The arrival of a puppy in a new home is an extremely joyful and exciting event for every family, but it also requires the preparation of all household members for everything that follows when it comes to the care and nutrition of the new pet. Dog nutrition is of immeasurable importance for their health and proper growth and development, so it is necessary to pay enough attention to this topic, so that you have all the necessary information when the puppy arrives at home. The healthy habits you instill in your pet during this period will follow him throughout his life and will be more difficult to change later, so this is a crucial period in which you need to pay extra attention when it comes to your pet’s nutrition. Feeding puppies and young dogs isn’t complicated, but it’s different from feeding adult dogs and requires a little more time and effort to make sure your pet gets all the nutrients it needs to grow up healthy and happy.
How many meals a day do puppies need?
Before you fill your dog’s food bowl, remember that the diet of dogs at different ages varies greatly and that it is very important to feed your dog according to its age, weight and size. Puppies stop sucking on average when they are eight weeks old, although this process starts gradually as early as the third or fourth week, which means that after that period their nutrition will depend on you. Keep in mind that puppies need more meals during the day than older dogs, so plan their meals accordingly. From the second to the third month, you will have to feed your puppy four times a day, but over time the number of these meals will decrease, so from three to six months he will eat three times a day, so that in the period from the sixth month to a full year he will have one meal during the day. To help your dog get used to solid food, you can initially wet the kibble with warm water to soften it a little and make it easier for your puppy to eat. On most dog food packages, it is clearly indicated how much food a dog needs according to its age, so follow these instructions to avoid giving your dog too large meals, as this could lead to obesity and ultimately numerous health problems.
Balanced diet and supplements
For the proper development of a puppy, a balanced diet is first of all important, which is why industrially produced puppy food is a very good choice because it already contains all the essential nutrients, which makes the whole process much easier. Of course, you can prepare the food yourself, but this will require detailed information about all the necessary components that it must contain, as well as more time spent in its preparation so that it is always fresh. In order for the puppy to be healthy and develop well, it is very important that it eats a sufficient amount of protein and fat, as well as carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are often forgotten. A high level of protein in the diet is especially important during the weaning period, i.e. the transition to solid food, after which it can be gradually reduced, although it will always be the main segment of your dog’s diet. Fats are also very important for the development of the dog because they are a source of essential fatty acids, which are responsible for the beautiful skin and coat of your pet, but also for the development of its brain and for good vision, although they should not be overdone either in order to avoid obesity. . The intake of calcium and phosphorus is also very important in order for the bones to develop properly, and in addition, antioxidants are also extremely important in order for developing dogs to acquire good immunity. If your dog receives a complete and balanced diet, there will most likely be no need for supplements, although they can also be a good choice in certain situations, but always consult your veterinarian first to know which supplements and to what extent they are the right choice for your pet. Never forget that fresh and clean water must be available to your dog at all times.
Are puppies and young dogs allowed dog treats?
Yes, but in moderation and carefully. If you have snacks intended for puppies and young dogs, it will not be a problem to occasionally delight your pet with this treat, but take care not to overdo it because they are not a substitute for a meal. If you give them too often to your pet, it is very possible that you will disrupt his meal schedule, as well as that he will gain more weight than he should. It is considered that the calories taken in with snacks should not exceed 10% of the total daily calorie intake. When it comes to human food, you should avoid giving it to your dog, although he will most certainly try to coax it from you. While there are human foods that won’t cause any problems for dogs, there are a number of foods that can cause numerous digestive problems and even allergic reactions, so it’s safer to stick to proven dog foods. Some of the foods that are absolutely necessary to avoid are avocados, chocolate, grapes and dough, and make sure that your curious puppy doesn’t find a way to some alcohol, because this can really be very dangerous for him. Keep in mind that not all puppies and young dogs will mature at the same rate, as this also depends on their breed and individual characteristics, and this is definitely something you should consider when planning their diet. Larger breeds of dogs will most often require meals that contain fewer calories than small breeds that require smaller meals, but more calorically dense. However, each dog has its own story, so the most important thing is to monitor your pet’s behavior and reactions, in order to give it all the necessary attention and ensure a happy and healthy life.
