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Dogs are as unique as people, but despite their differences, they all need a well-balanced diet for good health. However, dogs of different ages and sizes have different nutritional needs, and this is especially true for puppies. When you factor in developmental needs, ingredients and your puppy’s size and breed, choosing the right food can be difficult.
The energy requirements of a puppy can be nearly twice those of an adult dog. This means that a puppy might not have the stomach capacity to eat enough food to meet his needs unless the food is specially formulated.
When choosing a puppy food, select one that provides a highly digestible, nutrient-dense, 100% complete premium formula for growth. Such high-quality formulas contain the vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and carbohydrates your dog needs for sound and healthy development. With a premium formula, your puppy may have:
Puppies grow fastest during the first six months of life, and because growth rates differ among breed sizes, you need a formula designed to address the needs of your puppy’s breed or size. Feed your puppy this formula based on the recommended amounts for his weight and age until he is an adult.
Although large-breed dogs have bigger bones than medium or small breeds, large-breed puppies do not need more calcium. University studies have shown that:
Overfeeding and weight gain can contribute to developmental bone problems. This makes managing food intake even more critical. Puppies are at greater risk for developmental bone problems if they are overfed.
A formula with reduced fat and calories promotes optimum growth. Controlling the rate of growth to promote normal development is another reason to feed a large-breed diet, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Large Breed.
Medium-breed puppies have needs between those of large- and small-breed dogs. A medium-breed puppy’s nutritional demands can be satisfied by feeding a 100% complete and balanced formula that features moderate amounts of all the essential vitamins and nutrients, such as IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Original.
Small-breed puppies have unique needs due to their small mouths and small stomachs, as well as the rapid growth spurt they experience when growing to adult size. That’s why it’s important to pack a lot of nutrition and energy into a small amount of food. A poor-quality diet might fill a puppy’s stomach before he can eat enough food to satisfy his nutritional needs. The result can be improper muscle and skeletal development and growth impairment.
IAMS™ puppy foods are formulated to be energy- and nutrient-dense to meet the needs of growing puppies. The IAMS™ formula for small and toy puppy breeds, IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy Small & Toy Breed, has concentrated nutrition for the lifelong health of your small- or toy-breed dog.
Just as in humans, gut health plays a pivotal role in a dog's overall health and well-being. But what exactly is gut health?
Essentially, it refers to the balance and functioning of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically the gut microbiome, a unique collection of thousands of different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. This delicate ecosystem is crucial for almost every aspect of your dog's health, from nutrient absorption to cognitive functions.
However, our pet’s commercial diets, medications like antibiotics, and excessive indoor living can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to canine digestion issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), immune system reactions, indigestion in dogs, and behavioural changes.
Fortunately, it's possible to restore and maintain your dog's gut health, while addressing signs of indigestion in dogs. Join us as we discuss the best ways to promote healthy dog digestion.
Improving your dog's gut health involves addressing any signs of digestive issues in dogs, and working towards a well-balanced gut microbiome. Here are 4 of the best ways to improve your dog’s gut health, and in turn your dog’s digestion:
Introducing probiotics into your dog's diet can help build good bacteria and balance their microbiome. Probiotics increase immune resistance against harmful bacteria, fight intestinal infections, and provide nutritional support during digestive issues. You can try products like IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement, which contains the probiotic Bacillus Subtilis. This helps degrade organic matter in the feces, reduce ammonia production and fecal odour, and promote the growth of good bacteria. To keep these beneficial probiotics thriving, consider adding soluble fibers into their meals, such as squash.
Regular exercise and playtime can significantly improve your dog's gut health. Exercise reduces stress, which can weaken its immune system and cause inflammation. Finding the right level of exercise for your dog's life stage and maintaining that routine can help manage canine digestion and overall health.
Feeding your dog a nutrient-dense, biologically appropriate diet can positively impact their gut health. Dogs require meat protein for optimal health, and raw meats rich in live enzymes can enhance digestibility and nutrient absorption. Including bone broth in their meals can also increase nutrient absorption and help restore the gut lining.
Just like humans, dogs can benefit from exposure to a variety of environments. This can help diversify their gut microbiome, leading to better digestion and overall health.
Indigestion in dogs is often a clear sign of poor gut health. Some other signs of digestive issues in dogs that you should watch out for are:
These signs could indicate a disrupted gut microbiome that needs attention. By taking steps to improve your dog's gut health, you'll be supporting their overall wellness and helping them lead a happier, healthier life.
If you notice signs of indigestion in dogs, such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, vomiting, or any changes in their behaviour, it’s crucial to consult with a vet. While occasional digestive issues can occur in dogs, persistent symptoms could indicate a disruption in their gut microbiome.
Investing in your dog's gut health through a comprehensive approach of diet, exercise, environment exposure, vet consultations, and supplements, can significantly improve their overall well-being. This will help to ensure healthy canine digestion, and a happier, healthier life for your furry friend.
