Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, playtime, and countless questions. Among the most critical decisions you’ll make for your furry companion’s well-being is what you can give your puppy to eat. Proper nutrition during their early months is fundamental for healthy growth, strong bones, and a robust immune system. Puppies are largely carnivores, but they also benefit from some plant-based foods, much like their wild ancestors who would consume prey animals whole. Naturally, puppies transition from their mother’s milk around 8-12 weeks of age, gradually decreasing suckling as they explore solid foods. Understanding their unique dietary needs is key to setting them up for a lifetime of health.
The Foundation of a Healthy Puppy Diet
The cornerstone of your puppy’s diet should always be a high-quality, balanced premium commercial puppy food. This type of food is specifically formulated to meet the intense nutritional demands of a growing puppy, providing the correct balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals appropriate for their life stage and breed size. Always choose a product that aligns with veterinary recommendations.
To begin with, puppies should be offered food at least four times a day. As they grow and their stomachs mature, you can gradually reduce the number of meals. For instance, by the time they are what can puppies eat at 3 months, their feeding schedule might be adjusted. Adult dogs, for comparison, should typically be fed at least twice daily to help prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist.
It’s crucial to strike the right balance, neither underfeeding nor overfeeding your puppy. Research indicates that excessive feeding in puppies, particularly large and giant breeds, can predispose them to serious muscle and bone problems later in life. Your veterinarian is your best resource for personalized advice on how much and what to feed your puppy. Regular vet visits are essential; they can accurately weigh your pup, assess their body condition score, and provide tailored dietary recommendations.
Finally, always ensure your puppy has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water. While water is vital, never offer your puppy milk. Despite popular belief, most puppies and adult dogs are lactose intolerant, and milk can cause significant gastrointestinal upsets, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Navigating Teething and Chewing Needs
Between four to six months of age, your puppy’s permanent teeth will erupt and grow rapidly, a period often referred to as “teething.” During this time, puppies have a strong urge to chew, which helps alleviate discomfort and aids in the natural process of tooth eruption. Introducing puppy-specific chew toys and healthy, chewable treats can effectively address these teething issues and redirect your pet’s attention away from gnawing on household items. When selecting dental products, we recommend checking the global Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list, which certifies products meeting standards for safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar.
However, caution is paramount when it comes to bones and certain chews. Raw bones, though sometimes perceived as natural, are not recommended due to several risks. They can splinter, causing internal blockages or perforations, and can also fracture teeth, leading to painful dental issues and costly veterinary bills. Furthermore, both raw meat and raw bones can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make both animals and humans ill. For more information, consider our detailed article on what is the one meat dogs should avoid. If you absolutely choose to offer raw bones, they must be introduced gradually and be large enough that the puppy cannot fit the entire bone in their mouth or swallow it whole. Avoid hard marrow bones, T-bones, ‘chop’ bones (e.g., lamb cutlets), large knuckle bones, or bones sawn lengthwise, as these pose significant choking and splintering hazards. Always supervise your puppy closely when they are eating any type of bone. Non-bone chewy alternatives, such as cow hearts, can be a safer option.
Safe Human Foods and Occasional Treats for Your Puppy
While commercial puppy food should be the staple, certain human foods can be offered as occasional treats in strict moderation. Cooked meats like plain, boiled chicken or lamb, without any seasoning, sauces, or bones, can be a tasty snack. Always ensure there are no cooked bones, onions, garlic, or other toxic substances present, as these can be highly dangerous. As previously mentioned, raw meat is generally not recommended due to bacterial risks. However, if you opt to feed any raw meat or raw bones, always choose human-grade products. Avoid raw meat products marketed as pet food (such as pet mince, pet rolls, or certain bone products), sausages, sausage meat, and cooked manufactured meats, as these often contain sulphite preservatives. These preservatives have been linked to pet food safety incidents, causing thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal. For a broader perspective on what human foods dogs can safely enjoy, read our guide on what can food can dogs eat.
Tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna, and tinned salmon (always in moderation and drained) can also be offered as an occasional treat. Take care with any small fish bones, and ensure fish is not a constant part of their diet.
A small amount of finely-cut, cooked vegetable matter can provide beneficial fiber and micronutrients. Good options include cooked pumpkin or carrots. These should be plain, without any added butter, salt, or seasonings. Additionally, providing access to grass can be beneficial, as puppies sometimes eat grass, which may serve as a natural source of vegetable matter. Always ensure the grass is untreated with chemicals and free from toxic plants.
Calcium powder supplements should never be given to puppies unless explicitly directed and precisely dosed by a veterinarian, as excessive calcium can lead to skeletal deformities.
Crucial Foods to Avoid: Toxic and Harmful Items
It is absolutely vital to never feed your puppy the following substances, as they are highly toxic and can cause severe illness or even death (note this is not a complete list, so always err on the side of caution): alcohol, onions (and onion powder), garlic, chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, mouldy or spoiled foods (including compost), avocado, bread dough, yeast dough, grapes, raisins, sultanas (found in many baked goods like Christmas cakes), currants, nuts (especially macadamia nuts), fruit stones or ‘pits’ (e.g., mango seeds, apricot stones, avocado stones), fruit seeds, corncobs, green unripe tomatoes, mushrooms, cooked bones, small pieces of raw bone, fatty trimmings/fatty foods, and excessive salt. For a comprehensive overview of forbidden foods, consult our article on list of what dogs can t eat.
Additionally, ensure your puppy cannot access string wrappings around rolled roasts or absorbent pads found under meat when wrapped on trays, as these can cause intestinal obstructions. Understanding what you shouldn’t feed your dog is just as important as knowing what’s safe.
Playful puppy with owner
Conclusion
Feeding your puppy correctly is one of the most important aspects of their early care, directly impacting their growth, health, and development. By prioritizing a high-quality commercial puppy food, understanding appropriate feeding schedules, and diligently avoiding toxic substances, you can provide a strong nutritional foundation. Always remember that every puppy is an individual, and their specific dietary needs may vary. Regular consultations with your veterinarian are invaluable for personalized guidance and ensuring your puppy thrives. For more detailed information and continued support, explore other helpful articles on Dog Care Story!
References
- RSPCA Australia Knowledge Base
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
