How to Properly Feed a Puppy
New Puppy Feeding Time!
So you’ve brought home that wonderful bundle of fur and fun and it’s time to think about what you’re going to feed your pup. First of all, the most important thing during his first week with you is that you don’t upset his digestive system by radically changing his diet.
The breeder who raised him will no doubt have given you information on the puppy diet she’s used for him and perhaps even sent along a bag of his regular food, too. Stick with this for at least the first week and then, if you want to change, introduce the new diet gradually.
The nutrition a dog receives during the first six months of his life is extremely important as his bones, muscles and nervous system are all still developing. He therefore needs optimum nutrition for each stage of his development.
If you’re planning to use one of the commercially available dog foods it’s important you choose one that’s especially formulated for feeding a pup. Different breeds have different dietary requirements, however, so it’s worthwhile discussing your puppy’s diet with your vet when you take him for his first vaccinations and health check.
From six weeks to three months, puppies should be fed 3 or 4 small meals a day. This can then be reduced to 2 meals a day until the pup’s 6-12 months old, depending on his breed, when he can then be given 1 meal a day, either in the morning or evening. Some of the giant breeds may need to remain on 2 meals a day until they’re 18 months old as they tend to mature later than smaller dogs.
It’s important when feeding a pup that he isn’t allowed to have access to food at all times and in unlimited amounts. Dogs are scavengers, after all, and are therefore prone to eat more than they actually need because their instinct tells them that it could be days before another meal is available. Sadly, obesity among pups is becoming a problem vets have seen more of recently, a problem that puts your pup at risk of serious diseases such as diabetes. Large breeds can also develop bone defects through carrying too much weight on their still developing bones and joints so it can’t be stressed enough how important it is to control your puppy’s diet.
By feeding to a regular schedule, your pup will soon learn when to expect food and will also be more open to being offered treats during training. Toilet training is also
Early Nutrition is Key for a Long & Healthy Life
easier when pups are fed at set times.
A puppy’s diet should never consist of meat alone as meat doesn’t contain enough calcium for his growing bones. If you do decide you’d like to feed your pup on a natural diet, please discuss this with your vet first as he’ll be able to advise you on the best supplements to offer alongside the meat,
As your pup grows you might like to offer him a raw bone to chew on. Never offer a cooked bone as these splinter and can cause serious damage to his digestive tract.
Feed your new friend the best puppy diet available and you’ll be giving him the best possible start, which he’ll then reward you for with years of companionship.
