutrition at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition, but making sure your pet gets the right mix of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins can be difficult. Food that’s appropriate for all life stages contains extra nutrients needed for growth. If your dog is overweight or inactive, stick with one labeled for adult maintenance.
The statement also should say that the food is appropriate for adult maintenance or for all life stages. It should say that the food meets nutrient profiles established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or that it has passed feeding trials designed to AAFCO standards. Start by checking package labels for something called a statement of nutritional adequacy. The most important thing to keep in mind when feeding an adult dog is to make sure your dog eats a complete and balanced diet. What do I need to keep in mind when feeding an adult dog?
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To help you know how to choose the best dog food for your adult dog, WebMD put a list of frequently asked questions about feeding an adult dog to a group of veterinary experts. Does your dog weigh just the right amount and go for long walks daily? Or is it a lap dog that loves nothing more than to snooze the day away? The answers to questions like these will help guide you in choosing the best food.īut there are other things to keep in mind as well. Selecting an adult dog food that will keep your pet healthy and energetic starts with knowing your dog’s eating habits and lifestyle.
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