A veterinary perspective with Dr. Anirudh Mittal, Pupkitt Pet Care
In collaboration with Jeweltails
Every pet’s body changes with age – and so should their food. A puppy racing through growth, an adult maintaining ideal weight, and a senior slowing down all have very different nutritional needs. Choosing one “generic” diet for all life stages can quietly create problems such as weak immunity, weight gain, or joint stress over time.
This blog explains what puppies, adults, and seniors need from their food, and how to use Jeweltails products – including new veggie options like Beetroot Dehydrated Veggies and Beetroot Powder – smartly at each stage, with guidance from your veterinarian.
Why Age-Specific Nutrition Matters
Life-stage nutrition means feeding according to where your pet is on their journey: growth, maintenance, or ageing. Each stage places different demands on bones, muscles, hormones, digestion, and joints.
Getting this right does not mean chasing fancy labels. It means matching energy, protein, minerals, and supplements to your pet’s current body needs.
When age-appropriate nutrition is in place:
- Pets grow at a healthy pace
- Adults stay lean and energetic
- Seniors maintain stronger joints, organs, and immunity
When it is ignored, issues like obesity, weak bones, dental disease, and chronic inflammation become far more likely.
Understanding Life Stages for Dogs and Cats
While every pet is unique, a practical breakdown is:
- Puppies / kittens: Birth to 12–18 months
(Large and giant dog breeds may take up to 24 months) - Adults: Roughly 1–7 years, depending on breed and species
- Seniors:
Dogs: usually 7+ years
Cats: usually 10+ years
Your veterinarian can help define your pet’s exact life stage, especially for large breeds or pets with early medical conditions.
What Puppies and Kittens Need From Their Food
Growing pets are building bone, muscle, organs, and immunity at the same time. Nutrition must support steady, controlled growth, not rapid weight gain.
Key Requirements
- Higher energy density for growth and play
- High-quality animal protein with essential amino acids
- Correct calcium–phosphorus balance (critical for large-breed puppies)
- Essential fats such as DHA and EPA for brain and vision development
- Gentle carbohydrates and fibre for stable digestion
Feeding Tips
- Feed four to five small meals daily
- Transition slowly when introducing new foods or toppers
- Track weight and body condition to ensure growth is steady
Where Jeweltails Fits (Puppies & Kittens)
- Use single-ingredient dehydrated meats and organs as training treats, not as the full diet unless specifically formulated and approved for growth
- Introduce bone-based products and concentrated powders carefully, in vet-approved quantities
- Beetroot Powder should be used only in tiny, occasional amounts and only if your veterinarian confirms suitability
- Avoid beetroot products entirely in young pets with kidney, metabolic, or serious digestive issues
What Adult Dogs and Cats Need From Their Food
Once growth ends, nutrition focuses on maintenance, prevention, and long-term health. Overfeeding during adulthood is one of the biggest contributors to obesity, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Key Requirements
- Sufficient high-quality protein to preserve lean muscle
- Controlled calories based on activity and neuter status
- Species-appropriate fats for energy, skin, and coat health
- Digestive support with adequate fibre
- Micronutrients and antioxidants for daily wear and tear
Feeding Tips
- Most adult dogs do best with two structured meals daily
- Cats often do better with measured, smaller portions
- Measure food instead of free-pouring
- Review weight and body shape monthly
Where Jeweltails Fits (Adults)
- Single-ingredient dehydrated meats, organs, and fish make clean, high-protein rewards
- Chicken Liver Powder and Chicken Bone Powder can enhance meals when measured carefully
- Beetroot Dehydrated Veggies and Beetroot Powder may be used as occasional toppers for healthy adult dogs, supporting digestion and circulation
- For cats, beetroot products should be used only under veterinary guidance and in very limited quantities
What Senior Pets Need From Their Food
Senior pets may move less, but their bodies work harder. Joints, kidneys, heart, and immunity need targeted, gentle support.
Key Requirements
- Highly digestible protein to prevent muscle loss
- Slightly reduced calories to protect joints and organs
- Omega-3s and collagen for joint comfort
- Softer textures and easy digestion
- Supplements guided by bloodwork and diagnosis
Feeding Tips
- Offer smaller, more frequent meals
- Monitor appetite, thirst, stool, and weight closely
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups, including blood tests
Where Jeweltails Fits (Seniors)
- Rehydrated dehydrated meats and bone broth support appetite and hydration
- Fish products and bone-based items may help joints when vet-approved
- Beetroot Dehydrated Veggies and Beetroot Powder should be minimal and avoided entirely in seniors with kidney, heart, diabetic, or gastrointestinal disease unless cleared by a vet
How to Transition Safely Between Life Stages
Life-stage changes should be gradual.
A Safe Approach
- Discuss timing with your veterinarian
- Transition over 7–10 days
- Watch for digestive upset or lethargy
- Adjust Jeweltails extras so total calories and minerals remain balanced
This protects gut health and improves acceptance of new foods.
Choosing Jeweltails Products by Life Stage
Puppies & Kittens
- Single-ingredient meat treats for training
- Bone-based products only with veterinary guidance
- Beetroot products rarely and only if approved
Adults
- Dehydrated meats, organs, and fish as clean treats
- Powders and toppers for targeted needs
- Beetroot products as occasional dog toppers
Seniors
- Softer, rehydrated textures and bone broth
- Joint-supportive options aligned with bloodwork
- Beetroot products minimal and strictly vet-approved
When to Seek Personalised Veterinary Guidance
Consult your vet if your pet:
- Has kidney, liver, heart disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, or allergies
- Has persistent digestive or weight issues
- Is a large or giant-breed puppy
- Is a senior showing stiffness or appetite changes
A structured plan with Dr. Anirudh Mittal and the Pupkitt Pet Care team ensures Jeweltails products are used safely and effectively.
How This Blog Fits Into the Jeweltails x Pupkitt Series
This article continues the Jeweltails x Pupkitt Pet Care Nutrition Education Series:
- Why Balanced Nutrition Matters
- Common Feeding Mistakes Pet Parents Should Avoid
- Feeding Routines & Behaviour
- Superfoods That Support Long-Term Health
- Choosing the Right Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors
Together, these resources help pet parents move from guesswork to confident, informed decisions.
Jeweltails x Pupkitt Pet Care
Supporting long, healthy lives — one life stage, one bowl at a time.