The meals you provide for your pooch are more important than you might realize. If he does not receive the right vitamins and nutrients, his health and vitality can quickly plummet. Once that happens, his body will become far more susceptible to diseases, viruses, and other problems.

Fortunately, making sure your dog receives the food he needs is simple, especially with the packaged formulas available at most pet supply stores. Even so, many owners remain confused regarding their canine's nutritional needs. In this article, we'll offer simple answers to questions you might have about your pooch's diet.

Question 1 - When Should I Transition My Pup To Adult Food?

If you own a puppy, you'll already know how energetic they are and how quickly they grow. Puppy food is specifically formulated to give puppies the vitamins and nutrients their bodies require for that quick growth. However, it's inappropriate once they reach a certain age. You should transition your pup to adult food once he has reached 90% of his expected full-grown weight. Usually, this happens at nine or ten months, so watch the calendar.

Question 2 - Which Brand Is The Best?

Worry less about the brand you purchase for your canine and more about whether he's receiving the ingredients he needs. There are several popular brands (including Waltham, Iams, and Purina) that are generally considered to be good. However, it's more important to consider the type of protein, fat, and vitamins your pooch requires. And that depends on his age, weight, and overall health. If you're uncertain, ask your dog's veterinarian for suggestions.

Question 3 - How Much Is Enough?

Every breed is unique and even canines within the same breed have different nutritional needs. The volume of food you give to your dog during each meal will depend largely on his life circumstances. Is he a puppy? If you own a female, is she pregnant? Is your pooch energetic, bounding at every chance to go for walks. Or, is he content to sit on the couch all day? And of course, his size and health both play key roles. Again, consult the veterinarian to design a meal plan that is appropriate for your dog.

Question 4 - Does My Dog Really Need Meat?

This might surprise a lot of owners: your canine does not necessarily need to consume meat in order to be healthy. As long as he has a plentiful source of protein, he can remain in great health as a vegetarian. Having said that, you should talk to your veterinarian before taking meat off your pooch's menu. He may have additional insight that is specific to your canine.

Creating a nutritious menu that provides the right blend of protein, fats, vitamins, and nutrients for your dog takes planning and dedication. But, once you establish a routine, you'll find there's rarely a reason to change it.

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Written by Lawrence Reaves using tags: canine health, dog health, Dog Owners, dog training, Dogs, Pets