age appropriate pet food

[myerskt]

I have 3 dogs of 3 different ages. I new puppy, one about 1 year old, and one senior dog. How important is it that they eat foods designed for their ages? Especially the senior dog. She does not like the senior formulas and they all tend to want the puppy food. Also, the new puppy does not like the food desinged for small breeds. She tends to sneak the larger puppy food. Does this matter?

[silvaheyes]

I have 3 dogs of 3 different ages. I new puppy, one about 1 year old, and one senior dog. How important is it that they eat foods designed for their ages? Especially the senior dog. She does not like the senior formulas and they all tend to want the puppy food. Also, the new puppy does not like the food desinged for small breeds. She tends to sneak the larger puppy food. Does this matter?

Age specific pet foods are a marketing ploy, IMO. A lot of times 'puppy' foods have more protein which can actually cause problems in the long run since they're still growing. I feed all my dogs the same food and Adult formulas even as puppies.

I feel about the same about small bite foods. Unless your dog CANNOT eat the larger kibble at all, I feel it's just a waste of money. If you notice, You'll pay more for the small bite foods versus the regular kibble. It's a total rip off unless you really need it.