WHY FEED PUPPY FOOD AND WHEN TO MOVE TO ADULT FOOD

Here at Autarky, we are often asked if a puppy or young dog can be fed adult food. We believe that young working dogs and puppies require a special nutrient profile to enable them to grow into a healthy adult.

Puppies need higher levels of protein and fat to support their rapid growth phase, combined with calcium and phosphorus in the correct amounts to support optimum bone development.

Feeding them a specially designed puppy recipe also supports their developing immune, digestive and neural systems.

Autarky Puppy/Junior provides high-quality protein and a balanced supply of moderate energy levels to encourage steady growth. Vitamin E, omega fatty acids are included to help support neural development and learning, whilst antioxidants, prebiotics and added herbs help support a young working dog’s developing immune system and promotes digestive health.

• Supports neural development and learning
• Balanced-energy levels to encourage steady growth
• Natural antioxidants to support immune system
• Prebiotics promote digestive health
• B-vitamins and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat
• Yucca Schidigera: to help reduce stool odour

WHEN DO I MOVE MY YOUNG DOG ONTO ADULT FOOD?

Many make the mistake of moving onto an adult food too soon, especially with larger breeds.

The larger the breed, the longer it takes for them to mature physically. They may look fully matured on the outside but it’s their skeletal maturity that is important. Skeletal maturity refers to the measure of growth plate development.

What are growth plates and why is correct nutrition important?

When a puppy is born, each bone has soft ends and as the puppy grows these soft ends extend. These are called growth plates, or epiphyseal plate. As your puppy reaches maturity, these growth plates close and mineralize into bone.

Here at Autarky, we advise that you follow the guidelines on when to transition on to adult recipes. This will not only aid healthy growth and development but ensure that your dog has all the essential nutrients throughout the period of skeletal maturity.

Switching to Autarky Adult recipes

Whether your dog is working all day or is less active, feeding your adult dog good quality nutrition is just as important to ensure they are happy and healthy as it is for puppies.

Autarky offers active working dogs a complete balanced diet that will ensure they have everything they need to keep them fit and healthy.

The range consists of hypoallergenic recipes, along with grain-free options, which have been developed to exclude wheat-gluten, soya and artificial colours, flavours & preservatives.

When switching to adult dog food you should allow 7-10 days for the transition. Gradually add more adult dog food and less of their puppy food to your pup’s dish each day until the change is complete. This gradual transition will help avoid dietary upsets.

Remember individual needs can vary. Always feed your dog to maintain an ideal body condition.