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For pet parents in Dubai or elsewhere, choosing the right food for their beloved dogs is a top priority. As your furry companions go through different life stages, they have distinct dietary needs that must be met. Understanding the distinct dietary requirements of each life stage is paramount to providing your pet with the best care. This guide covers the four key dog food stages and how you can make informed choices for your pet’s nutrition at every phase of their life. Photo Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels Puppy Love: The Early Stage Puppyhood is a stage where your pup seems to be filled with boundless energy. During this time, puppies transition from solely relying on their mother’s milk to consuming solid foods; a process known as weaning. Weaning typically begins around three to four weeks of age and can take several weeks to complete. Puppies are usually fully weaned when they are eight to 10 weeks old. In most cases, your puppy would have already been weaned off milk by the time they come to live with you. However, if you receive your puppy shortly after weaning, you must start with food that is easy for them to chew and digest. Both moistened and mashed-up dry food and wet dog food in Dubai are excellent options for your puppy. Wet food, in particular, is a popular choice during this early stage due to its easier-to-chew-and-digest consistency. To introduce your puppy to solid food, you can offer them a doggie dish that combines milk replacer, water, and a small amount of dog food. It should have a mushy consistency similar to porridge and may contain wet dog food or kibble for puppies. It’ll take a few days for your furry pal to truly enjoy this new food. To help them acclimate, consider placing the food on a flat saucer and gently dipping their noses into it twice to three times daily. This gradual introduction ensures they become accustomed to the change. Over the following four to six weeks, you must gradually reduce the amount of milk replacer and water, allowing your puppy to transition to a solid diet by the time they reach eight to 10 weeks old. Photo Credit: lin2867/Pixabay Growing Appetite: The Adolescent Stage As your furry friend transitions from the puppy stage to adolescence, a new phase of their life begins. At this point, they will be full of boundless energy, curiosity, and a growing appetite. You must ensure they get a high-quality, balanced, premium, and nutrient-dense diet to support their active lifestyle. This ensures they receive the necessary nutrients for growth, development, and overall well-being. Adolescent dogs still require higher levels of bone-growing nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. On top of that, they also need brain development nutrients, such as DHA (an essential omega-3 fatty acid) at this stage. It’s important not to switch to adult dog food too early, as this may deprive your adolescent of these vital nutrients. Maintaining a focus on a nutrient-dense diet tailored to this life stage is crucial for their health and development. Photo Credit: Vitaly Kushnir/Pexels Dog Adulthood: The Mature Stage As your beloved canine companion matures, they enter a stage where their nutritional needs change once again. Understanding when a dog reaches adulthood and what type of dog food best suits them is essential in maintaining their health and well-being. A dog is generally considered an adult for feeding purposes when they reach around 90 percent of their expected adult weight. This transition typically occurs around the age of six to seven months. However, you need to remember that this can vary per breed, with larger ones having a growth phase extending for up to 12 months or even beyond. Adult dogs lead a less active lifestyle compared to when they were younger. With this decrease in activity, their caloric requirements may also lessen. You must consider the additional calories your dog receives from treats and snacks to maintain a healthy weight. When looking for the right adult dog food in your favorite pet shop in Dubai, you’ll typically find options labeled as suitable for “adult maintenance” or “for all life stages.” If your pet is overweight or less active, choose those for adult maintenance. Food that is appropriate for all life stages contains extra nutrients needed for growth and may provide more calories than your adult canine requires. Photo Credit: Arjun Pv/Pexels Golden Years: The Senior Stage As with humans, dog metabolism slows down with age. To prevent unhealthy weight gain and the associated health issues, you must ensure they don’t consume excessive calories. Besides that, you should also pay close attention to their gastrointestinal health. Constipation can be painful and potentially lead to more severe gastrointestinal problems. This is a common issue in older dogs. To address this, the best dog food for seniors includes high-fiber options, helping to keep them healthy and regular. You may also like: Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food (Explained) Keep Your Fur Baby Happy and Healthy Each phase of your dog’s life brings unique dietary needs, and your informed choices as a pet parent can significantly impact their health and happiness. While this article explores the different stages in depth, there are more facets to consider when choosing the right food for your dog, including ingredient quality, the presence of potential allergens, and specific sensitivities. Your veterinarian is an invaluable resource in every step you take on this nutritional path. Their expertise can guide you in tailoring a diet that perfectly suits your pet’s individual requirements and ensures their lifelong well-being.