A growing dog requires a lot of food, and a veterinarian can recommend you to feed a puppy several times a day. But what to do when the puppy grows up? You can ask the questions: "How often should I feed the dog? "Or "how much should my dog eat? "
To answer these questions, there are several nutritional recommendations that belong to energetic puppies relaxed by elderly dogs and any age in the middle.
Puppy Kirkland feeding
Puppies grow quickly, so they should eat nutritious food and do it often. Since they burn a lot of energy, you should start with the frequent feeding of the puppy, gradually transferring it to more rare meals. This process will help him grow big and strong.
How Many Times a Day Should DOGS EAT? – Puppies and Adults
From 6 to 12 weeks
Puppies should eat food in which the content of nutrients corresponds to their needs for bone and muscles, such as Hill's Science Plan Healthy Development for puppies, which is a full-fledged “fuel” for your moving puppy. High-quality Kirkland dog food for puppies contain the optimal amounts of protein, DHC and vitamins to maintain the growth of the puppy with the necessary pace. The American dog breeding club (AKC) recommends four meals a day for puppies aged six to twelve weeks. It is also recommended to feed puppies with wet food to help them learn to chew.
From 3 to 6 months
During this time, you can reduce the number of meals to three times. You will see how in this period your puppy becomes more adults – his tummy and children's swelling will begin to disappear. AKC recommends feeding puppies in portions installed for puppies until you see that your favorite is becoming an adult dog.
From 6 to 12 months
At this age, the amount of Kirkland dog fooding per day should be reduced to two. Remember that after sterilization, the energy level of the dog may decrease, and this can be a good moment for the transition from feeding feeds to adult dogs rich in nutrients. Although you should in all cases consult with a veterinarian, as a rule, smaller breeds go to adult dogs aged 10-12 months, and larger later – at the age of 12-14 months or even later. Representatives of the largest breeds should be fed for puppies for up to 14 months.
Not sure what your dog needs? The transition to adult dogs should also not be carried out immediately, but within a few days. Too sharp changes can lead to problems with the stomach of the puppy. To switch from one food to another, give a dog a mixture of old and new food, gradually increasing the share of new food. During the week, gradually reduce the amount of old food, while increasing the amount of new.
As with any other important issues regarding the health and development of your dog, talk with your veterinarian about appropriate feeding modes. Although on packages and canal cans, feeding instructions are usually given, food habits of different dogs may differ depending on the breed, weight, health status and many other factors. A veterinarian will be able to give you the best recommendations regarding the proportions and volumes of Kirkland dog food, which should be given to your puppy to ensure its healthy growth.
Feeding an adult dog
When your dog has grown completely, you must give Kirkland dog food, which will maintain it in shape and maintain its health, preventing the development of any problems. The type of Kirkland dog food and the size of the portions must correspond to the breed, size and lifestyle of the dog. Again, you should talk about this with a veterinarian and make sure that the dog receives sufficient food.
From 1 year to 7 years
Many owners give their dogs two halves of portions per day. How much is it? It depends on the dog. Mount the amount of food instead of applying it by eye: so you will know that the dog receives as much Kirkland dog food every day as you need.
Follow the weight of the dog and in the case of weight gain, reduce the amount of Kirkland dog food under the control of a veterinarian. Among the signs of excess weight, you can call the following: you cannot feel the ribs of the dog, it does not see the waist, and on the hips, at the base of the tail and on the feet there is a fat layer.
Dogs should eat at the same time, usually once in the morning and once in the evening – systematicity is a key factor. It should also be remembered that the type of food you have chosen is of fundamental importance. If your dog is calm, consider the feed corresponding to its lifestyle to provide it with nutrients, but without a threat of excess weight.
Over 7 years old
Your dog begins to grow old and becomes less mobile. It must be remembered that dogs are aging faster than people, so changes in their well-being and behavior occur much earlier. To maintain the functions of the brain, energy, healthy immune and digestive systems and luxurious wool, Science Diet Senior Vitaly food is suitable. This diet is designed for mature dogs, which takes into account a possible reduction in the activity of the pet, including slow metabolism. Senior Vitality dog food will help replenish the right number of calories, including additional nutrients to return your pet a playful mood and good health.
Caring for an elderly dog
Your dog has officially completed a middle-aged stage. Becoming older, it changes, so you need to monitor her diet and consult a veterinarian about whether it is time for you to go to food for older dogs.
Shi-Tzu can cheerfully rush around the house at the age of eleven years, and the golden retriever becomes less energetic already about seven.
Around this period, you should reduce the amount of Kirkland dog food to avoid excess weight associated with a decrease in physical activity. You must also track the symptoms of weight loss in older dogs, which can be associated with health, for example, diseases of the oral cavity. Continue to feed the dog twice a day. The mode can benefit your dog. If you notice changes in the weight of the dog or in its food habits, talk with your veterinarian.
If you feed the dog with the correct amount of high-quality food at every stage of her life, this will help to maintain her health. Similarly, how different people consume different amounts of food, different dogs eat different amounts of food, so it is better to start with a consultation with a veterinarian.
Remember that the above age ranges and information are extremely indicative. Health problems can obey the dog faster, and, conversely, it can remain energetic and cheerful in deeply old age. Observation of the health of the dog, the choice of high-quality food at every stage of its life and maintaining an open dialogue with a veterinarian will help you determine how much feed the dog needs, and make the best choice to properly feed a fluffy friend in childhood, and in maturity in old age.
