One of the first steps to take when adopting a dog is to have it sterilized, whether it is a male or a female.
Spaying or neutering a dog generally takes place between 6 and 12 months of age.
From the moment this surgical operation is performed, it becomes necessary to adapt your pet's diet, as its metabolism can change and this can lead to weight gain if you do not act.
Hence the need to opt for dog food whose composition is suitable for sterilized dogs.
If you need to choose new kibble for your four-legged companion, here is a selection of the essential references to order on the Web.
Our selection of the best kibbles for sterilized dogs:
Super premium light kibble for sterilized dogs, Ultra Premium Direct
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs Veterinary Care Medium Dog, Royal Canin
Croquettes for sterilized dogs Labrador Sterilized, Concept for Life
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs Adult Neutered Large & Medium, Virbac Veterinary HPM
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs All Size, Purina Pro Plan
Super premium light kibble for sterilized dogs, Ultra Premium Direct
ultrapremiumdirect
€3.99/kg
SEE
These Ultra Premium Direct brand kibbles are intended for both sterilized dogs and those who are overweight.
Whether your pet is sterilized or not, if it has a tendency to gain weight, these light kibbles are suitable.
They contain at least 45% ingredients of animal origin, 20% fruits and vegetables and 20% rice.
So there are cereals inside, but the absence of wheat and gluten helps to make them lighter and more digestible.
Gluten free
High protein content
Controlled fat intake
Easy to eat
Suitable for all dogs
Contains cereals (rice)
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs Veterinary Care Medium Dog, Royal Canin
zooplus
€6.67/kg
SEE
Royal Canin Veterinary Care Medium Dog kibble is intended for sterilized medium-sized dogs weighing between 11 and 25 kg.
It contains 28% crude protein and 11% crude fat, as well as 7.2% fiber.
Many vitamins and minerals are also present.
On the other hand, it should be noted that corn and barley are very present in the composition of these kibbles.
Rich in protein
Suitable for medium-sized dogs
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Contains cereals (barley, corn)
Croquettes for sterilized dogs Labrador Sterilized, Concept for Life
zooplus
€5.49/kg
SEE
If you have a sterilized Labrador, then you can turn to Concept for Life kibble which is specifically intended for dogs of this breed.
These are kibbles without cereals or soy, whose fat content is adapted to a sterilized animal.
It contains more than 50% ingredients of animal origin and numerous vitamins, minerals and other nutrients essential to the good health of your four-legged companion.
Grain-free
Rich in protein
Rich in essential nutrients
Suitable only for Labradors
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs Adult Neutered Large & Medium, Virbac Veterinary HPM
zooplus
€5.46/kg
SEE
Crossroads
€7.86/kg
SEE
Virbac brand sterilized dog food is intended for medium and large animals.
The focus is on protein, which makes up about 35% of this recipe.
The kibbles are low in carbohydrates to help control your dog's weight, and they contain many food supplements.
There is a moderate amount of cereals.
Rich in protein
Low in fat
Rich in essential nutrients
Contains cereals (rice)
Dry dog food for sterilized dogs All Size, Purina Pro Plan
Amazon
4.46€/kg
SEE
zooplus
€5.57/kg
SEE
The Purina Pro Plan brand offers kibble for sterilized dogs that adapts to all sizes and breeds.
Formerly known as Optiweight, they contain 27% crude protein and just the right amount of fiber and carbohydrates to increase your pet's feeling of fullness while controlling calorie intake.
An optimal mix of nutrients is provided.
On the other hand, there are different cereals in the recipe.
Good amount of protein
Low in fat
Rich in nutrients
Suitable for all breeds and sizes
Presence of cereals (wheat, rice, corn)
Why should you give special kibble to a sterilized dog?
Spaying or neutering a dog causes different physiological and metabolic changes in your pet.
This justifies the adoption of a specific diet, generally based on kibble formulated for sterilized dogs.
There are different reasons why it is better not to ignore this approach.
The first concerns the metabolic changes that take place in a sterilized dog.
Concretely, its metabolism slows down, and the most common consequence is weight gain.
This is where kibble specially designed for sterilized dogs comes in handy, as it is generally lower in calories than standard kibble.
They therefore help the dog to maintain its ideal weight by providing less energy, while ensuring that it gets enough to eat.
Furthermore, these kibbles are formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of sterilized dogs.
They contain an optimal balance of proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, a recipe that contributes to the overall health of the animal.
Ideally, try to opt for kibbles that are low in cereals, or even those that do not contain any at all.
Finally, neutered dogs are more likely to develop urinary problems, such as stones.
Specialized kibble often contains ingredients that help maintain a balanced urinary pH, which limits the risks.
Today, it is easy to find kibble for sterilized dogs at a reasonable price per kilogram.
You should therefore be able to find a diet perfectly suited to the needs of your pet without exceeding your usual budget.
How to feed a sterilized dog?
From the moment your dog is neutered or your female dog sterilized, your veterinarian will strongly recommend that you change its diet to kibble that is adapted to its new situation.
The quantity of food given must be adapted according to the activity and weight of the animal, and here too, your veterinarian can guide and advise you.
You can also choose to rely on the recommendations specified on the packaging of the kibble you have selected for your dog.
Generally, it is recommended to divide the daily ration into several small meals, to prevent the animal from eating everything too quickly.
This also helps regulate your metabolism.
Furthermore, don't forget to accompany the kibble with a bowl of fresh water, which should be renewed several times a day if necessary, particularly if your diet is exclusively dry.
Other forms of food should be offered in moderation: this particularly concerns dog food, but also and especially treats, which can very quickly increase your pet's calorie intake.
Finally, don't forget that a dog must go out and run daily: exercising will allow him to stay in shape and not gain weight.
Also read: Top automatic dog food dispensers