Your dog’s diet plays a vital role in helping to give them a healthy body and mind, so what should they eat, how much should you give them and what’s the best way to feed them? Read some of our hints and tips in our guide to feeding your puppy.
What should I feed my puppy?
Healthy puppies can burn twice as many calories as an adult dog, so it’s important that their diet is balanced and meets their high energy needs. Your puppy’s food should be:
- High in calories
- Rich in protein
- Packed full of essential nutrients
- Easy to chew and swallow
Your puppy’s food should be specifically formulated to their needs and must be age-appropriate. There are lots of different diets to choose from and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find the right food for your dog. If you’re overwhelmed by the choice, then always speak to your puppy’s breeder or your vet to find out what they recommend.
How much should I feed my puppy?
The amount of food that a dog needs depends on their age, breed, how energetic they are and if they have any medical conditions. Feeding your puppy too much may cause excessive weight gain, an upset stomach, or, particularly in larger breeds, bone deformities, so it is very important to follow the feeding guidelines given on any packaging. Also, pay attention to whether the feeding guides on the pack are for the puppy’s current body weight or their estimated adult body weight. If based on estimated adult body weight, it may be helpful to speak to the breeder to find out how big mum and dad are.
Younger puppies should always be fed small amounts regularly, and this decreases in frequency as they get older. If you’re not sure how often to feed your puppy then here is a rough guide:
- When you start to offer solid food or when weaning (usually at around two months old) – four to six meals a day
- From two to three months – four meals a day
- From four to six months – two to three meals a day
- Over six months – two meals a day (depending on the breed)
How can I check my puppy is gaining weight?
Regularly weighing your puppy can help you check that they’re growing at a healthy rate for their age, size and breed. Speak to your vet, breeder or breed club if you’re not sure how to do this, or if you need any guidance on how much your dog should weigh or look. Puppy growth charts can also be very helpful to track your puppy’s growth. Speak to your vet to see if they can supply you with one of these.
Getting in to good feeding habits
It’s important that you get into good feeding habits while your dog is still young. When feeding your dog:
- Choose somewhere to put their bowl that can be easily cleaned, such as on a tiled or wipeable floor
- Give them their food in a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted or distracted
- Avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after exercise, as it can cause a life-threatening condition known as bloat
- Don’t feed your dog table scraps. Some foods may upset your dog’s stomach, while others, such as chocolate, onions and grapes, can be poisonous to them
- Cooked bones can be dangerous and can break into small parts that can cause damage in your dog’s mouth, throat or intestines, so never give them
How should I serve wet puppy food?
If you give your dog wet puppy food, then it’s best to serve it at room temperature. Warmer food is more appealing to dogs and will smell better, taste nicer and should be easier for them to digest. If you keep your food in the fridge, remember to take it out an hour before feeding. This will allow it to reach room temperature and be more enjoyable to eat. If you’re not able to leave the food out, then you can warm it up in the microwave, but make sure it’s served at room temperature and is never hot.
How should I serve dry puppy food?
Most dogs love the crunchy texture of dry kibble, but others may prefer slightly moist food. If your puppy prefers moist foods, particularly when they are younger, then you can always add a small amount of water before serving it. Be careful to avoid adding milk.
Dry food can help support dental health more than wet foods. However, whether dry or wet, it can be helpful to give them regular dental treats to keep their teeth healthy. Ideally, you should also introduce them to tooth brushing at a young age. Remember that if you are giving dental treats they need to be taken into consideration when working out the puppy’s daily calories, and the feeding guide should be reduced slightly.
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As an expert in dog care and nutrition, I can provide you with information on feeding your puppy. It's important to note that the information provided in the article aligns with the general guidelines for feeding puppies. Let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
Balanced Diet for Puppies
A puppy's diet should be balanced and meet their high energy needs. The food should be:
- High in calories: Healthy puppies can burn twice as many calories as adult dogs, so their food should be calorie-dense.
- Rich in protein: Protein is essential for growth and development in puppies.
- Packed full of essential nutrients: Puppies require a wide range of nutrients for their overall health.
- Easy to chew and swallow: Puppy food should be formulated in a way that is easy for them to eat and digest.
The article suggests that puppy food should be specifically formulated to meet their needs and be age-appropriate. There are various diets available, so it's recommended to consult with your puppy's breeder or veterinarian to determine the best food for your dog.
Feeding Guidelines for Puppies
The amount of food a puppy needs depends on factors such as age, breed, energy level, and any medical conditions. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain and other health issues. It's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the packaging of the puppy food. These guidelines may differ based on the puppy's current body weight or their estimated adult body weight. If the guidelines are based on estimated adult body weight, it can be helpful to consult with the breeder to determine the size of the puppy's parents.
The frequency of feeding changes as puppies grow older:
- When starting solid food or weaning (around two months old): four to six meals a day.
- From two to three months: four meals a day.
- From four to six months: two to three meals a day.
- Over six months: two meals a day, depending on the breed.
Monitoring Weight Gain
Regularly weighing your puppy can help ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. It's recommended to consult with your veterinarian, breeder, or breed club for guidance on how to weigh your puppy and what their ideal weight should be. Puppy growth charts can also be helpful in tracking your puppy's growth.
Establishing Good Feeding Habits
It's important to establish good feeding habits while your puppy is young. Here are some tips mentioned in the article:
- Choose a clean and easily cleanable area to place their food bowl.
- Feed them in a quiet place where they won't be interrupted or distracted.
- Avoid feeding them immediately before or after exercise to prevent a life-threatening condition known as bloat.
- Do not feed your dog table scraps, as some foods can upset their stomach or be poisonous to them.
- Avoid giving them cooked bones, as they can be dangerous and cause damage to their mouth, throat, or intestines.
Serving Wet and Dry Puppy Food
The article provides tips on serving wet and dry puppy food:
- Wet puppy food is best served at room temperature. If the food is stored in the fridge, it should be taken out an hour before feeding to allow it to reach room temperature.
- Dry kibble can be served as is or slightly moistened with water. Adding a small amount of water can make it more appealing to puppies, especially when they are younger. However, avoid adding milk to their food.
- Dry food can help support dental health more than wet food. It's also recommended to introduce dental treats and tooth brushing at a young age to maintain good oral hygiene.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your puppy's health or nutrition, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and guidance.
I hope this information helps you in feeding your puppy! Let me know if you have any more questions.
