Dog food isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. Just like humans, dogs go through distinct phases of life and require specific nutrients to fuel them through each stage.

Today, we’ll break down the nutritional needs of all the dog life stages (as recognized by AAFCO). We hope that you feel more informed and empowered to take on your pup’s nutrition after reading this article. 

About Dog Life Stages

Curious about the “life-stage” labels in the kibble aisle? As they grow, our dogs’ nutritional needs evolve. Some pet food brands offer dog food formulas for specific life-stage feeding.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recognizes the dog life stages as follows: 

• Gestation/lactation (for pregnant and nursing dogs)
• Growth (for puppies)
• Maintenance (adult dog food)
• All life stages (complete and balanced for dogs of all ages, including large breed puppies) 

Most dog food recipes are for all life stages or adult maintenance. The main difference is that all life stage dog food is typically formulated for growth to support growing puppies. Adult maintenance dog food recipes aren’t balanced enough for pups. 

What is all life stages dog food?

All life stage dog food is formulated specifically to support dogs through their whole life. This includes puppyhood, adult maintenance, and beyond. It’s an ideal choice for pet parents who want to take the guesswork out of their pup’s nutrition. 

The key difference between dog nutrition in later stages isn’t necessarily the dog food formula. It’s really the portions, activity level, and overall wellness of your pup. 

For example, some older dogs benefit from smaller serving sizes. This supports a slower metabolism and lowered activity levels. But they still require the same basic foods they needed as puppies (aside from the milk, of course). 

Can puppies eat all life stages dog food?

Yes, all life stage dog food is a perfect choice for puppies. Just double-check the recipe is formulated to meet AAFCO growth needs. There should be a clear AAFCO statement on the packaging or product page. 

Is life-stage feeding right for me? 

A lot of folks assume life-stage feeding means constantly switching formulas. But this method intends to match your dog’s nutritional needs as they change. 

The easiest way to do that? Keep their formula consistent, rotate proteins as needed, and adjust their portions over time. 

As your dog grows, their calorie needs shift. An active adult dog may need more food than a snoozy senior. For some time, puppies need multiple meals per day. But eventually, those shifts can be easily managed through a simple serving size and protein adjustment. 

What’s the best all life stages dog food?

If you’re looking for the best all life stages dog food, it’s simple–check the nutrition label. Here’s what to look for:

1. An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement

AAFCO helps set standards for pet food nutrient profiles and feeding trials, so pet parents can understand what a food is designed to support. A food labeled for all life stages should include a statement saying it’s complete and balanced for all life stages.

1. First ingredient = REAL meat

Protein supports healthy muscle, body condition, and overall strength—whether your dog is growing fast or aging gracefully. Since meat provides most of our pups’ protein, it’s crucial to ensure it’s the first ingredient on the label. 

Avoid meat meals or meat by-products. These are cheaper protein sources with far less real animal meat than you’d think.  

1. Nutrition that fits real routines

The best all-life stages dog foods are the ones you can feed consistently—without second-guessing or chasing improvement. Because when feeding becomes too complicated, it becomes harder to stick with.

Dogs thrive on routine. Build one that works for your pup’s health and your own peace of mind. 

Sundays: The Best All-Life Stages Dog Food

Life-stage feeding isn’t the best fit for every dog parent. Instead of switching formulas every few years, you can try rotational feeding an all-life-stages dog food–like Sundays for Dogs. 

Our air-dried dog food recipes are vet-formulated for dogs of every age. Got a picky eater on your hands? Rotate between three meat-first recipes, including All-Natural Turkey, USDA Beef, and All-Natural Chicken. 

Sundays’ all life stage dog food supports long-term consistency, reduces guesswork, and builds a strong foundation for your pup’s health. Your dog will thrive on it year after year, and so will you.