When to Switch Your Dog’s Diet to Professional Dog Food

A nutritionally balanced diet is crucial for the healthy growth and development of your pooch to prepare it for a healthy, active and happy life. While a home-cooked meal gives you control of the ingredients, it proves to be inadequate on the nutritional scale. Some human foods are even toxic to dogs which can cause adverse effects on their health. Packaged dog food contains all the required nutrients in the right proportions and thus makes for a complete and balanced diet for dogs. However, just like you, your furball will go through various stages in life during which it will have special needs. In such instances, it is advisable to switch to professional packaged dog food. Made with quality ingredients, professional dog food like Pedigree Pro helps meet the special needs of dogs depending on their breed size, activity level and life-stage.

To find out if your pooch requires professional dog food, learn about the special needs of dogs as listed below…

Weight management

Did you know 40% of dogs are obese? There are various breeds like Labradors, Pugs, Dachshunds and Beagles that are even prone to obesity. While it is up to you as a pet parent to be strict about your dog’s diet so that this does not occur, it is also in your hands to reverse the situation in case the damage is already done. Obese dogs are at an increased risk of joint issues, heart disease and diabetes. Pedigree Pro Adult Weight Management dog food is formulated for the needs of overweight dogs. It contains 20% less fat per meal*, abundant protein to support muscle function, L-Carnitine to help burn fat and even Glucosamine and Omega Fatty Acids to help maintain healthy joints. It is even suitable for dogs that are susceptible to weight gain.

*Compared to other Pedigree Pro variants

Pregnancy, lactation and weaning pups

A pregnant or lactating mother requires a lot of energy to sustain herself as well as provide milk to her puppies. Puppies are delicate and need food that will strengthen their immunity. Pedigree Pro Mother and Pup Starter delivers expert nutrition to pregnant or lactating mothers and puppies that are 3 to 12 weeks old. An energy-dense dog food, Pedigree Pro contains Prebiotics (MOS) to support digestive health for the mother and pup. It also contains Colostrum that supports the natural defense in puppies, as well as essential nutrients to support their growth potential.

High activity level

Working, sporting and gestating dogs require high-energy food that will help meet their physiological needs. Even active dogs like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labradors, Dobermanns & St.Bernards require energy to remain active all day long.  Pedigree Pro Adult Active dog food contains proteins and Omega fatty acids for alertness and agility, Natural antioxidants and quality proteins for healthy muscles and Prebiotics (MOS) to support digestive health. Pedigree Pro Adult Active dog food is specially formulated to keep active dogs in peak condition and sustain physical as well as mental health and activity.

Small breeds

Small breed puppies such as Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Pug, German Spitz and Beagle grow faster and achieve adulthood earlier.  They also have a high metabolism, which means they require calorie-dense food to keep them energised. Pedigree Pro Small Breed puppy food is nutrient and protein-rich to help support their growth. It also contains Prebiotics (MOS) to support digestive health and Vitamin E to support the immune system. As adults, these breeds become susceptible to teeth and gum disease. Pedigree Pro Small Breed adult dog food contains Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) to support dental health, extra zinc, Omega 3 and Omega 6 for healthy skin and coat as well as Prebiotics (MOS) to promote digestive health.

Large breed puppies

Large breed puppies grow slowly as bigger bones and joints need more time to grow and develop. This tends to cause a strain on their bones and joints. Pedigree Pro Large Breed puppy food contains controlled calcium to phosphorus ratio to ensure healthy bone development, glucosamine and Omega fatty acids to help support healthy joints, and Prebiotics (MOS) to help promote digestive health.

All variants from the Pedigree Pro Range provide expert nutrition with the science developed by veterinarians and nutritionists at WALTHAM—the world’s leading authority on pet care and nutrition. If you are considering starting or switching to professional dog food, consult your vet and check the back of the package for feeding guidelines.