Taking care of a puppy is incredibly exciting. You’ve now got yourself a loyal canine companion that can go with you on new adventures. Whether you’re journeying across the country or playing at the nearby park, you have a new best friend with whom you can create beautiful memories. However, it’s not just about playtime and cuddles—your puppy is a living being that requires lots of care, including regular vet visits and proper nutrition.
Choosing the best dog food for your puppy can quickly be overwhelming, especially since many brands are available at your local pet store. It’s essential to give your pup the highest quality dog food available that’s healthy and nutritious, which will prevent numerous diseases. If you’re wondering what to feed your puppy, keep reading!
The Basics of Puppy Feeding
What You Need to Know
Feeding Them in the First Year
6 - 12 Weeks: Puppies need to eat a specially formulated diet for their optimal development, which means they need to eat puppy food. It is filled with the necessary nutrients to help them grow up into healthy and energetic dogs. Feeding them adult dog food will deprive them of the required nutrients, so it’s essential to stick to age-appropriate food. Puppies need to eat around four times a day, and larger breeds should eat unmoistened dry food by the time they are 9 or 10 weeks old. Smaller breeds can do this at 12 or 13 weeks.
3 - 6 Months: At this time, it is best to decrease feedings from four to three times a day. Puppies should look leaner by 12 weeks and have shed some puppy fat, losing their signature potbelly in the process. However, if your puppy is still rotund at this time, continue feeding them puppy-size portions until their body matures.
6 - 12 Months: Your puppy must now be eating twice a day. This time is also an ideal period to spay or neuter your puppy, which will slightly decrease energy requirements. Once you’ve completed the procedure, switch their diet to adult maintenance food. Larger breeds can change at 12 to 14 months, and smaller breeds can do so at 7 to 9 months.
1 Year Onwards: Your puppy is now an adult dog, and it’s best to feed them two half-portions each day.
The Amount of Food to Feed Your Puppy
There’s no exact portion to feed your puppy as they are growing up, as you should adjust it according to their appetite and growth. Instead of focusing on how much your puppy has eaten or left in the bowl, observe the body condition as they grow. Portion their food according to their metabolism and body type, as nutritional requirements tend to vary.
If your puppy sometimes skips their meal or picks at food, that means they are ready to eliminate a feeding or that you’ve given them too much food. In this case, reduce the quantity of food you serve your puppy. If you provide dog treats to your puppy, ensure that you adjust the amount you give them during mealtimes. If you use the treats for training, make sure to offer the smallest portions possible.
The Recommended Frequency of Feeding Your Puppy
Puppies are similar to human babies because they both need numerous small meals every day. They also need meals that are specifically formulated to fulfill their nutritional needs. To discourage pickiness in your puppy, feed them at regular times and the same amounts. Ensure that you do not leave food out for more than 20 minutes at a time.
Buying Expensive Puppy Food
Premium food tends to have higher nutritional density, making them healthy pet food for your puppy. Thanks to their dense nutrition content, you can give smaller portions to your dog, as you’ll achieve the same results. Premium foods also have stable ingredients throughout, assuring you the same quality of food in each package.
Dry Food vs Wet Food
You’ve probably heard all about canned and dry food, but you may not be sure of the differences. Canned or wet food is usually more expensive, although most dogs find it to be more delicious. Be wary of any “all-meat’ claims, as your dogs need a balanced diet to become strong and healthy.
Many dog owners prefer kibble because it is the most economical choice. Many dog food manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in their kibble for all breeds and sizes. There is also semi-moist food that comes in one-serving packets, similar to hamburger patties.
Conclusion
Although there are plenty of things to keep in mind when feeding your puppy, knowing when, what, and how to feed them eventually becomes second nature. Giving your dog healthy pet food will help them enjoy a high quality of life, so keep these guidelines in mind for a happy and strong dog!
Wags to Wiskers is a holistic pet store in Ludington that offers the best quality of pet supplies and holistic pet foods. We have food for every stage of life and every style, serving even the pickiest of pets. With locations in Chelsea and Ann Arbor, our store is an accessible way to provide your pet with the supplies they deserve. Check out our products today for your next batch of pet food!