From a 2-pound Chihuahua to a 200-pound Mastiff, different-sized dogs have very different physiological needs. Here’s a breakdown of the unique variances among size – and why the right diet is so important.
Different Digestive Tracts
On average, a small breed’s digestive tract represents 7% of their total body weight, while a large or giant breed’s digestive tract represents only 2.7% of their body weight. That’s why the digestibility of your dog's food should be based on size.
Different Digestive Transits
Digestive transit time varies from 15 hours to 4 days depending on the size of the dog. It’s important to select a food for your dog that contains high-quality ingredients, including chelated minerals, and keeps starch levels at a minimum to optimize digestion. This is especially important for puppies and seniors.
Different Growth Periods
The growth period of a small-breed puppy is approximately 8 months, while the growth period could last up to 24 months for a giant breed. Size-based nutrition takes these variances into account and customizes the energy levels based on the speed of growth.
Different Growth Rates
Small-breed puppies multiply their birth weight by approximately 20 times during their first year of life. For giant breeds, this can be as great as 100 times. Therefore, it’s important to provide the puppy with a diet containing the optimal level of energy for growth while also maintaining optimal body condition in the small breed and minimizing the risk of skeletal problems in the large breeds.
Different Energy Requirements
Small-breed energy requirements are more than twice those of large breeds, which is why small-breed diets are more energy-dense.
Different Life Expectancies
The larger and heavier the dog, the earlier the aging process will start. It’s best to begin addressing the nutritional considerations of aging early in the large-breed-dog's life.
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