

adp_description_block67
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 IAMSâ˘, 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 dogâs life. Dogs need considerably more nutrition during these times because fetal growth requirements are very high and a motherâs 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.


adp_related_article_block171 108 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE âŚ
adp_related_article_block171 Continue scrolling for next content



- adp_description_block324Could Your Dog Escape Your Yard? Hereâs How to Secure It
For some dogs, a simple fence isnât enough to keep them in the yard. Maybe youâve got a little escape artist thatâs too smart for their own good. Maybe youâre raising a brave explorer who loves to get lost. Or maybe youâve been unlucky enough to have your dog stolen from their own backyard. Creating a safe and secure space to keep your pet can be a challenge, but weâre here to help. Understanding the common reasons dogs get out and what you can do to prevent it from happening goes a long way toward keeping your furry friend safe.
Why Does Your Dog Want to Escape?
Securing your yard starts with understanding the impulses that drive your dog to see whatâs beyond your property. Spaying or neutering is an important first step in curbing a dogâs desire to roam, but there may be other factors at play. Creating a safe yard for a lonely Labrador in search of a friend is an entirely different exercise than securing a burrow-happy beagle on the hunt for a squirrel. Weâd recommend trying to learn as much as you can about your dogâs breed and underlying instincts. The most common reasons dogs try to escape are:
- Feeling socially isolated
- Lack of stimulation (think toys)
- Desire to escape something that scares them, like thunder
Countering these behaviors starts with understanding which one is at the heart of your dogâs desire to break free. Once youâve got a theory of whatâs motivating your pup, itâs time to give your safety measures a second look.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure in Your Yard
Microchip Your Dog and Scan Their Nose
If your dog is committed to getting out, your most useful tool will be the ability to track and locate them wherever theyâre found. There are a huge variety of products and services designed to help you keep your dog safe, but the most important thing you can have is a plan. Youâve most likely heard of GPS tracking chips that can be implanted in your pet, but you may not know that you can also scan their nose. Through a new app called NOSEiD, you can capture your dogâs unique nose print, which will give whoever finds them a faster, simpler way of reuniting the two of you. Itâs that easy! Just download the app, call your pup over and start scanning.
The Best Defense Is a Good ⌠Fence
Even though theyâre not technologically impressive, a sturdy wooden or metal fence still plays an important part in protecting your dog while theyâre in your yard. Not only does it keep your dog from wandering, it also keeps unwanted animals and people away from your dogâs space. If your dog can leap over it, youâll obviously need to raise the height, or you can add an overhang that makes it harder to clear. You might also consider planting some shrubs along the inside of the fence to discourage jumping. If your dog is burrowing beneath your fence, consider adding a barrier beneath it or putting a bumper collar on them, which makes it harder to squeeze into small spaces.
If you have a particularly territorial dog, you may want to cover any open spots in your fence that your dog might spy adversaries through. A solid fence may help them feel safe and diminish their need to patrol their surroundings.
When it comes to electric fences, using one successfully depends on your dogâs personality. If your dog has recently been ignoring the electric fence, you may want to consider retraining them or investing in a physical barrier.
Make âYardâ Mean âYay!â
Making your yard a dog-friendly and entertaining space is a huge part of keeping your dog safe at home. With enough toys, space to burn energy and ideally a friend to play with, your dog wonât have any reason to see if the grass is greener elsewhere. A few popular dog-pleasers you may want to provide are:
- A bit of shelter or shade
- A source of water
- A rotating lineup of toys
- Their favorite playmate (you)
Use Your Yard Wisely
Last, but not least, if you leave your dog unattended for a long period of time in your yard, thereâs a good chance they will get bored and look for a way to burn off some energy. To prevent them from getting mischievous, limit the amount of time theyâre out on their own, and check in frequently. Also, for dogs with separation anxiety or that may be afraid of loud noises, your presence will help keep them calm and close to home.
With your dog chipped or their nose scanned, youâll always have an option in the event that your dog strikes out on their own. Beyond that, understand what makes your dog unique and check your yardâs safety features regularly for holes or weak points. As usual, a little preparation now can save you a ton of time and energy in the long run.
adp_related_article_block307 294 YOUR --spice-- MAY ALSO LIKE âŚ
adp_related_article_block307Continue scrolling for next content