Dog Nutrition at Highland Park
Everything you need to know about dog nutrition
What are the life-stages of feeding my dog?
Puppy: 0-12 months
- High protein and fat for growth
- DHA for brain development
- Foods with Calcium and Phosphorous for bone health
Adult- 1-7 years
- Balanced protein, fat, and carbs
- This stage is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and activity level
- Avoid overfeeding and giving your adult dogs too many treats
Senior- 7+ years
- Lower calories
- Begin incorporating antioxidants and joint supplements
How do I wean my puppy and get them on regular food
Puppies are typically weaned to food before adoption. If you puppy has difficulty eating hard food, you may soften the food with water or feed canned food until they have an easier time.
How do I feed my dog on a schedule?
Most dogs do best with 2 meals per day. We recommend feeding in the morning and evening at consistent times and we recommend avoiding “free feeding”. Puppies may need 3-4 meals a day spaced out every 4-6 hours to maintain blood sugar levels.
Scheduled feeding times allow for easier house training, better monitoring of appetite, prevents obesity, and creates a predictable routine
- **If you dog does not eat their food at first, you can train them using the 15-20min method. You put the food down at mealtime, and pick it up after 15-20 minutes. Do not feed snacks or treats until the next scheduled meal.
- Dogs quickly learn to eat when food is available!.
It is best to measure the food and feed according to the feeding guidelines on the food label or as prescribed by your veterinarian.
How do I know if I am feeding my dog too much?
- Noticeable signs of weight gain – collar is too tight, obvious weight gain, lethargy or joint stiffness
- Food not being finished
- Soft or frequent stools
What are the essential nutrients my dog needs?
Great question! Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet of essential nutrients to stay healthy
- Protein - Helps build muscle, skin, organs, and immune function
- Fatty acids - provide energy, good for healthy skin and coat, brain development and absorption of fat soluble vitamins
- Carbohydrates - for energy and fiber for digestion
- Vitamins and Minerals – Support immunity, metabolism and nerve function. Important for bones, teeth, fluid balance and overall health
How will my veterinarian be able to assess if my dog is getting proper nutrition?
Your veterinarian has several ways to assess whether you dog is receiving proper nutrition including
- Physical exam – evaluating weight, quality of their haircoat, muscle distribution, and energy level
- Weight tracking – Weight over time is important to make sure a puppy is growing well and seniors and dogs with chronic conditions are staying healthy.
- Lab work – Blood tests evaluate for protein levels, electrolyte imbalances, and organ function
There are so many brands of dog food – how will I know the best one for my dog?
You are absolutely right! The dog food market is overwhelming and confusing. Your veterinarian can be a great resource since they know any specific health needs for your pet. To evaluate a dog food, look for the following:
1. Look for AAFCO Statement. Check the label for a statement like:
- “This food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance/all life stages/growth…”
This ensures the food meets minimum nutritional standards based on life stage.
2. Choose the Right Formula for Your Dog’s Life Stage
- Puppy (growth): Higher protein and fat for development
- Adult (maintenance): Balanced nutrients for daily health
- Senior (7+ years): Fewer calories, added joint support
- All Life Stages: would not recommend
3. Evaluate Ingredients. Look for:
- Named animal proteins first
- whole grains or quality carbs (rice, oats, sweet potato)
- Healthy fats (chicken fat, fish oil)
- Limited artificial colors and preservatives
4. Consider Your Dog’s Unique Needs
- Tailor your choice based on:
- Breed and size (large breeds need controlled calcium/phosphorus)
- Activity level (working or very active dogs need more calories)
- Allergies or sensitivities (choose limited ingredient or grain-free if needed—on vet advice)
- Medical conditions (ask vet about prescription diets)
5. Brand Quality Matters. Look for brands that:
- Have veterinary nutritionists on staff
- Conduct feeding trials (not just lab analysis)
- Have transparent sourcing and manufacturing
6. Highly respected brands include (as of 2025):
- Hill’s Science Diet
- Royal Canin
- Purina Pro Plan
- Eukanuba
- Iams (mid-range but AAFCO-compliant)
- For boutique or natural: Wellness, Nutro, Merrick, Open Farm
*** Be cautious with trendy or grain-free brands unless recommended by a vet—some are under scrutiny for possible links to heart disease (DCM).***
When would my dog need a prescription diet?
Your dog may need a prescription diet when they have a health condition that requires nutritional therapy as part of treatment or management. These diets are specially formulated to support medical needs and are only available through a veterinarian.
Need to make an appointment to talk about your dogs nutrition?