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Special Nutritional Needs for Dogs
Just like people, all dogs are unique. Their breed, size, age, weight and overall health are key deciding factors in how we care for them and what we feed them. And if your dog has special nutritional needs, the decision about which dog food to give him can feel even more complicated.
Dogs with special nutritional needs may include:
- Dogs that are overweight
- Senior dogs
- Pregnant or nursing dogs
Learn more about special nutritional needs in dogs, as well as special formulas from IAMS™, with our list of frequently asked questions.
What Should I Feed an Overweight Dog?
If your dog is overweight, you can help reduce his weight by maintaining the required dietary nutrients he needs while also reducing his caloric intake to the level necessary for his metabolic energy demands. This is done by feeding recommended portions at least twice a day and weighing your dog on a regular basis to monitor weight loss.
Because dogs metabolize differently and have different activity levels, it might be necessary to adjust the amount you feed several times. Keep in mind that it will take a lot longer for a 15-pound dog to lose one pound than it would a 200-pound person. Keep things in perspective and be patient. Our reduced-fat and weight-control products, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Healthy Weight, are recommended for overweight adult dogs. Before putting your dog on a weight-loss program, however, consult a veterinarian.
Do You Have Products for Older Dogs?
We offer foods for older dogs that help address the special lifestyle changes associated with aging. As dogs grow older, activity levels often decrease and muscle mass diminishes. These changes can result in the need for a product with fewer calories and more protein. In addition, older dogs also might prefer a food that is easy to chew. Products such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Mature Adult are well suited to meet the nutritional needs of older dogs.
What Should I Feed a Pregnant Dog During Early and Mid-Gestation?
When selecting a food for a pregnant dog, consider her condition and weight. Because gestation places additional nutrient demands on the body, a food that contains optimum amounts of protein and fat is recommended.
What Should I Feed a Pregnant Dog During Late Gestation and Throughout Lactation?
Late gestation and lactation are some of the most stressful times in a dog’s life. Dogs need considerably more nutrition during these times because fetal growth requirements are very high and a mother’s milk must meet the nutrition needs of her litter. Because of this, gestating and lactating dogs should be fed a diet more nutrient-dense than her regular adult diet, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy, which is formulated to provide the nutrition gestating and lactating dogs, as well as their puppies, need.
Generally, a pregnant dog should be fed approximately 125% to 150% of her normal amount during late gestation, and she can be fed free choice (as much as she wants) throughout lactation. After the puppies are weaned, and the mother is back to her normal weight, she can be transitioned back to her maintenance diet.
How Can I Learn More about Pet Nutrition?
The answers to these and other questions about pet nutrition are available by calling the IAMS Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-800-863-4267.
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adp_description_block463Understanding Puppy Food Nutrition LabelsHow much do you know about the food you’re buying for your puppy? When shopping for puppy food, pay attention to these three sections of a dog food label.
1. The Ingredient Panel
This section lists all the ingredients that make up the product. The ingredients are listed in descending order according to weight before cooking. In dry food, look for a source of high-quality animal-based protein: chicken or lamb, for example. Dogs thrive on animal proteins.
Manufacturers who use large amounts of vegetable proteins might be saving money by providing basic — but not optimal — nutrition. You should also avoid artificial colors and flavors, which offer no nutritional benefits.
2. The Guaranteed Analysis
Near the ingredient panel should be a chart of percentages called the "guaranteed analysis." These figures reveal the basic nutrient makeup of the dog food's formula and protein content. The minimum percentages of protein and fat and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture (water) should be listed.
3. The Manufacturer’s Name and Address
This information must be included on the label by law. A toll-free number or web address for the manufacturer may also be listed. Manufacturers who list a phone number, such as IAMS™, generally have a high-quality product and welcome consumer calls and questions. If you would like information about IAMS products, visit our website or call us toll-free at 800-525-4267.
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