{"id":174,"date":"2023-01-07T08:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-07T16:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/truefoodfordogs.com\/blog\/?p=155"},"modified":"2026-10-27T12:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T19:49:44","slug":"whether-an-adult-dog-or-a-puppy-true-food-for-dogs-is-there-for-all-of-their-life-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/whether-an-adult-dog-or-a-puppy-true-food-for-dogs-is-there-for-all-of-their-life-stages","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Dog Life Stages and Food"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just like all animals, dogs experience various life stages. Their nutritional needs may change depending on these stages and changing body conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also true that your dog\u2019s lifestyle will impact his needs, feeding times, and the amount of food he eats. Dog diet requirements for highly athletic or <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-food-for-herding-breeds.html\">working dogs<\/a> will be very different than of a much more <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/16-lazy-dog-breeds-for-the-indoorsy-pet-parent.html\">sedentary dog<\/a>&#8230; even if they are the same breed, age, and size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have broken down the typical stages of a dog\u2019s life into four basic categories in order to provide some fundamental guidance. The four dog life stages are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>puppy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adult<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>senior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pregnant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-life-cycle-1-puppyhood\">Life Cycle 1: Puppyhood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"bulldog puppy\" class=\"wp-image-13900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/bulldog-puppy.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs at the <a href=\"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/pet-talk\/puppy-timeline-part-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">puppy stage<\/a> of life require socialization, preventative care such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and house training. As far as diet goes, puppies require a&nbsp;larger quantity of food&nbsp;and need to eat smaller meals more frequently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/how-much-to-feed-a-puppy.html\">Feeding puppies<\/a> should be done four times daily until they are four months of age, three times a day until they reach 6 months old, and then twice a day, just as adult dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Puppies mature at different times, depending on their size. Here is a general time frame for when puppies are typically considered mature:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small breeds and toy breeds&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;6-12 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medium breeds&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6-12 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Larger dogs &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 10-16 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Giant breeds&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; up to 24 months<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeding puppies for maximum growth is not advised. Therefore, free-feeding dogs (leaving a bowl of food out for him to eat at his own discretion) is not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Steady and consistent growth should be the objective as this builds a foundation for future dog health. Excessive feeding will not lead to a stronger, healthier dog. No matter how much you feed your dog, he will only grow as big as he is predetermined to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper nutrition is the foundation for his growth, muscle and skeletal formation, immune system, and brain function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-adult-dogs\">Adult Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recommended feeding schedule\u00a0at the <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/can-adult-dogs-eat-puppy-food.html\">adult stage<\/a> is twice a day. The\u00a0predetermined volume of dog food\u00a0should be divided into two equal\u00a0portions and fed 8 &#8211; 12 hours apart.\u00a0Adjust the quantity of dog food as\u00a0needed to sustain a healthy weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adult dogs require enough calories to meet their energy requirements and maintain and repair body tissue. They should be fed pet food based on the dog\u2019s size and activity level. A very active dog that gets regular exercise could consume as much as 20 &#8211; 40% more calories than the average \u201cmaintenance\u201d dog, even though they may be the same size. An inactive dog may need as much as 10% fewer calories than the average \u201cmaintenance\u201d dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-senior-stage\">The Senior Stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"656\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/old-senior-dog.jpg\" alt=\"little black senior dog\" class=\"wp-image-14459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/old-senior-dog.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/old-senior-dog-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/old-senior-dog-768x504.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs age at different rates, so not all dog lifespans are created equal. There is no&nbsp;exact time when a dog becomes a&nbsp;\u2018senior dog\u2019. Just as with any&nbsp;life stage, each dog needs to&nbsp;be treated individually. Here are&nbsp;some estimates of when dogs&nbsp;become older dogs, based on size:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smaller dog breeds (dogs weighing less than&nbsp;20 pounds)\u20147 years of age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medium dog breeds (dogs weighing 21 to&nbsp;50 pounds)\u20147 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Larger breeds (dogs weighing 51 to&nbsp;90 pounds)\u20146 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giant dog breeds (dogs weighing 91 pounds or more)\u20145 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your best friend has reached his golden years, you have probably noticed physical and behavioral changes, such as a lower activity level and becoming grey around the muzzle. One of the most common problems during senior years is dog weight gain and obesity. Control this by decreasing the caloric intake as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seniors require a high-quality, highly digestible protein to maintain good muscle mass. There is no nutritional basis for a \u201csenior\u201d dog diet, per se. Some dogs, senior or otherwise, may have specific dietary needs not addressable by our existing daily or vet support meals. For these dogs (<a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/cats-arent-selfish-theyre-just-self-sufficient.html\">and cats<\/a>), we offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justfoodfordogs.com\/custom-prescriptive.html\">Custom Meals Service<\/a> in which we formulate a customized diet by a veterinarian trained in whole-food nutritional formulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These custom meals are designed specifically for your dog in partnership with your veterinarian and based on their medical records and lab work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pregnant-dogs\">Pregnant Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"745\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pregnant-dog-1-1024x745.jpg\" alt=\"dog food for pregnant dogs\" class=\"wp-image-14333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pregnant-dog-1-1024x745.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pregnant-dog-1-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pregnant-dog-1-768x559.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/pregnant-dog-1.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Expecting pups require different care. Refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-food-for-pregnant-dogs.html\">feeding guide for pregnant female dogs<\/a> below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dog-gestation-stage\">Dog Gestation Stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the first six weeks of pregnancy, a dog does not need any extra nutrition. Just like people, some dogs also experience morning sickness and may avoid eating full meals. If this continues, consult your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the first six weeks of the dog&#8217;s gestation period and every week thereafter until the puppies are born, you should increase her food intake by 25%. She should be fed smaller meals more frequently because the puppies may be constricting her stomach. As always, make fresh, clean water accessible at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dog-lactation-stage\">Dog Lactation Stage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After giving birth, have your dog eat puppy food while nursing. It is important to feed her a nutrient-dense food with proportionally higher nutrients for the nursing process. This will also aid in recovery from the dog pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeding guidelines: As in the gestation period, she should be fed smaller portions more frequently &#8212; 5-6 times per day is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As soon as the puppies are weaned, she should transition back to her regular adult dog food and be fed at usual mealtimes as she was before the pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-word-on-obesity-in-dogs\">A Word on Obesity in Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obesity during the life cycle of a dog leads to a slew of health issues, yet most pet owners don\u2019t even recognize when their pet is not at an ideal weight. In <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/petobesityprevention.org\/2014\"><u>one study<\/u><\/a>, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention found that 95% of dog owners of overweight dogs incorrectly identified their pet as a normal weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must avoid overfeeding, monitor daily caloric intake, and get the right amount of food and type of food for your pet\u2019s overall health and wellness. Whether or not you feed your dog fresh food or dry dog food, avoiding or alleviating health problems comes down to dog nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak to a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist for guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Related reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/5-ways-to-help-your-dog-lose-weight.html\">5 Ways to Help Your Dog Lose Weight<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and\/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for specific nutrition and\/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to how much to feed a dog, you must consider its life stage, body weight, diet, and activity level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":13243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[294],"class_list":["post-174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ 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Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. 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