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Picking the right food for your pup is key to ensuring its healthy growth. While both puppy food and adult dog food seem similar, they serve different nutritional purposes tailored to distinct life stages. Understanding this disparity is vital in guaranteeing the overall well-being of your beloved companion.
Puppies are more than just mini versions of adult dogs. Their nutritional needs are unique and crucial for their growth spurt and cognitive development. Specifically designed with the perfect blend of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, puppy food supports bone and muscle growth. With their endless energy, they need the extra calories that puppy food provides. Plus, the added dose of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus is essential for strong bone development. So, stick to puppy food until your furball hits full physical maturity, ensuring a strong and healthy foundation for their adult life.
When a puppy can eat adult dog food isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It is a gradual process that demands attention to your dog's unique traits. Generally, it is wise to make the switch when your pooch is about 80-90% of its expected adult size. But remember, a sudden change can upset their tummy.
To ease the shift, start by mixing small portions of adult food with their usual puppy fare. Over a week or two, increase the adult food ratio until your dog is entirely comfortable with the new diet. Don't forget to consult your vet to ensure a smooth transition and a lifelong, balanced diet for your four-legged friend.
When figuring out when to transfer to adult dog food, the size of your growing dog plays a crucial role. Given below is a comprehensive guide:
At IAMS, we offer a range of adult dog food that are rich in nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals and more to provide your pooch with a complete and balanced meal. We have specialised recipes for each breed, targeting the specific nutritional needs of small, medium, and large sized dogs.
As your canine companion transitions from the puppy stage to adulthood, providing it with an appropriate diet becomes crucial for its long-term health and well-being. Adult dog food serves as a vital component in ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients to maintain optimal health and vitality. Here are some key reasons why adult dog food is essential for your furry friend's overall wellness:
So, as your dog grows, make sure its diet grows as well. With the right adult dog food, tailored to its needs, you are laying the foundation for a life full of tail wags and playful barks.
Transitioning your furry friend from puppy to adult dog food is not just about changing what is in the bowl; it is a gradual adjustment that involves considering evolving nutritional needs, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and more. Here is a structured guide to help you ease your pup into their new diet over a 10-day period:
Start by mixing 75% of the puppy food with 25% of the new adult dog food. This allows your pup to get accustomed to the new flavours and textures while maintaining some familiarity with the old food.
Increase the proportion of adult dog food to 50% while decreasing the puppy food to 50%. This step continues the gradual transition, helping your dog's digestive system adapt to the new food without causing any sudden upsets.
Continue the transition by serving 75% of the new adult dog food mixed with 25% of the remaining puppy food. This step allows their taste buds to fully adjust to the new diet while ensuring a smooth transition without any digestive disturbances.
By this point, your pup should be ready to completely switch to adult dog food. Serve only the new adult dog food, ensuring that the portion size is appropriate for its age, size, and activity level. Maintain the recommended feeding schedule based on specific dietary needs.
Throughout the transition period, closely monitor your dog's eating habits, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you notice any digestive issues or reluctance to eat, slow down the process and give it more time to adjust. Providing plenty of fresh water and sticking to a consistent feeding schedule will help make the transition as smooth as possible for your beloved canine companion.
Remember, a smooth transition from puppy to adult dog food is all about taking it slow and steady. By gradually introducing the new food over a 10-day period, you give your pup's digestive system the time it needs to adjust without causing any discomfort. Keep a close eye on its response throughout the process, and do not hesitate to make adjustments if necessary. With patience and careful monitoring, you can ensure that your loyal companion makes a seamless shift to their new, adult-dog-friendly diet.
Puppies should not eat adult dog food as it lacks essential nutrients for their growth. Choose puppy-specific food until adulthood.
A 5-month-old puppy should eat high-quality puppy food rich in protein and essential nutrients, promoting healthy growth and development.
Dogs are typically considered puppies from birth to one year, although this can vary based on breed size.
The right age to switch your pooch from puppy food to adult dog food can vary basis multiple factors. However, here’s how these furry beings are generally switched to adult dog food basis their breed size.
Breed Size | Age |
Small | 9 to 12 months old |
Medium | 10 to 12 months old |
Large | 12 to 16 months old |
Giant | 18 to 24 months old |
Bathing your puppy is an important part of good pet care. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pet parent, it's crucial to provide your pup with ample and frequent baths to keep them looking and feeling healthy. More than just for appearances, though, regular baths are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and skin health – like how we need showers! To help ensure your pup looks and feels its best, here are our top tips for bathing your furry friend.
When you get a new puppy, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, 'How often to bathe a puppy?' You shouldn't bathe your puppy until they are around eight weeks old. Even then, the process should be approached with care and gentleness. After their initial bath, you typically only need to do so again when necessary.
Before you start, ensure you have everything you need for your puppy's first bath. This includes a place to bathe your puppy, towels, shampoo and conditioner for long-furred dogs, a brush or comb and a hair dryer with a relaxed setting.
To ensure your puppy is comfortable during the bath:
Once your puppy is comfortable with the water, it's time to wash them.
If it's your first time bathing a puppy, don't fret - we've got you covered with this guide on how to bathe a puppy.
Determine the right shampoo and conditioner for your pup before even getting them wet. All of this comes down to what type of fur they have. Get professional advice from your vet first to know which products would be best for your puppy.
Pups with short coats need more oil to add moisture, whereas long-coated dogs require moisturisers to maintain coat health.
We recommend bathing puppies as young as eight weeks old so that it becomes a part of their routine. But don't overwhelm them; a puppy's first visit shouldn't include baths. Instead, let this serve as an introduction and show them that there is nothing to be scared of.
Allow the puppy to roam free and get them used to being in a tub by slowly running a brush over their fur. Be sure to give lots of treats, swaddling, and cuddles to make them feel safe.
To get started with the bathing and grooming process, lightly brush or comb their coat to remove any dirt. Also, doing this will help eliminate any knots or tangles in their fur before bathing them.
Get the water to a comfortable temperature; it should be warm but not hot. Puppies have more sensitive skin than we do, so they will feel the heat much faster.
Before you start, lay out everything you will need and ensure no one in the house uses any water while you're bathing the puppy. Sudden temperature changes can be dangerous for puppies; hence, taking precautions is essential.
To avoid skin irritation, forego cleansing products when they are young and use lukewarm water instead. The temperature must be comfortable for your pup, as hot water can harm dogs.
A warm wash rag is all you need to use on a puppy that is three or four-months old. Dogs' body temperatures are higher than ours, so they experience temperature differently than we do.
For puppies older than three or four months, you can bathe them in a bathtub or shower. Handling your puppy can be delicate, especially when it's time for their bath. If you have a particular bathtub or shower specifically for puppies, use that--it'll make things much more manageable. Be sure to place them on a non-slip surface inside the tub or shower, so they don't become overwhelmed and frightened.
It's time to introduce shampoo and conditioner to your puppy once they are at least three months old.
Only purchase shampoos and conditioners for dogs that are pH balanced to avoid health hazards. We recommend plant-based products with no chemical additives to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Also, please don't go for the cheapest product, as it might not be practical or safe.
Before using the puppy shampoo, dilute it with equal water. Apply it all over their body, being mindful to avoid contact with sensitive areas like eyes and ears.
Remember that bathing a puppy is like washing a tiny human baby. They won't be used to the feels and may not take it well at first.
If you want to avoid scratches, use the balls of your fingers and massage the shampoo into the coat -- this will help remove dirt and dust. Plus, your puppy will love it!
Rinse your puppy's fur thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo after bathing. You should repeat the process a few times for best results.
Keep your dog's skin clean by getting between the folds with baby wipes or a damp cloth to remove all soap. Once you are done, be sure to dry their skin thoroughly.
Gently rub your puppy with a towel to remove the excess water, then place them on the floor in a safe area.
Until they are no longer dripping, you can keep them towel dry. Have someone help you hold onto them or sit down on your knee to ensure they feel secure.
Next, you will want to use a hairdryer on your pup's coat. It's best to use a diffuser to spread the heat evenly, and ensure it's only set on low or cool.
When you use a hairdryer on your puppies, go slow to get them used to the sensation and noise. Avoid blowing air directly into their face or ears. Try to get them as dry as possible, and for long-coated breeds, frequently stop to brush or comb through their coat, so it doesn't get tangled.
Your dog's health is crucial, so you should bathe them once a month. Over time, their skin and fur become oily and dirty from environmental factors and everyday activities. Including baths in your pet care routine will keep them happy and healthy.
For a puppy, it's best to stick with lukewarm water, mild soap, and gentle massages. Remember to follow up with regular brushing, which can help keep their coat soft and shiny. Minimal shampooing is recommended, as bathing too often will lead to dry skin.
These steps should have you on your way to a happy and healthy puppy. With regular baths, you can help ensure your pup is always looking and feeling its best. It may take time for them to get used to it but bathing your puppy can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. Have fun with it!
