There are most likely as many definitions of life-stage feeding as parents. According to one definition, it is “the process of adopting an infant’s eating behaviors to expected developmental milestones and changes in family dynamics.” Life-stage feeding is an important component of a two-part approach to feeding infants and toddlers.
Being an animal parent, it’s important to know the best way to feed your cat or dog as much as possible. Feeding a pet is much like having a baby. You want them to grow into a strong, healthy, and well-balanced individual. Feeding your pet throughout their lifetime is part of stage feeding, which refers to feeding the same foods throughout their life, not just during one stage.
Brain Development
Life stage feeding begins when the puppy is 8 weeks old, but it is important to note that each stage of your puppy’s development should be matched with the appropriate food. As your puppy ages, his body and brain undergo rapid changes. Providing the proper diet during this time is important for optimal growth and development.
Healthy Organs
Life-stage feeding for dogs has been growing in popularity over the past few years. Instead of feeding food formulated for puppies rather than adult dogs, many owners are now choosing foods formulated for older dogs. The science behind this feeding method is that puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs. Adult dogs tend to be less active than their younger counterparts, and animal nutritionists believe that this, coupled with the fact that most dogs reach adulthood at around 2 to 4 years of age, may contribute to their increased levels of organ and tissue aging.
Weight Control
If you made New Year’s resolutions this year, one of them is probably to get in shape, including your dog. While it can be difficult for pets to change bad habits (like overeating), it’s never too late to set your four-legged family member up for success. And to help your pet reach its ideal weight, it’s important to feed your dog or cat based on age and size. Weight loss and weight gain are a normal part of your pet’s life. Just as puppies and kittens gain or lose weight, adult dogs and adult cats often change their weight as they age. This can happen for many reasons, including illness, stress, and changes in feeding and exercise routines.
Growth and Muscle Development
Life-stage feeding means feeding your pet during its growth period. This feeding focuses on high protein, high fat, and low carbohydrate. This helps your pet with muscle growth and development. The life stage feeding guidelines clearly state that all dogs, cats, and medium-to-large animals are fed for growth and that all smaller animals and cats (and all birds) are fed for maintenance.
If you have loved horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, or other small animals, you know that the foods you buy are extremely important to their health and development. The diet you provide your small pet will greatly impact how healthy they are, how long they live, and how much enjoyment they get out of life. That’s why feeding your small pet the right foods at the right time is important, ensuring they get all the nutrients they need to grow, develop, and stay healthy.
Bone Development
Growing pets need proper nutrition. Adults and seniors often benefit from specific diets, while puppies, kittens, and pregnant or nursing pets need different formulas. Knowing the difference between adult, senior, and puppy or kitten formulas and what to feed your pet at each stage of her life can help you provide her with a healthy diet. Bone development starts around 6 weeks for most dogs and at 1 year of age for most cats. Puppies and kittens need extra calcium to strengthen their bones during this time.
Healthy Skin and Fur
As pets mature, their needs change. For many pet owners, this can present challenges when feeding pets. Unfortunately, many pet care professionals do not openly discuss this with their clients/patients. Fortunately, this misunderstanding can be addressed. Treating a pet with proper nutrition throughout life is important for healthy skin and coat.
Good nutrition is an essential component of pet wellness. Pet owners should choose a diet that meets the needs and pace of their pet’s life stage. When a pet is young and growing, it must have the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. As your pet ages, the energy and nutrient need to change. When your pet enters its senior years, it may require fewer calories, less protein, and more supportive nutrients. Pet owners should discuss diet and appropriate weight and activity levels with their veterinarian.