IAMS IN
Why DHA Is Good for Puppies
Why DHA Is Good for Puppies

adp_description_block283
Why DHA Is Good for Puppies

  • Share

What Is DHA?

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid important for neural development of puppies. DHA is a major structural component of the brain, as well as the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. It plays a vital role in the development of a puppy’s central nervous system and retinal function.

 

How DHA Can Help Your Puppy

To help your puppy be as smart and healthy as possible, DHA should be an essential component of your dog's diet. The DHA in IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Smart Puppy food helps encourage healthy brain development, which can make your puppy more trainable and help forge a stronger bond with you.

 

Sources of DHA

Common dietary DHA sources include fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna and other seafood), eggs and organ meat. In pet foods, sources of DHA include fish, fish meal and fish oil.

Prior to weaning, puppies get DHA from their mothers. The puppy’s mother transfers DHA from her body tissues to her offspring during pregnancy and lactation.

After weaning, puppies can obtain DHA through their diet.

 

Benefits of DHA

One IAMS study looked at beagle puppies whose mothers had been fed enhanced or typical dietary DHA from breeding on through weaning.* After weaning, puppies were fed the same diets as their mothers throughout the remainder of the study (up to 16 weeks of age). To evaluate the effect of diet on trainability, all puppies were taught to associate a symbol with a direction in a t-maze, with correct responses resulting in a food treat.

In the 30 days of testing, puppies from the enhanced-DHA group consistently outperformed the puppies from the typical-DHA group on the maze test. Results of the study indicated that puppies nourished on high DHA levels were more trainable.

*Data on file. The IAMS Company.

 how dha can help your puppyb2a51ee96b1f6394958cff000067515e
 article why dha is good for puppies header
  • Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    adp_description_block174
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs

    • Share

    Big dogs equal big love

    Whether your dog is a big sweetie, a big weirdo or a big athlete, here’s what you need to know about taking care of your big dog.
     

    First, all big dogs start out as little dogs. But pretty soon they grow up — and so does their appetite, their toys, their dog bowls, the vet bill and their need for speed.
     

    He started to grow.
    And pretty soon
    he was bigger than
    the recliner.

     

    Large dogs grow more slowly than smaller ones

    Sometimes it can take more than two years for them to reach their full size.
     

    And you won’t like to think about it too much, but their life spans are shorter, too: about 10 to 12 years.
     

    No wonder
    you'll let him push
    you off the bed
    at night.

     

    So remember: Everything in moderation.

    If a large dog gets too much food as a pup, they’re at a higher risk of growing too quickly, which can cause joint trouble.
     

    For large breeds, being overweight is especially problematic. All that extra weight can be a lot for the joints to carry around.
     

    Keep your good old dog healthy by practicing portion control and feeding nutritious food like IAMS™ Mature Adult Large Breed.
     

    How will she catch
    a screaming
    15-mile-an-hour
    Frisbee in midair
    if she has knee trouble.

     

    A word about exercising with a large dog.

    Back in the day, large-breed dogs were especially energetic. They were working dogs, herders, hunters, cart pullers and people protectors.

     

    Who are we to deny their evolution?

    Make sure your dog gets exercise every day.
     

    How do you accomplish this? Walk, walk and more walk. And add in some running, jumping, chasing, hiking, fetching, dog-park visiting, swimming and even agility courses.
     

    Repeat this mantra:
    'I am the alpha.'
     

    When it comes to training, think of it this way: The bigger the dog, the harder it is to hide behavior problems. And if you can’t control your super-sized soulmate, they could inadvertently cause damage or hurt someone.

    • Make time for training from day one.
    • Teach easy commands early.
    • Use a firm and confident voice.
    • Keep your dog exercised to fend off boredom-induced behaviors.
    • Reward good behaviors.

     

    Living large is all
    about biting the
    wind and living
    that sweet,
    sweet life.

    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
    Tips for Caring for Large Dogs
Close modal