Most homemade diets for pups can’t provide them with adequate minerals, proteins and energy. So, the first feeding tip is buying the best puppy food particularly formulated for a dog diet. Besides, here are some other useful puppy feeding tips.
Weaning
Breast milk is abundant in nutrients that help puppies grow up strong and healthy. So, it’s the first ideal food for them.
Your pup may show interest in solid foods when 3-4 weeks or 6-8 weeks old. Accordingly, start feeding him/her with puppy formula. If you buy dry food, dilute it with water into a porridge. Add less water progressively as your pup grows.
Nutritional Requirements
Your furry buddy needs the best puppy food, specially formulated with complete and balanced nutritional requirements to support proper growth.
So, choose a top brand offering dog food with the following essential nutrients across ages and breed sizes:
- High-quality proteins: They support the growing bodies of pups.
- Carbs and fat: They supply the energy that playful and active puppies require.
- Calcium: It helps develop strong bones and teeth.
- DHA: It boosts brain and vision development.
Feeding Quantity
You can usually begin with a spoonful of food 5 times a day. Then consider following these general recommendations:
- From the beginning to completion of weaning (generally 2 months): 4-6 meals daily
- 2-3 months: 4 meals daily
- 4-6 months: 2-3 meals daily
- After 6 months: 2 meals daily
The feeding quantity, however, always depends on your puppy’s breed size and age. So, you can consult the vet or follow the recommendations of the dog food brand before deciding on the quantities. Weigh your pup periodically at veterinarian visits to know whether he/she is getting enough nutrition as per his/her age and breed.
Feeding Times
Give the recommended number of smaller meals daily at specific regular intervals. Be consistent. That can help your pup get used to the meal routine.
To make things easy, consider feeding him/her when you have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feed the little one early in the evenings. Then he/she can get enough time to digest the food before bedtime.
Best avoid giving puppy food right before and after exercise. Keep at least 1 hour between exercise and food.
It’s good if your pup rests for a while after eating. This can prevent digestive discomfort or major disorders in big breeds whose stomachs may flip over.
Feeding Place
Feed your pup in a quiet place so it can eat peacefully. Opt for an easy-to-clean surface like ceramic flooring. Serve the food in a clean bowl always.
Keep children away. Else your pup may become protective over the food or devour it. Feed any other dogs at the same time but elsewhere so they won’t fight over their food or steal each other’s food.
How to Feed
Wet puppy food is best to be served at room temperature. Serve it quickly after opening the container or it may spoil.
Give the dry food as it is if your pup enjoys its crunchiness. Else if he/she prefers it moist, leave the food in a water-filled bowl for 30 minutes at most before serving.
Once you and your pup start loving the food, it’s best to stick to the same dog food brand to avoid digestive discomfort unless the vet recommends otherwise.