Diet

Advances in veterinary medicine and vaccination against the major infectious diseases mean that our pets’ life expectancy is much greater than it was 20, or even 10, years ago. Another major factor is the introduction of lifestage diets. We all know that pets, like us, need a balanced diet. It is important to realise, however, that they require differing levels of nutrients at different stages of their lives and that the most reputable pet food manufacturers have developed diets appropriate to the age and breed of your pet.

Diet information from Royal Canin on the different feeding requirements of large and small breed dogs.

"A Chihuahua should not be fed like a St Bernard"

Different digestive capacity

Diagram showing the digestive tract of a large dog and a small dog

Digestive tract expressed as a % of total body weight

A small breed dog's digestive tract (7% of its bodyweight) is more than twice the size of a large breed dog (2.7% )
- So the answer is to feed large dogs with smaller meals of a concentrated energy food.

Different growth period

Small breed dogs grow to adulthood in 8 months while larger breeds can take up to 24 months

- So small breed puppies need enough nutrients to support their rapid development while large breed puppies should have a moderate energy level to sustain steady growth over a long period.

Different energy requirements

Diagram showing the energy requirements of a large dog and a small dog

Small breeds need nearly twice as much energy for their size as medium and larger breed dogs.
- So small breeds need a food that is richer in protein and fat to sustain them.

Different life expectancy

Diagram showing the average life expectancy of a large dog and a small dog

The average life expectancy varies from 14 years for small breeds to only 8 years for large breeds.
- So it is vital to slow down the ageing process at an early stage for large breeds

Puppies and kittens require a diet with high levels of energy, protein for muscle development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth and essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Larger breeds of dog require special formulations for optimum growth.

Adult dogs and cats, once their growth phase is complete, require lower levels of the nutrients mentioned above.

Older dogs and cats require lower levels of certain nutrients, especially protein phosphorus and salt, to reduce the work of major internal organs such as the heart and kidneys. They also require lower energy levels to prevent obesity.

The major pet food manufacturers spend large sums of money on research and development to ensure that their products contain the appropriate nutrients. Our qualified nurses will be happy to discuss diets and answer any questions you have concerning the feeding of your pet, from puppy or kitten through to the older pet.

We are also happy to advise you on rabbit nutrition. The most common health problems we see in rabbits, notably dental disease and fly strike, are often related to inappropriate feeding