The Difference Between Dog Food and Puppy Food with our Livonia Veterinarian
Pet nutrition is critical to proper dog health. At different points in the life of your pet, your dog will require different nutrition. This is why you see different food formulations at the pet store. Puppy food and dog food differ in many ways. This is especially true for the puppy food.
Food for Your Dog
Puppies are growing at an incredible rate. This high level of growth requires a lot of energy. Therefore, it is critical that the food you feed your puppy has a high caloric content. In addition to the high energy content, it is also important to make sure that your puppy food has the requisite vitamins that your puppy needs. Having the proper vitamins are critical for a healthy coat, proper neural development, and general health.
Pet nutrition carries with it an inherent risk. There is a good deal of bad information which could potentially harm your pet. For instance, many people feel like a high protein diet is required for puppy health. While protein is very important, too much protein in your puppy's diet could cause them to grow too quickly. Growing too quickly can cause bones to improperly mineralize. This results in brittle bones that may easily break. Another important consideration is the breed of your puppy. Large breeds, in particular, require a very specific balance of phosphorous and calcium to prevent the onset of joint disease later in life.
Consult your local Livonia veterinarian about pet nutrition
It is important to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the food you are feeding your dog. If you are in the Livonia area, the veterinarians at the Sheehy Animal Hospital are a wonderful resource to help you decide what food is best for your specific dog.
Your veterinarian will know which formulation will provide your puppy the nutrition.