Providing your dog with a balanced diet is essential for their health and wellbeing, and natural food for dogs can be the ideal choice to meet their nutritional needs at every stage of life. Just like humans, dogs have specific requirements that change as they age, so understanding how to adapt their diet is crucial to keeping them active and happy. Below, we’ll explain how to select the best natural food according to your dog’s age and what benefits this type of diet offers.
Essential nutrients in a dog’s diet
A balanced diet for dogs should include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Proteins support muscle development, fats provide energy and promote a healthy coat, and carbohydrates supply extra energy. Vitamins and minerals ensure optimal growth and a strong immune system. Since nutritional needs change with age, it is vital to adapt their diet to each stage of life.
How to adjust your dog’s diet according to age
Puppies: high energy and rapid growth
Puppies, from birth to around four months, go through a period of accelerated growth, so they need energy-rich food. A natural puppy food of high quality at this stage should include plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins to support their physical and mental development.
Adult dogs: maintaining energy and health
From 12 months onwards, most dogs reach adulthood. At this stage, the diet focus shifts towards balance and maintenance, ensuring the dog gets the nutrients they need without excessive calories—especially if their activity level is lower. Adult dog food should help maintain optimal energy levels and a healthy weight. Too many calories can lead to obesity problems, which may result in complications such as diabetes and joint diseases. Natural food, rich in high-quality ingredients like lean meats and vegetables, helps maintain vitality and a strong immune system.
Advantages of natural food for dogs
Choosing natural food for dogs offers many benefits. High-quality ingredients, free from additives and artificial preservatives, ensure that your dog receives nutrients in their purest form, reducing the chances of food allergies and digestive issues. Natural food also supports healthier skin and coat, a stronger immune system, and can help extend your pet’s lifespan.
How to know when it’s time to change your dog’s diet
It’s important to watch for signs that your dog might need a diet change. For example, a dull coat, lower energy levels, or recurring digestive issues may indicate that their current food isn’t meeting their needs. Dogs with special conditions like diabetes or heart disease may also require a specific diet tailored to their needs. If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a full evaluation and consider switching to natural dog food. The transition should be gradual to avoid digestive problems—mix the current food with the new one over the course of a week until your dog fully adapts.
