Just when you think you’re getting the hang of this puppyhood thing, your puppy becomes a teen and then a young adult. Like a growing human, your puppy’s needs change as they grow. When it comes to how to keep your puppy healthy, you’ll want to be prepared for the changes in metabolism that have such an important role in your young dog’s health.
Understanding your young dog’s metabolism
As your dog ages, their metabolism will slow down. Puppy metabolism is higher because the young dog is using calories not just to maintain their body, but also to grow their body. In fact, in very early puppyhood (up to 4 months), your puppy’s energy requirement was nearly twice as high as it would be for a typical adult dog of the same size. A 2-month-old puppy who weighs 15 pounds needs far more calories than a 2-year-old adult dog who weighs 15 pounds.
Dogs who are neutered or spayed also have a lower energy requirement than intact dogs. What this means is that if you continue to feed your dog the same amount after they get altered, they’re likely to gain weight.
Highly active dogs generally have a higher metabolic rate than an inactive couch potato. For instance, an active Jack Russell terrier may need more calories than a relatively inactive pug. Your dog, who goes jogging with you several times a day, may need more calories than the dog who spends their day snoozing on the couch.
How does nutrition impact metabolism?
If you’re feeding your young dog an age-appropriate diet that’s approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), your puppy will get everything they need from their daily food. Your young dog needs specific nutrients to maintain their muscles and for normal organ function.
For dogs prone to obesity, diets that are lower in calories and higher in fiber may be beneficial. Fiber is broken down more slowly and helps the dog feel satiated for longer.
How much activity does a young dog need?
Exercise is important for your young dog’s physical and mental health.
When your young dog was a small puppy, they needed a lot of exercise to burn off their puppy energy, but they could only participate in short bursts before becoming tired. They may have also been activity restricted while their growth plates matured. How much exercise a puppy needs should be discussed with your veterinarian before developing an exercise routine for your young dog.
As adults, some inactive breeds may do well with one 30-minute walk a day while an active dog, such as a husky, might need two to three longer walks. If your dog is showing behaviors that indicate boredom or anxiety, or if your dog is becoming destructive, these may be signs that your dog needs more activity.
Weight changes
As your dog’s metabolism slows, they run a higher risk of gaining excess weight. Over half of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese, which predisposes a dog to chronic health conditions and shortens lifespan.
As your puppy reaches their adult size, you’ll likely need to decrease the number of calories you feed them to prevent obesity, especially if your dog is spayed or neutered. Keep in mind that treats should not make up more than 10% of your young dog’s daily caloric intake.
Why is my dog not gaining weight?
If you’re wondering why your dog isn’t gaining weight, you’ll first want to determine if they actually need to! Because of the prevalence of obesity in dogs, many pet owners’ views of a healthy dog body are slightly distorted. So it’s possible that your dog is already at a healthy weight. However, if your dog’s ribs are showing or you are concerned at all, speak with your VCA care team. Your veterinarian can rule out underlying health conditions and advise you on any dietary changes that should occur.
Why is my dog gaining weight?
If your dog is gaining weight, they are most likely taking in more calories than they’re burning on a daily basis. Your dog may need to consume fewer calories and/or have their activity level increased. It’s a good idea to speak with your VCA care team to rule out underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of obesity. Your VCA care team can also help you develop a healthy weight loss plan if needed.
Check out this puppy weight guide to ensure you’re prepared to monitor your young dog’s weight.
