Nutrition is an important factor of life. Jim Bates the owner of Red Dirt K9s Poodles & Doodles is a stickler for feeding his animals a high quality diet based on their specific needs. "It doesn't matter if you are feeding a dog, a sheep, a cow, or even myself, there are certain nutritional requirements that have to be met," says Jim.
If you want your dog to look and feel good, it is key to understand what they need. Do you want that shiny slick hair coat or a dog that can work all day long? Then you need to know what they need to perform and look their best.
Puppies
When it comes to puppies, they go through 4 stages of life from birth to one year in age.
Early stages need high protein and fat. This is important to reach the vitamin, mineral, and micro nutrients your new puppy needs to grow physically and mentally. As the puppy grows over it's first year, you slowly decrease your puppies fat levels.
Reaching the right nutrient level is not only key for your new BFF but also for you! How do we know? Because "Poop Matters." You don't want to pick up runny stools five times a day! So around 5 months we decrease the puppies fat content to ensure solid stools and to promote positive health.
When can I take my dog off puppy food?
Knowing when to take a puppy off the puppy food is a text message Jim receives often from our new poodle owners. He has a simple key indicators to follow. For a female dog- Her first in heat cycle. For a male- when he hikes his leg to pee. At this point, your little four legged baby is growing up! (insert sad face here)
Adults
For your adult dogs, nutrition is a little more tricky. Feeding adult dogs is not a one size fits all. Nutrients depend on their purpose and activity levels. Do you work with your dog? Does he/she hunt? Does he or she lay around and keep the couch warm? Much like our human bodies, if we take in more than we burn, we become a little less healthy and a lot more round! Diet is key!
Seniors
Lastly, we have our senior dogs. They have been so loyal through the years to you, it's time to make sure they get what they need to stay vibrant and pain-free. With age, dogs eat less much like humans. Joint supplements and vitamins become key at this age to help your dog maintain his or her best life for as long as possible. As dog's age they often face joint issues, hip dysplasia, cognitive problem, and other aging issues, it is important that consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications.
Quality dog food is important. You do get what you pay for. So read the ingredients on your pet's food and understand their needs.
As always, we are here for you to help answer any questions you may have.
Stay tuned to see our own line of dog food unroll and extremely cool announcements surrounding our communities.
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