Like humans, dogs pass through several lifestages - from puppy
to adulthood, and finally the senior years later in life.
Each lifestage requires a change in your dog's care,
especially in nutritional needs, and
OPTIMUM™ can help.
Find out what lifestage your dog is at, and what type of diet they
require to help them live life to the full.
With this comes physical change which calls
for tailored nutrition to ensure your dog receives the care
that he or she requires. The transition from one lifestage to
the next for your dog depends on their size. For instance, larger
breeds mature far earlier than smaller breeds, and as such require
a different diet at a different age.
The chart below illustrates when these
transitions occur, and what products are best suited to your dog at
that lifestage.
Puppies experience many physical changes as
they develop into adult dogs. Physical size and shape change as the
bones lengthen and harden, joints mature and muscles, ligaments and
tendons all grow to adult size. The coat changes from a soft
immature one to a denser adult coat, sometimes with two distinct
layers - an undercoat and an overcoat. Baby or deciduous teeth fall
out and are replaced with permanent adult teeth.
The immune system matures as it faces
challenges from vaccines and natural exposure to germs. The
gastrointestinal and urinary tracts mature and dogs learn to
control their bodily functions as they become house-trained.
When your dog becomes an adult, a different
food is required without the extra calories for energy and specific
formulation for development.
OPTIMUM™ for
Puppies
OPTIMUM™ for
Adult Small Breeds
OPTIMUM™ for
Adults
When compared to the activity levels enjoyed
during their younger years, older dogs tend to slow down and
require more sleep and rest periods throughout the day.
It is essential that they still have the
opportunity to enjoy some moderate or gentle exercise on a daily
basis, as this keeps muscles and joints active and supple while
helping to maintain a healthy bodyweight. This promotes overall
fitness and assists in the prevention of arthritis and other
age-related conditions.
