How to Feed Puppies
Puppies, just like human babies, need proper nutrition for normal healthy growth and development. Making the right choices about your new puppy's nutrition will help you to get him off to a good start.
1Learn about a puppy’s nutritional needs. Puppies have a lot of growing to do, so their bodies require more calcium, protein, and calories than an adult dog. Therefore, it is essential to feed your puppy food that is meant for puppies and identified on the label as food for "Growth".
2.Choose a brand of dog food that uses high-quality ingredients. The first ingredients on the list should be a meat protein like “chicken” or “beef’ and not a grain like “corn” or “wheat.” The caloric content of the food is often found on the manufacturer’s website and not on the bag. There will be information on the protein, fat and fiber in the nutrient analysis section. Most puppies are fed a diet in the mid 20 to 30% protein range.
3.Provide the right amount of food. The amount of food that you feed a puppy has an impact on its lifespan. Puppies that are overweight in their first year of life may potentially die 2 - 3 years ahead of their lean littermates.Use the suggested feeding quantities on your puppy's food package as a starting point, but then assess your puppy's body score on a weekly basis.
4.Talk to your veterinarian. If you want to make sure that you are feeding your puppy the right type and amount of food, talk to your veterinarian. The dog food bag may offer some guidelines, but it is impossible for the dog food manufacturer to be able to tailor their recommendations for each individual dog. Your veterinarian may be able to make a recommendation based on your puppy’s specific needs.