Puppies require a lot of attention and care. Different breeds have different lifestyles, and require a very precise combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients for proper growth. Most dog owners don’t realise that the puppy can’t be fed normal food. As your pet grows, their food requirements change considerably. Your pet needs good quality food, rich in nutrients and fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, in order to grow up into a healthy dog. Before you go shopping for dog food, there are many things that you need to know.
Buy Premium Food
You need to buy premium dog food from a branded company for your dog. Raising a dog is a pretty expensive undertaking, and you will end up spending a great deal of money on buying dog food. Make sure you don’t skimp on buying substandard food. Branded companies combine a mix of different nutrients into a healthy and tasty mix.
During their first months, puppies are extremely active. They run around for twenty minutes or half an hour, and then fall asleep for the next few hours. They expend a lot of energy within a few minutes, so make sure you buy branded dog food from a famous brand.
Consider the Age and Breed
The nutrient requirements of your dog vary by age. Dogs of six to eight weeks need more nutrients, while dogs that are two months or older require much fewer nutrients. As dogs grow in size and age, their physical requirements tend to vary. Some dogs prefer spending a great deal of their time lounging around the house, while others like to run around. When you buy dog food, make sure you take a look at the age of the dog.
Another important thing that you need to consider is the breed. Certain breeds, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd, are extremely active dogs.
On the other hand, there are certain breeds that are relatively inactive. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug are just two common examples. These dogs lead relatively inactive lifestyles, and tend to stay asleep for long hours. They don’t need such a strong mix of nutrients in their diet. Keep these things in mind when buying dog food.
The Importance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Dogs require pet foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Even though some animals can produce these fatty acids on their own, they still need supplements. You need to buy dog food that is rich in these fatty acids.
It’s important because it helps prevent allergies and other inflammatory diseases. In fact, foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 can help with arthritis, eyesight, and even some heart problems. These fatty acids are required for improving the autoimmune system of the dog. In some cases, these fatty acids have also shown to slow down the metastasis of specific types of cancers.