Not many people know that large dog breeds have different needs than other sized breeds. This is because they require so much more nutrition to continue growing. Without those vitamins and minerals, they can start to suffer from certain conditions or problems that can end up decreasing their quality of life or even shortening their lifespan. To prevent this from occurring, you should invest some time and research into finding the best food out there to help your dog thrive. Here are several reasons why you need to make adjustments to the diet of a large-breed dog.
Why Large Dog Breeds Require Certain Adjustments to Their Diet: Less Calorie-Dense Foods
It may sound counterintuitive, but large dog breeds actually need fewer calories in their diet. You might find a good option in Acana Large Breed Puppy Food. This is because large dog breeds have slower metabolic rates, meaning that they digest food much more slowly. Storing calorie-dense foods for long periods of time can lead to fast weight gain, which can place additional strain on a large dog’s health. Large dog breeds also tend to have large stomachs, meaning that they need more food to feel full. Feeding calorie-dense foods will quickly lead to weight gain.
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Joint Health Is Important
Large dog breeds are prone to joint problems, which is why they need food that has been specially designed for them. Diet for large breed dogs tends to have more omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or glucosamine from some meat and poultry ingredients to promote joint health. It is possible that you could add these supplements to kibble yourself, but if you don’t have a lot of time, it can be much easier to simply buy a dog food that is already designed with your dog in mind. Look for dog foods that say “added glucosamine” or “added omega-3” on the label so that you know exactly what you’re getting.
Paying Attention To Portion Control
You might think that because your dog is large, you need to feed them a lot more food. However, this way of thinking is why so many large breed dogs end up being overweight. Extra weight will cause some serious health complications, such as stress on joints, increased orthopedic diseases, and extra strain on the heart. You can avoid overfeeding your dog by measuring or weighing the amount of food and treats you’re providing to your dog on a daily basis. It doesn’t hurt to adjust these measurements so that your dog is getting the right amount: increase food if your dog looks a little underweight, or decrease if he’s starting to look like a sausage.
Before you go out and buy the first large-breed dog food that you find, be sure to speak with a veterinarian first. You should be fully aware of their unique nutritional needs to find the dog food that best meets them. You want to make the best choice to ensure that your dog lives a long and happy life.
