Puppy Feeding
Beginner's Guide To Puppy Feeding
It's important to remember that puppy feeding is different than feeding adult dogs. Puppies have different dietary and nutritional needs and in some cases, aren't even able to consume hard or soft foods yet and must be fed out of a bottle. The following is a quick guide concerning things that you should know about puppy feeding.
1. During the first 8 weeks of a puppy's life, they should try to be kept with their mother since they probably aren't waned yet. If you do have a puppy that hasn't been weaned then you should feed it with a bottle. Only feed it specially formulated puppy milk and follow the directions that the vet gives you. Generally, the puppy needs to be fed every 2-3 hours, much like a newborn baby.
2. After about 8 weeks, you can start mixing wet puppy food with the milk and feeding the puppy out of a dish. To make it easier for your puppy to adjust, try mixing three parts food with one part water or milk.
3. From 6 to 8 weeks, puppies can be fed less often, but still need to be fed 3-4 times per day. Make sure that you pick out a puppy food that is made just for puppies as their dietary needs are different from those of an adult dog. They need extra protein and calcium, as well as a balanced diet. Ensure that meat is included as an ingredient in their food.
4. After 8 weeks, you can start feeding your puppy 2 times per day, as his body has started to mature and he no longer needs to eat as frequently.
5. From 3-6 months, your puppy will start teething and might start turning his nose up at some foods because they hurt his teeth. Continue feeding him, but if you notice that his stomach is upset for a day or two you should take him to see his vet to make sure that nothing else is wrong.
6. You shouldn't start feeding your puppy adult food until he is a year old, even though he might look like an adult. When you do switch him over to adult food, continue making sure that he is getting a well-balanced diet with all of the proper nutrients.
7. Ensure that you are feeding your puppy the same food every day. They don't need variety like people do. It can actually cause their stomachs to get upset.
8. If you do need to switch your puppy to a different kind of food then do so gradually. You might want to mix some of the new in with some of the old if it's wet or dry food in order to ensure that your puppy's body has the chance to get used to it.
9. Regardless of how many times a day you feed your puppy, make sure that he always has access to clean water.
10. Keep your puppy active so that not only is he eating well, but he has the chance to exercise, too. Sometimes, a puppy will eat too much and become bloated and sick. Puppies need exercise in order to help their digestive systems function properly. Plus, exercise helps keep them from building up too much fat, which could cause problems on down the line.
If you notice any changes in your puppy, such as him not being interested in food or acting lethargic, then it's important to take him to the vet. Otherwise, puppy feeding should go smoothly for you and after he is off the bottle, it's very similar to feeding adult dogs.