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Dog nutrition

Whilst we always welcome your questions via email, you may find this section particularly useful outside of normal office hours. Here you can access our fact sheet library (which is full of interesting diet related articles – covering a wide array of topics ranging from choosing a suitable diet to managing certain nutritionally responsive conditions), our guide for new puppy owners and our most frequently asked questions.

Frequently asked questions

Puppies
Adult dogs
Senior dogs

Puppies

From weaning (usually at around 3.5 weeks of age until 8 weeks of age, although the product can be fed to older and younger puppies).

Yes, this product meets the nutritional requirements for pregnancy, although the kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.

It is designed to promote healthy growth over a shorter period of time than our Puppy Junior Large Breed diet.  Small and medium breeds have a shorter development span than large and giant breeds.

Upward growth should be complete, which varies between breeds. Small breeds are generally ready for adult food at around 6-8 months of age. Medium breeds usually finish sprouting at around 8-12 months of age. Large breeds are generally ready for adult food at around 12-18 months of age. Whilst giant breeds usually finish sprouting at 18 months+.

Usually, yes. The kibble size is approximately 12x12x6mm.  For very small puppies who do find the size too large, the kibble can be soaked and mashed with a fork.  Alternatively, toy and miniature breed puppies can be fed Weaning Puppy until maturity.

Puppy/Junior Large Breed is our first choice as it is formulated to provide optimal nutrition for development over a longer period of time than Puppy/Junior for small and medium breeds. However, Puppy/Junior may be suitable for underweight puppies who require a higher fat diet or those who have a low appetite as it is higher calorie than the Large Breed.

Yes, but if doing so because your puppy has gone off his/her food, be aware that altering the pattern of behaviour leading to fussy eating (or reducing the amount offered, especially if treats and training rewards are fed too) can often be more effective than changing the variety of food.

Yes, a supportive diet may be of benefit. This product is likely to be a very good option if your puppy’s symptoms are known or suspected to be caused by an adverse response to meat or grain. However, do be aware that there are many other causes of loose stools including over-feeding, picking up things to eat/drink outside, infection and medical problems. In such cases, addressing and treating the root cause is essential. Puppies with diarrhoea can dehydrate quickly, so do seek veterinary advice. If your puppy has had problems on another brand of food which was also fish and potato based, our regular Puppy/Junior (chicken and rice based) might be a better option if an adverse food reaction is suspected.

Yes, as with all of our growth diets, it has been formulated to be complete and balanced, and safe to feed for the duration of your puppy’s development.

Yes, we generally suggest covering the kibble with hot water and leaving it to steep under a clean tea towel for about ½ hour prior to serving to soften it.  If you are trying to increase your puppy’s fluid intake, more water can then be added. Make sure the food is not too hot or too cold.

Usually, yes. The kibble size is approximately 16x16x6mm and suits most large and giant breeds well.  For rapid eaters, using an anti-gulp bowl is often more effective than increasing the kibble size.

Large and giant breeds develop over a longer period of time than small and medium breeds.  This recipe has been specially formulated to promote slow, steady growth.  Overly rapid growth is one of the main causes of developmental joint disease.

Yes, as with all of the Arden Grange recipes, it contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.  Puppy/Junior Large Breed has higher levels than the regular Puppy/Junior. Krill (a rich source of Omega-3 EPA and DHA – which are essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties) is also included.

Adult dogs

Many people are surprised to hear about the practice of soaking dry kibble. Unless your vet has specifically advised you one way or another there are no hard and fast rules about whether you should or shouldn’t soak it. Much depends on the individual cat/dog – and convenience to the owner! Here are the main circumstances when soaking may be beneficial - read them here

It contains optimal levels of minerals for skin support including zinc and selenium, and has higher Omega-3 EPA and DHA levels than some meat based products.

Adult Salmon is primarily made from salmon, chicken, rice and maize. Sensitive is primarily made from white fish and potato.

To provide a novel protein source for dogs who are known or suspected to be allergic to other meats or fish. 

The fact it is unusual is a benefit as allergies in dogs usually develop after a reasonable period of exposure to a dietary protein.

To promote slow, steady energy release. 

Also, using a combination of white potato and sweet potato in our Sensitive canine range means that we can take advantage of their different nutrient profiles providing a valuable alternative carbohydrate source to grains for the dogs that we feed.

We usually suggest gradually changing over the course of a week, but you may wish to double this period if your dog is ultra-sensitive.

Sensitive has a high Omega-3 EPA and DHA content.  These essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. 

Ocean white fish is usually easily digested, and the exclusion of grains may be of benefit to dogs with an allergy or intolerance to cereals.

Chicken oil is rarely associated with adverse food reactions in dogs because it is a very digestible, pure source that has had any large antigenic protein molecules filtered out. 

A food allergy is an adverse immune reaction to a dietary protein rather than a fat/oil, and intolerances are more likely to occur in response to less digestible ingredients.

To suit the majority of large and giant breeds who typically have larger mouths (kibble size approximately 23x23x10mm).

This chicken based diet contains 3 times more glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to support the joints, plus added L-carnitine to promote healthy muscles.

Adult Large Breed is a little lower in protein and fat than the regular adult foods.

No, but the Arden Grange Adult Salmon & Rice is also very popular with the owners of large and giant breeds (kibble size approximately 18x12x5mm).

No, these products are nutritionally identical apart from the kibble size.

Choking is unfortunately a risk regardless of the kibble size. 

Dogs can even choke on wet or fresh foods. 

Choking is very uncommon, but supervision during feeding is recommended. If you have concerns about the small kibble size, you can always opt for the regular Adult Chicken or Lamb diets.

Yes, providing it is well digested and your dog is consuming the correct amount of calories for his or her healthy target. 

It is higher in fat than our adult maintenance diets, and a high proportion of fresh chicken is included for palatability as well as its nutritional value.

Due to the higher proportion of fresh meat. 

This product is higher in protein and fat, and has been formulated to provide optimal amino acid, vitamin and mineral intake for dogs who have a busy lifestyle be it showing, light work or just a higher than average activity level.

Another difference between Adult Chicken & Rice and Premium is that the former contains rice and maize as the carbohydrate sources, the latter contains rice and white potato.

Prestige is primarily formulated for dogs with a higher demand for calories and nutrients (e.g. pregnancy, lactation, work, sport), but it can be fed as a regular diet providing there are no concerns about unwanted weight gain (given it is a very calorific product with 410 kcals/100g). 

Prestige is often a good choice for fussy eaters due to the smaller feed portions.

This is highly variable and dependent not only on your female's pre-pregnancy intake and individual metabolism, but the size of her litter and how far into gestation she is. 

As a very general guide, it is suggested that you increase her usual calorie intake by 10-15% at week 6, by 20-30% at week 7, by 40-50% at week 8 and 60% at week 9. Requirements can range from 2-4 x a female's pre-pregnancy energy requirement during lactation.

A direct link between a high level of good quality, highly digestible protein and hyperactivity has not been proven. 

Protein can be used for fuel if the dog is consuming less energy than he or she is expending, and the carbohydrate and fat reserves have been depleted, but it is not an efficient energy source. 

Its primary role is to supply building blocks called amino acids which support the body’s structural and functional demands including the growth and repair of cells and tissues, and the production of hormones and enzymes. 

Protein consumed in excess of the animal’s requirement cannot be stored so it is excreted.

Yes, this food is primarily formulated for working and sporting dogs, but it may also be a good option for those who enjoy a busy lifestyle/higher than average activity level. 

Performance has the benefit of a number of functional ingredients to help to protect the body from the effects of metabolic stress (which can be resultant of illness and psychological problems as well as very strenuous exercise). 

It is often recommended for anxious and/or underweight dogs.

Yes, this is perfectly okay. However, Performance does have the additional benefit of the added functional ingredients and higher levels of joint support. 

It also contains taurine (to support cardiac function) and L-carnitine (to support the heart and skeletal muscles).

A higher fat and calorie content than the adult maintenance diets, higher levels of glucosamine chondroitin and MSM, taurine and L-carnitine inclusion, plus quercetin, green tea and grape seed extracts (for their antioxidant properties which may help protect against free radical damage). 

Performance has also been formulated to provide an optimal amino acid profile and vitamin/mineral levels for energetic dogs.

The reduction diets are lower in fat and calories, and contain L-carnitine to help convert fat to muscle.

It is initially recommended you start by feeding for your dog’s current weight (using the weight reduction guide on the packaging), but if weight loss is proving difficult, gradually reduce down to the volume suggested for your dog’s ideal weight.

Yes, this product is often a great choice for dogs with a large appetite who appreciate more volume in the bowl.

You might also like to consider feeding some Partners canned food if your dog has a big appetite. Wet food is a lot lower calorie than dry so portions are larger.

Absolutely, as long as your pet does not have a specific allergy to any of the ingredients or require low fat food.  

However, it is unwise to give any treats close to a bout of digestive upset and allow the digestive system to rest – find more advice on this topic here.

Click here to find all the frequently asked questions about our Tasty Liver Treat!

Fibres from citrus fruits.

Like the Original Tasty Liver Treat, the tubes are aluminum with a foil seal and a plastic lid. They are fully recyclable.

Calories are 169kCal/100g for Salmon and 121kCal/100g for Turkey.

You can purchase special keys to help squeeze out the paste. You can also keep the product outside of the fridge during daily use (it will warm and soften in your pocket), but be careful to keep it out of reach so your pets cannot help themselves, and pop the tube away at night-time. The Salmon and Turkey pastes have a higher moisture content than the original Liver, and these are easier to squeeze as a result.

Unfortunately not at this stage. The reason being that the product is cooked in the tube to sterilize it, and the material needs to be not only food-safe, but suitably robust and not leech any unpleasant flavours/aromas. Aluminium tubes are currently the most effective for palatability and stability of the products. Please see above regarding our special squeezing keys and guidance if you have any trouble with extracting the treat.

Senior dogs

We generally recommend changing to our senior food when you notice your dog slowing down and/or getting a little stiff. All dogs are different and age at different rates.

This depends on breed/size since smaller dogs generally have a longer lifespan.

As a very general guide, around 8 years of age is considered senior, but some dogs are still very active at this age and others may show signs of ageing a little earlier.

Unfortunately, no diet can prevent arthritis and bone problems because the cause may be genetic, due to injury, wear and tear etc. 

However, the product does contain glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM to support joint health. 

It is also lower in fat than the maintenance diets, because keeping your dog at a healthy weight to avoid additional strain on the joints is important, especially in older pets.

The lower fat content and higher fibre content may be beneficial. This product also has a higher joint supplement inclusion than the adult products. 

The lower calorie content may be beneficial in preventing unwanted weight gain when he does start slowing down with age. If he has a low appetite, is underweight, or has a history of difficulty maintaining weight, our Adult Sensitive may be the better option.

Only if you want him to - by feeding according to the weight reduction chart on the pack. 

So long as he is eating a sufficient volume that provides the calories he needs, he can also maintain or gain weight on this product providing he is able to digest it well. A maintenance feed chart is also included on the pack.

The nutrient values are very similar, and both products share the same high level of joint support. 

The main difference is that the Sensitive Light/Senior is fish and potato based, whilst the Senior in the orange bag is chicken and rice based.