Your Dogs Weight |
|
KG | LB |
Is your Dog?
Adult | |
Pup | |
Senior |
Lifestyle:
Normal | |
Less Active Adult | |
Active | |
Working | |
Reproducing |
Pregnant 1-5 weeks | |
Pregnant 6 weeks | |
Pregnant 9 weeks | |
Lactating Week 1 | |
Lactating Week 2 | |
Lactating Week 3-5 | |
Pregnancy Last 4 Week |
Lifestyle:
6 / 8 weeks | |
50% of adult weight | |
80% of adult weight |
Lifestyle:
Overweight | |
Normal | |
Active | |
Inactive |
Target for Day: |
|
0 kg |
0 kcal |
Is your dog an Adult, Pup or Senior?
Now choose their Lifestyle
NORMAL ADULT
The first question would be when exactly is your dog an adult? It varies. One year is a good average though some giant breeds take much longer, smaller breeds can be mature by 10months. Google your breed.
The second question is – what is normal? That’s a tougher one to answer! What we do know is that a fresh, biologically appropriate diet, that is a mix of fresh meat, organ, bone and some veg, is surely the best you can do for them. Here are some helpful articles to guide you on the way.
Meals x 2 per day
Further reading
• Everything about raw dog food in 10mins
• How to safely feed raw meaty bones
• How to make your own raw dog food
• What does good raw look like?
• RAW FAQ section
The first question would be when exactly is your dog an adult? It varies. One year is a good average though some giant breeds take much longer, smaller breeds can be mature by 10months. Google your breed.
The second question is – what is normal? That’s a tougher one to answer! What we do know is that a fresh, biologically appropriate diet, that is a mix of fresh meat, organ, bone and some veg, is surely the best you can do for them. Here are some helpful articles to guide you on the way.
Meals x 2 per day
Further reading
• Everything about raw dog food in 10mins
• How to safely feed raw meaty bones
• How to make your own raw dog food
• What does good raw look like?
• RAW FAQ section
LESS ACTIVE ADULT
If your dog is less active, perhaps lying up for some reason or simply advancing in age and not doing the walks he used to (arthritis article ), you might reflect this in their food consumption. No walk that day, simply take a scoop out (and go easier on the treats)! But remember, if trying to shed a few pounds you don’t need to reduce the quantity of food. We instead reduce the energy content of the food by 20% so he can still have a nice big meal
Tips
For overweight dogs, reduce the fattier raw dog food options (beef, pork, duck) and include more poultry, lamb, fish or game meat if you can find it (all normally lower fat content). Most importantly - cut out all the carbs (cereal, rice, potato, fruit, peas, carrots) and change their treats to plain, dried, lean meat. And of course, increase those walks!! More tips for weight loss here ( obesity article )
FEED
x 2
If your dog is less active, perhaps lying up for some reason or simply advancing in age and not doing the walks he used to (arthritis article ), you might reflect this in their food consumption. No walk that day, simply take a scoop out (and go easier on the treats)! But remember, if trying to shed a few pounds you don’t need to reduce the quantity of food. We instead reduce the energy content of the food by 20% so he can still have a nice big meal
Tips
For overweight dogs, reduce the fattier raw dog food options (beef, pork, duck) and include more poultry, lamb, fish or game meat if you can find it (all normally lower fat content). Most importantly - cut out all the carbs (cereal, rice, potato, fruit, peas, carrots) and change their treats to plain, dried, lean meat. And of course, increase those walks!! More tips for weight loss here ( obesity article )
FEED
x 2
ACTIVE ADULT
Some dogs / breeds are naturally more outgoing than others, it's in their breeding. Two dogs are often more active than one. Even within a breed individuals are different, just like us. If it's just a temporary thing like a big walk, give an extra dollop, but for most without an extra bit each day muscle tone may suffer. We have increased the energy requirement here (and amount of food) by 20%.
Tips
Giving more food is one option but remember dogs get their energy from fat. So, if they’re burning more we give them more. Select the higher fat options (usually red meats like beef and pork and duck) over the lower calorie mixes (usually chicken, turkey, fish and game). The fat content will be written on the label by your supplier.
Meals
x 2
Some dogs / breeds are naturally more outgoing than others, it's in their breeding. Two dogs are often more active than one. Even within a breed individuals are different, just like us. If it's just a temporary thing like a big walk, give an extra dollop, but for most without an extra bit each day muscle tone may suffer. We have increased the energy requirement here (and amount of food) by 20%.
Tips
Giving more food is one option but remember dogs get their energy from fat. So, if they’re burning more we give them more. Select the higher fat options (usually red meats like beef and pork and duck) over the lower calorie mixes (usually chicken, turkey, fish and game). The fat content will be written on the label by your supplier.
Meals
x 2
WORKING / HARDWORKING
This is more than an active dog. This is a working dog, be it farm work, obedience, guide dogs, really any dogs in training. The brain uses a lot of energy, up to 40% of energy requirements (when in use, not the case with all dogs!!!) so a dog using his body and mind uses far more energy than a dog doing a few zoomies around the garden – up to twice as much, often more for the likes of sled dogs.
Tips
These dogs need more food and fattier ingredients. Cheaper minces tend to be higher in fat so it’s a good time to pad out your mixes with these. Slightly cooking these cheaper minces increases the energy they offer by a further 10%. Fish oil (omega 3) to aid with concentration and cushion those joints but remember all this extra fat could do with a little vitamin E too (if supplements, around 50IU per day). Lastly, hard-working dogs can benefit from electrolytes after exercise. You can make this yourself. Simply dissolve a teaspoon or two of raw honey and a healthy pinch of good salt (anything with a name) into a bowl of water. Offer it beside his normal water, he will take what he needs.
Meals
x 2-3
This is more than an active dog. This is a working dog, be it farm work, obedience, guide dogs, really any dogs in training. The brain uses a lot of energy, up to 40% of energy requirements (when in use, not the case with all dogs!!!) so a dog using his body and mind uses far more energy than a dog doing a few zoomies around the garden – up to twice as much, often more for the likes of sled dogs.
Tips
These dogs need more food and fattier ingredients. Cheaper minces tend to be higher in fat so it’s a good time to pad out your mixes with these. Slightly cooking these cheaper minces increases the energy they offer by a further 10%. Fish oil (omega 3) to aid with concentration and cushion those joints but remember all this extra fat could do with a little vitamin E too (if supplements, around 50IU per day). Lastly, hard-working dogs can benefit from electrolytes after exercise. You can make this yourself. Simply dissolve a teaspoon or two of raw honey and a healthy pinch of good salt (anything with a name) into a bowl of water. Offer it beside his normal water, he will take what he needs.
Meals
x 2-3
OVERWEIGHT
Put on a few pounds?! Happens us all but you need to sort it out as this is seriously affecting his health and shortening his life. He needs a few less calories and a bit more exercise. Simple! Gloriously fatties don't have to eat less food from a quantity perspective, it's just you need to lower the calorie content of his mix.
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your starting point, go for the leaner options. Cut out the fattier minces. Chose chicken and turkey instead of duck and beef mince. Use whitefish if possible (very oily fish like salmon can pack a punch). Increased the cooked veg content (low calorie). And cut out all white carbs (rice, spuds etc). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Drop of cod liver oil (to oil those aching joints); Kelp (particularly Ascophyllum, stimulates the thyroid, encourages weight loss); Milk thistle (stimulate liver) and dandelion (kidneys) will both boost metabolism.
TIPS
Watch the treats, they're the common culprit. No dental sticks (ever). Nothing bought in a pet shop. Carrots or baked lean meat as treats. Most important no “light†dry foods. They are abhorrent. And don't forget exercise. Swimming best for very porky puddins.
Put on a few pounds?! Happens us all but you need to sort it out as this is seriously affecting his health and shortening his life. He needs a few less calories and a bit more exercise. Simple! Gloriously fatties don't have to eat less food from a quantity perspective, it's just you need to lower the calorie content of his mix.
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your starting point, go for the leaner options. Cut out the fattier minces. Chose chicken and turkey instead of duck and beef mince. Use whitefish if possible (very oily fish like salmon can pack a punch). Increased the cooked veg content (low calorie). And cut out all white carbs (rice, spuds etc). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Drop of cod liver oil (to oil those aching joints); Kelp (particularly Ascophyllum, stimulates the thyroid, encourages weight loss); Milk thistle (stimulate liver) and dandelion (kidneys) will both boost metabolism.
TIPS
Watch the treats, they're the common culprit. No dental sticks (ever). Nothing bought in a pet shop. Carrots or baked lean meat as treats. Most important no “light†dry foods. They are abhorrent. And don't forget exercise. Swimming best for very porky puddins.
PREGNANCY 1-4 Weeks
There is little growth of the puppies during the first 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy so continue to feed the normal amount of fresh adult raw dog food and if possible, the best type you can (Click). Remember, dogs are like lego, like feeds like, muscle builds little muscles, organ build little organs, bones builds little bones, so vary your mixes, meats and organs offered to make sure you're covering all the bases!! Finally Excess feeding early in pregnancy will add unnecessary fat increasing the risk of complications down the line. More tips for expecting mother here (Click)
Tips
As in us, they will benefit from lots of B complex during this process so add in a little extra lightly steamed and blended dark greens to the mix. Full of folate. Good omega 3’s would be great too (whole sardine from frozen or a good fish oil . Also, be prepared for week 3 when there may be a 3 to 10 day period of lack of appetite. This is common but if she completely stops eating for more than 1 to 2 days, consult your vet to make sure all is well.
Meals
x 2
There is little growth of the puppies during the first 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy so continue to feed the normal amount of fresh adult raw dog food and if possible, the best type you can (Click). Remember, dogs are like lego, like feeds like, muscle builds little muscles, organ build little organs, bones builds little bones, so vary your mixes, meats and organs offered to make sure you're covering all the bases!! Finally Excess feeding early in pregnancy will add unnecessary fat increasing the risk of complications down the line. More tips for expecting mother here (Click)
Tips
As in us, they will benefit from lots of B complex during this process so add in a little extra lightly steamed and blended dark greens to the mix. Full of folate. Good omega 3’s would be great too (whole sardine from frozen or a good fish oil . Also, be prepared for week 3 when there may be a 3 to 10 day period of lack of appetite. This is common but if she completely stops eating for more than 1 to 2 days, consult your vet to make sure all is well.
Meals
x 2
PREGNANCY 5-8 weeks
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly increasing demand on nutrients from the mother, who needs more energy and more food. Your dog’s weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30 percent during this time and her food should increase in conjunction with this up to the point of feeding the bitch whatever she wants! Happy days!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your base, you should continue feeding a variety of meats and organs. Increase the use of fattier options such as beef and duck minces as stomach size begins to shrink. Feed three to four times a day (or simply as much as she needs).
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Raw eggs (one full egg for a large breed); Cottage Cheese; Cod liver oil tablets; Kelp; Raw liver
TIPS
Some recommend a calcium supplement during pregnancy. I strongly recommend you don't. She has enough of the best kind in there already. Calcium supplementation (even in the giant breeds) is a very dark art and is littered with danger, one being too much calcium can put the parathyroid to sleep. There is not a jot of science in support of it.
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly increasing demand on nutrients from the mother, who needs more energy and more food. Your dog’s weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30 percent during this time and her food should increase in conjunction with this up to the point of feeding the bitch whatever she wants! Happy days!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your base, you should continue feeding a variety of meats and organs. Increase the use of fattier options such as beef and duck minces as stomach size begins to shrink. Feed three to four times a day (or simply as much as she needs).
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Raw eggs (one full egg for a large breed); Cottage Cheese; Cod liver oil tablets; Kelp; Raw liver
TIPS
Some recommend a calcium supplement during pregnancy. I strongly recommend you don't. She has enough of the best kind in there already. Calcium supplementation (even in the giant breeds) is a very dark art and is littered with danger, one being too much calcium can put the parathyroid to sleep. There is not a jot of science in support of it.
PREGNANCY 9 weeks
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly increasing demand on nutrients from the mother, who needs more energy and more food. Your dog’s weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30 percent during this time and her food should increase in conjunction with this up to the point of feeding the bitch whatever she wants! Happy days!
FEED
Stick to the 5:1:1 ratio (with 5 being meat “on the bone†or mince with bone in it). Stomach space is now severely restricted so she'll need the fattier options (duck and beef mince) in higher dose (make them at least 50% of the minces offered) and provide feeding ad lib (as much as she likes).
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
One egg per 20kg of dog; Cottage Cheese; Cod liver oil tablets; Kelp
TIPS
Some recommend a calcium supplement during pregnancy. I strongly recommend you don't. She has enough of the best kind in there already. Calcium supplementation (even in the giant breeds) is a very dark art and is littered with danger, one being too much calcium can put the parathyroid to sleep There is not a jot of science in support of it.
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly increasing demand on nutrients from the mother, who needs more energy and more food. Your dog’s weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30 percent during this time and her food should increase in conjunction with this up to the point of feeding the bitch whatever she wants! Happy days!
FEED
Stick to the 5:1:1 ratio (with 5 being meat “on the bone†or mince with bone in it). Stomach space is now severely restricted so she'll need the fattier options (duck and beef mince) in higher dose (make them at least 50% of the minces offered) and provide feeding ad lib (as much as she likes).
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
One egg per 20kg of dog; Cottage Cheese; Cod liver oil tablets; Kelp
TIPS
Some recommend a calcium supplement during pregnancy. I strongly recommend you don't. She has enough of the best kind in there already. Calcium supplementation (even in the giant breeds) is a very dark art and is littered with danger, one being too much calcium can put the parathyroid to sleep There is not a jot of science in support of it.
LACTATING Week1
Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. As a general rule, feed 150% of the maintenance energy requirement during the first week of lactation. I would be slowly moving towards some higher fat mixes now (red meats such as beef, pork, duck) with the usual fare. Aim to prevent weight loss of the bitch over the next few weeks, sustaining her own body reserves. More detailed info for expecting mothers here (Click).
TIPS
New mothers can be difficult, expect some changes in food / drink behaviour. Be patient and flexible. To increase their want, you can even offer a little cooked meat (who can say no?!). Again, don't supplement with calcium without prior veterinary advice, the calcium in her food and the regular offer of raw meaty bones should be all she needs. And keep that fresh water flowing.
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib feeding.
Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. As a general rule, feed 150% of the maintenance energy requirement during the first week of lactation. I would be slowly moving towards some higher fat mixes now (red meats such as beef, pork, duck) with the usual fare. Aim to prevent weight loss of the bitch over the next few weeks, sustaining her own body reserves. More detailed info for expecting mothers here (Click).
TIPS
New mothers can be difficult, expect some changes in food / drink behaviour. Be patient and flexible. To increase their want, you can even offer a little cooked meat (who can say no?!). Again, don't supplement with calcium without prior veterinary advice, the calcium in her food and the regular offer of raw meaty bones should be all she needs. And keep that fresh water flowing.
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib feeding.
LACTATING WEEK 2
Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. Aim to feed 200% of maintenance energy requirement during the second week. Increase the amount of higher fat raw dog food mixes offered further (beef, pork, duck) as energy demand escalates. Aim to prevent any weight loss of the bitch from her “normal” body weight. Don't supplement with calcium without vet advice. Keep that fresh water flowing. More detailed info for expecting mothers here (Click).
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib feeding.
Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. Aim to feed 200% of maintenance energy requirement during the second week. Increase the amount of higher fat raw dog food mixes offered further (beef, pork, duck) as energy demand escalates. Aim to prevent any weight loss of the bitch from her “normal” body weight. Don't supplement with calcium without vet advice. Keep that fresh water flowing. More detailed info for expecting mothers here (Click).
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib feeding.
LACTATING WEEK 3-5
This is peak lactation. Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. Expect to feed up to 300% of maintenance energy requirement in week 3 and 4. Aim to prevent any weight loss of the bitch from her “normal” body weight. Don't supplement with calcium without vet advice. Introduce their future diet in mince form by week 5 (weaning). Keep that fresh water flowing.
TIPS
Introduce new human handlers, sounds and experiences in the nest, the bigger variety the better.
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib. Begin to feed bitch separately from her pups.
This is peak lactation. Expect a large increase in nutrient requirements. Expect to feed up to 300% of maintenance energy requirement in week 3 and 4. Aim to prevent any weight loss of the bitch from her “normal” body weight. Don't supplement with calcium without vet advice. Introduce their future diet in mince form by week 5 (weaning). Keep that fresh water flowing.
TIPS
Introduce new human handlers, sounds and experiences in the nest, the bigger variety the better.
MEALS
Smaller more often, ranging up to ad-lib. Begin to feed bitch separately from her pups.
PREGNANCY LAST 4 WEEK
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly. The bitches weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30%, increasing her energy demands. Her food should gradually increase in conjunction with this. Aim to slowly increase both the amount and energy content of the food (by selecting higher fat mixes or simply adding fatty beef meat on top) by 40% over the next four weeks, equating to around 10% a week. As in the first 3wks of preganancy, some B complex and omega 3 is recommended. More detailed info for expecting mothers here ( Click).
TIPS
Focus on higher calorie mixes in later weeks as stomach size shrinks. Never supplement with calcium unless a vet that has studied nutrition has told you to. She will obtain more calcium from her increased raw-with-bone consumption. Along with the offering of regular meaty bones, that is more than enough and avoids future complications down the line (for more on this, check out the Raw Pet Medics video, link to .
MEALS
Smaller meals more often
Now the pups begin to grow rapidly. The bitches weight should gradually increase by 25 to 30%, increasing her energy demands. Her food should gradually increase in conjunction with this. Aim to slowly increase both the amount and energy content of the food (by selecting higher fat mixes or simply adding fatty beef meat on top) by 40% over the next four weeks, equating to around 10% a week. As in the first 3wks of preganancy, some B complex and omega 3 is recommended. More detailed info for expecting mothers here ( Click).
TIPS
Focus on higher calorie mixes in later weeks as stomach size shrinks. Never supplement with calcium unless a vet that has studied nutrition has told you to. She will obtain more calcium from her increased raw-with-bone consumption. Along with the offering of regular meaty bones, that is more than enough and avoids future complications down the line (for more on this, check out the Raw Pet Medics video, link to .
MEALS
Smaller meals more often
PUPPY: From weaning – 50% of adult body weight
You can begin to wean pups on to a boneless mince from 3wks of age. They will want it as they have tasted it already while in the womb and via mums milk but even if from a dry fed mothers, pups know what’s good for them and will tuck in. Some folk have a preference over what meat to begin with, I don’t. By 4-5wks I would be offering them a ground, well-made, raw dog food (Click), just like the adults get. I target the fattier mixes initially (usually beef or duck) as pups need the extra oomf but as always, vary up what you offer them, helping you achieve balance over time
By 5-6wks you will need an estimate of what weight this dog is going to be when an adult. For pure breeds its easy, ask your breeder or Google it! For mutts just make a stab at it based on what you know! Don’t worry, they’ll be offered plenty of food initially so they won’t be hungry (NOTE: for pups lighter than 1kg you will need to do the maths accordingly!).
At 6-8wks pups will happily consume around 10% of their BW in raw dog food each day! Gradually reduce food (amount/energy) over time in line with requirements at 50% of BW below.
TIPS
Introduce larger raw meaty bones by 6wks for them to cut their teeth on.
MEALS
Disperse 4 meals for young pups (6-14wks) throughout the day. Keep an eye, ensure everyone is getting in there.
FURTHER READING
• Raw feeding puppies (Click)
• So you’re getting a puppy…Part 1 (Click)
• Puppy vaccinations, best advice (Click)
• 5 great toilet training tips for pups (Click )
• The dangers of neutering early (Click)
• Do you need to de-flea or deworm a pup with no fleas?! (Click and Click)
You can begin to wean pups on to a boneless mince from 3wks of age. They will want it as they have tasted it already while in the womb and via mums milk but even if from a dry fed mothers, pups know what’s good for them and will tuck in. Some folk have a preference over what meat to begin with, I don’t. By 4-5wks I would be offering them a ground, well-made, raw dog food (Click), just like the adults get. I target the fattier mixes initially (usually beef or duck) as pups need the extra oomf but as always, vary up what you offer them, helping you achieve balance over time
By 5-6wks you will need an estimate of what weight this dog is going to be when an adult. For pure breeds its easy, ask your breeder or Google it! For mutts just make a stab at it based on what you know! Don’t worry, they’ll be offered plenty of food initially so they won’t be hungry (NOTE: for pups lighter than 1kg you will need to do the maths accordingly!).
At 6-8wks pups will happily consume around 10% of their BW in raw dog food each day! Gradually reduce food (amount/energy) over time in line with requirements at 50% of BW below.
TIPS
Introduce larger raw meaty bones by 6wks for them to cut their teeth on.
MEALS
Disperse 4 meals for young pups (6-14wks) throughout the day. Keep an eye, ensure everyone is getting in there.
FURTHER READING
• Raw feeding puppies (Click)
• So you’re getting a puppy…Part 1 (Click)
• Puppy vaccinations, best advice (Click)
• 5 great toilet training tips for pups (Click )
• The dangers of neutering early (Click)
• Do you need to de-flea or deworm a pup with no fleas?! (Click and Click)
PUPPY: 50-80% of adult body weight
By 50% of adult body weight your pup requires twice the amount of calories of an adult and roughly 5% of their body weight each day. Each coulple of weeks the body weight should be noted and the food amount adjusted accordingly. Don’t stress, if they’re going through a growth phase and suddenly hungry, he’ll let you know, if you don’t see it on him yourself.
By 80% of adult BW your pup should be down to 1.6 times adult energy/food req.
TIPS
No fat pups. It may be cute but the long term damage to life and limb is disastrous. You shouldn't be able to see the ribs but should be able to feel them. This is just a guide, nothing compares to your intuition on the matter. If wolfing food place a large enough toy in their bowl that they have to eat around.
MEALS
x3 (3-6mths in average dogs, 3-9mth in larger dogs) then down to 2 meals a day
By 50% of adult body weight your pup requires twice the amount of calories of an adult and roughly 5% of their body weight each day. Each coulple of weeks the body weight should be noted and the food amount adjusted accordingly. Don’t stress, if they’re going through a growth phase and suddenly hungry, he’ll let you know, if you don’t see it on him yourself.
By 80% of adult BW your pup should be down to 1.6 times adult energy/food req.
TIPS
No fat pups. It may be cute but the long term damage to life and limb is disastrous. You shouldn't be able to see the ribs but should be able to feel them. This is just a guide, nothing compares to your intuition on the matter. If wolfing food place a large enough toy in their bowl that they have to eat around.
MEALS
x3 (3-6mths in average dogs, 3-9mth in larger dogs) then down to 2 meals a day
PUPPY: 80-100% of ADULT body weight
This is last growth phase but he'll still be eating around 4% of his body weight per day in fresh food!
FEED
Feed him as you would an adult (5:1:1) but keep on using slightly higher calorie cuts (cheap beef mince, duck mince). Keep the lovely raw meaty bones going in which'll keep the teeth clean but will also provide all the building blocks for forming good, solid joints. Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
An egg now and again; Cod liver oil tablet (1000mg per 10kg of body weight); Tins of sardines (in brine not veg oil), Dash of coconut oil, Kelp
TIPS
Keep them lean. Increase the excercise. Swimming is great.
This is last growth phase but he'll still be eating around 4% of his body weight per day in fresh food!
FEED
Feed him as you would an adult (5:1:1) but keep on using slightly higher calorie cuts (cheap beef mince, duck mince). Keep the lovely raw meaty bones going in which'll keep the teeth clean but will also provide all the building blocks for forming good, solid joints. Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
An egg now and again; Cod liver oil tablet (1000mg per 10kg of body weight); Tins of sardines (in brine not veg oil), Dash of coconut oil, Kelp
TIPS
Keep them lean. Increase the excercise. Swimming is great.
SENIOR NORMAL
Older dogs require less food, around 20% less it is estimated, though this is dependent on activity level. Overweight seniors may need a touch less again (though we prefer to do it by calories, aiming for lighter meals, rather than less food per se). Seniors losing lean muscle mass a touch more.
TIPS
Time to start ramping up the oily fish inclusions such as whole sardines (at least 10% of the diet) which adds more omega 3, glucosamine and chondroitin to his diet, keep those limbs in good shape. Avoid excess sprinting exercises with older dogs. Some very old dogs may even benefit from a few carbs (bit of porridge or potato mash mixed in) for easy energy, but they're not necessary. As they age, their ability to process food declines. It’s thought this is due to a narrowing of the gut flora so probiotics (the ones for human guts in the local health shop is fine) are a good idea now and again to keep things topped up. In advanced years I often being adding lightly cooked fattier meats (eg beef mince) as it’s even shown to be even easier to digest for them. Omega 3, if not giving sardines, would be great now for the joints (though I prefer green lipped mussel extract) as would a little vitamin E (up to 50IU per day) and some vitamin C (200-300mg per day). And don’t forget a little acupuncture or hydrotherapy to keep those joints moving. Got to keep them moving.
MEALS
two a day is fine
FURTHER READING
• Arthritis in dogs arthritis article
• Fantastic natural anti-inflammatory (Click)
• Dirty teeth adds to inflammation, keep them clean with raw meaty bones (Click) or Canident (Click )
Older dogs require less food, around 20% less it is estimated, though this is dependent on activity level. Overweight seniors may need a touch less again (though we prefer to do it by calories, aiming for lighter meals, rather than less food per se). Seniors losing lean muscle mass a touch more.
TIPS
Time to start ramping up the oily fish inclusions such as whole sardines (at least 10% of the diet) which adds more omega 3, glucosamine and chondroitin to his diet, keep those limbs in good shape. Avoid excess sprinting exercises with older dogs. Some very old dogs may even benefit from a few carbs (bit of porridge or potato mash mixed in) for easy energy, but they're not necessary. As they age, their ability to process food declines. It’s thought this is due to a narrowing of the gut flora so probiotics (the ones for human guts in the local health shop is fine) are a good idea now and again to keep things topped up. In advanced years I often being adding lightly cooked fattier meats (eg beef mince) as it’s even shown to be even easier to digest for them. Omega 3, if not giving sardines, would be great now for the joints (though I prefer green lipped mussel extract) as would a little vitamin E (up to 50IU per day) and some vitamin C (200-300mg per day). And don’t forget a little acupuncture or hydrotherapy to keep those joints moving. Got to keep them moving.
MEALS
two a day is fine
FURTHER READING
• Arthritis in dogs arthritis article
• Fantastic natural anti-inflammatory (Click)
• Dirty teeth adds to inflammation, keep them clean with raw meaty bones (Click) or Canident (Click )
SENIOR OVERWEIGHT
Older dogs require less food, often around 20% less in quantity. If your senior is overweight don't drop the amount of food lower in this though, we'll just reduce the calories a bit!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, keep your meat additions lean, so chicken / turkey mince instead of duck and beef mince. Cut out all few carbs (brown rice, potato). Increase cooked veg addition by 10%. Oily fish is great in older dogs but mix with maybe white fish (lower calorie!). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; vit C (disease fighter), raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Those limbs will be aching. Reduce inflammation in joints by ensuring no wheat, cooked meats, or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters). Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Avoid excess sprinting exercises.
Older dogs require less food, often around 20% less in quantity. If your senior is overweight don't drop the amount of food lower in this though, we'll just reduce the calories a bit!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, keep your meat additions lean, so chicken / turkey mince instead of duck and beef mince. Cut out all few carbs (brown rice, potato). Increase cooked veg addition by 10%. Oily fish is great in older dogs but mix with maybe white fish (lower calorie!). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; vit C (disease fighter), raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Those limbs will be aching. Reduce inflammation in joints by ensuring no wheat, cooked meats, or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters). Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Avoid excess sprinting exercises.
SENIOR INACTIVE
Older dogs require less food, often around 20% less in quantity. If your senior is overweight don't drop the amount of food lower in this though, we'll just reduce the calories a bit!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, keep your meat additions lean, so chicken / turkey mince instead of duck and beef mince. Cut out all few carbs (brown rice, potato). Increase cooked veg addition by 10%. Oily fish is great in older dogs but mix with maybe white fish (lower calorie!). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; vit C (disease fighter), raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Those limbs will be aching. Reduce inflammation in joints by ensuring no wheat, cooked meats, or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters). Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Avoid excess sprinting exercises.
Older dogs require less food, often around 20% less in quantity. If your senior is overweight don't drop the amount of food lower in this though, we'll just reduce the calories a bit!
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, keep your meat additions lean, so chicken / turkey mince instead of duck and beef mince. Cut out all few carbs (brown rice, potato). Increase cooked veg addition by 10%. Oily fish is great in older dogs but mix with maybe white fish (lower calorie!). Feed twice a day.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; vit C (disease fighter), raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Those limbs will be aching. Reduce inflammation in joints by ensuring no wheat, cooked meats, or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters). Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Avoid excess sprinting exercises.
SENIOR ACTIVE
Ordinary older dogs require less food but your active older dog probably doesn't! There is very little difference between your older active dog and an adult dog, treat the same (with a bit more cod liver oil!!).
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, your active senior might benefit from a few carbs (brown rice, potato) in there for easy energy. Oily fish is great in older dogs.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; sweet potato, vit C (disease fighter), coconut oil, raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Keep an eye on well worked limbs. Ensure no wheat, cooked meats or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters) are going in there. Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Despite signs of good health take it easy on sprinting exercises. Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential, and keep active seniors very lean.
Ordinary older dogs require less food but your active older dog probably doesn't! There is very little difference between your older active dog and an adult dog, treat the same (with a bit more cod liver oil!!).
FEED
With 5:1:1 as your baseline, your active senior might benefit from a few carbs (brown rice, potato) in there for easy energy. Oily fish is great in older dogs.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS
Cod liver oil tablets; sweet potato, vit C (disease fighter), coconut oil, raw garlic (half a clove per 20kg of adult body weight)
TIPS
Keep an eye on well worked limbs. Ensure no wheat, cooked meats or chemicals (flea treatments, boosters) are going in there. Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential. Despite signs of good health take it easy on sprinting exercises. Keep the raw meaty bones going in, clean teeth is essential, and keep active seniors very lean.