Adult dog food

At the peak of health, your adult dog’s nutritional needs are relatively easy to meet. That’s good news, but also an invitation to excess, especially if the food you give them isn’t balanced or doesn’t match their lifestyle. It’s important to take time to find the best adult dog food. Read on to find out what factors you should consider when choosing what to feed Fido.

Tailor their diet to any predispositions

They say no two humans are alike—well, the same goes for dogs. Your canine companion may be predisposed to certain issues because of their breed, lifestyle, or physical condition. Here are some examples:

• A working dog who’s “unemployed” and isn’t as physically active as before may be prone to obesity.
• Schnauzers are more likely to develop bladder stones.
• A dog with deformed joints is susceptible to osteoarthritis.
• Smaller breeds are prone to dental issues from a very young age.

To prevent these complications, make sure your dog’s diet matches the unique characteristics of their lifestyle and breed.

Once you decide what adult dog food to give your trusty canine companion, you have to determine how much to feed them. The best thing to do is to talk to your veterinary team. Using Globalvet’s exclusive nutrition software, they can offer recommendations on what and how much to feed your dog based on their specific needs.

Monitor protein intake—but don’t stop there

Protein is an important element of your adult dog’s nutrition. If the protein content in their food exceeds their amino acid requirements (amino acids are what dogs use to form their own proteins), their body will use the surplus as an energy source.

If their energy needs are already being met by the carbohydrate and fat content in their food, that surplus could lead to weight gain and even obesity.

Read our article Pourquoi ne pas seulement se fier à la teneur en protéines(in French only) for more on this topic.

Listen to the professionals

There are a lot of theories floating around about canine nutrition, many of which have no basis in reality. For instance, the idea that dogs are wolves, nutritionally speaking, is completely false. Genetic evolution has made it so a dog’s metabolism is now very different from a wolf’s.

Instead of getting misled by urban legends, an obscure website, or a well-meaning neighbour, which could put your pooch’s nutrition (and health!) at risk, talk to your vet.

Where do treats fit in?

Treats are an important part of your relationship with your canine companion. They’re great as an occasional reward or special surprise. But be aware that they can also add extra calories and throw your dog’s nutrition regiment off balance. Treats should never make up more than 10% of everything your four-legged friend eats in a day.

Did you know there’s an easy way to help your dog live better and longer? Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can increase their life expectancy by as much as 15%. For a Labrador, that means an extra 2 years of life! This data comes from a study published in 2002 by JAVMA: Effects of diet restriction on life spanand age-related changes in dogs.

But we understand it’s not always easy to control your chowhound’s intake, especially when they look healthy on the outside (at first glance!). But be aware that thePet Obesity Survey conducted in 2018 by the U.S. Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 56% of dogs are overweight or obese.

Is your pooch carrying some paunch? You may find it cute, but that little bit of extra weight merits attention. Why? Because it’s physical proof that your dog is consuming more calories than they’re burning, which could be harmful to their health and wellbeing over time. They may become predisposed to complications like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Skin conditions
• Cardiorespiratory disease
• An inefficient immune system

Rover’s weight isn’t just a matter of portion control

To properly control, increase, or decrease your canine companion’s weight, you have some food choices to make. But your dog is unique and has unique energy needs. Proper adult dog nutrition depends on factors such as:

• Temperament
• Activity level
• Whether they’ve been altered

Does your dog need to slim down? That means burning more caloriesthan they consume. But it’s not just a matter of shrinking their serving sizes, because they might not get the essential nutrients they need.

The best way to make an informed decision is to ask your veterinary team for advice. We can help you choose the best adult dog food for your dog’s unique needs, whether it’s weight maintenance or weight loss. We can also give you guidance on serving sizes and treats.

Not sure if your dog is overweight? Take a look at this Body Condition Score PDF from WSAVA and read our blog article, 5 bonnes raisons de garder son animal à son poids santé! (in French only).

Like most adult dogs, your canine companion can easily develop dental problems that can impact their overall health and lead to other issues.

Gingivitis

Caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, gingivitis is the most common dental disease in dogs. If left untreated, it can get worse and cause:

• Pain
• Infection
• Difficulty chewing

If not taken seriously, infections of the mouth can also spread to other parts of your dog’s body, affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, or brain.

Is your dog over 2 years old? They may already be showing signs of gingivitis. In some breeds, like Yorkshire terriers, miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, and miniature schnauzers, it can even start before their first birthday.

Brush their teeth every day

Taking care of your dog’s oral health and hygiene from a young age is just as important as everything else. And the best way to do that is through daily brushing. Easier said than done? We hear you. It may seem daunting and a little scary. Ask us for help! We can give you some tips to make the process virtually painless. For more advice, read our article Le brossage de dents, c’est plaisant!(in French only).

”Brush” with their food

Certain kinds of dry kibble are specially designed to promote doggy dental health. They slow the buildup of plaque and tartar through abrasive action or additives. Talk to your veterinary team about incorporating this type of adult dog food into your dog’s dental routine. Let’s have a chat and chew it over together!

Learn more about canine health and dental problems on our Dental care page.