Have you just got a new puppy? I bet he brings a lot of excitement into your life! But, together with the excitement, comes the responsibility. You are responsible for his health and well-being. Feeding him right is essential for his health and longevity. Here are some tips worth taking into account when feeding your puppy:
First Rule - Don't hurry the weaning process. Puppies need their mother's milk in the first two months. For them, this is the most important source of nutrients. In the first 2 weeks, puppies are completely dependent on their mother, needing milk, protection and warmth. When they are 3-4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning, mixing solid food with milk and hot water. But they are not ready to give up their mother's milk yet. When they are 7-8 weeks old, the puppies should be able to eat dog food.
Healthy food is the key for a long and happy dog life. The main options you have are: kibble, canned, homemade and raw. Kibble and canned are very low on nutrients and they contain large amounts of corn and soy, which are potential allergens for puppies. Homemade is time and energy-consuming, but at least you know what your dog is eating. However, cooking lowers the nutritional value of the food. From my point of view, the raw diet is probably the richest and healthiest. All you have to do is to check the expiration date of the products when buying them (particularly the meat and the eggs). Look for fresh and properly stored food.
Third Rule - Create a feeding schedule. A successful house and crate training depends a lot on this specific rule. Puppies should have around 4 meals when they are really small (2-4 months) and 2 meals after they are 6 months old. I would go for 3 meals, but if you don't have time, 2 will do the job. Remember to feed them at the exact same hours, in the same places so they will learn when it's feeding time.
Also, try not to feed them more than they require. Since dogs can't stop themselves when it comes to eating, they might end up having weight problems. Nevertheless, provide them constantly with fresh water.
First Rule - Don't hurry the weaning process. Puppies need their mother's milk in the first two months. For them, this is the most important source of nutrients. In the first 2 weeks, puppies are completely dependent on their mother, needing milk, protection and warmth. When they are 3-4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning, mixing solid food with milk and hot water. But they are not ready to give up their mother's milk yet. When they are 7-8 weeks old, the puppies should be able to eat dog food.
Healthy food is the key for a long and happy dog life. The main options you have are: kibble, canned, homemade and raw. Kibble and canned are very low on nutrients and they contain large amounts of corn and soy, which are potential allergens for puppies. Homemade is time and energy-consuming, but at least you know what your dog is eating. However, cooking lowers the nutritional value of the food. From my point of view, the raw diet is probably the richest and healthiest. All you have to do is to check the expiration date of the products when buying them (particularly the meat and the eggs). Look for fresh and properly stored food.
Third Rule - Create a feeding schedule. A successful house and crate training depends a lot on this specific rule. Puppies should have around 4 meals when they are really small (2-4 months) and 2 meals after they are 6 months old. I would go for 3 meals, but if you don't have time, 2 will do the job. Remember to feed them at the exact same hours, in the same places so they will learn when it's feeding time.
Also, try not to feed them more than they require. Since dogs can't stop themselves when it comes to eating, they might end up having weight problems. Nevertheless, provide them constantly with fresh water.
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