Knowing that your large breed dog becomes an adult at 1 year and a mature adult at 5 years is important. Dogs’ needs change as they age. How old do you think your dog is in human years?
Large or giant breed dogs weigh more than 25 kilograms as adults and have a more compressed life span. Half of all dogs are considered large breed. Is your dog among them?
Mature adult dogs need food that can maintain and improve their quality of life and decrease the risk of chronic disease. Issues that are more prevalent in older dogs include dental disease, obesity, kidney disease and arthritis.
Knowing the age of your dog is particularly important in large and giant breed dogs because they can be more susceptible than other breeds to developmental bone and joint disease.
Tasty Tips
Lifestage nutrition is the practice of feeding pets food designed to meet their optimal nutritional needs at a specific age or physiologic state.
Lifestage categories include:
- Growth — for puppies to 12 months of age
- Maintenance — the adult lifestage — for dogs from 12 months to 7 years (small and medium breeds) or around 5 and 6 years for giant and large breeds
- Mature adult — for smaller dogs 7 years and older, large breed dogs 6 years and older, and giant breed dogs 5 years and older
- Reproduction — for pregnant and/or nursing dogs.
Be sure to ask your veterinarian if the right nutrition can help manage any conditions your dog might have and if there is a food that can help keep him active and more comfortable.
Related products
Perfect Weight Adult Wet Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs.
Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition shown to support joint health and improve mobility
Related articles
Things You Can Do to Help Your Dog's Sensitive Stomach
A dog with a sensitive stomach has special needs. Learn more about sensitive stomach symptoms in your dog, what you can do to help sooth your pet’s insides and get recommendations on sensitive stomach dog food.
Hill's Puppy Food: Quality Ingredients for Health & Nutrition
Selecting the right food for your puppy is a key to quality nutrition and a long, healthy life., Learn more about how to select the right puppy food.
Helpful Tips for Exercising with Your Dog
Though it may seem like your four-legged friend loves nothing more than to nap on the couch, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy just like people do.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Learn what you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog to keep her and her new pups healthy.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.