Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with cuddles, playtime, and the responsibility of ensuring they grow into healthy, happy adult dogs. A cornerstone of their well-being is their diet, making the question “What Can I Give Puppies To Eat?” one of the most crucial for new puppy parents. Puppies, while largely carnivores, also consume some plant-based foods. They naturally transition from their mother’s milk around 8-12 weeks of age, gradually decreasing suckling as they explore solid foods. Understanding the right nutritional choices during this critical developmental phase is paramount, as proper feeding supports their rapid growth, bone development, and overall health. For specific dietary concerns, especially for very young puppies, understanding what a 1-month-old puppy should eat can provide more tailored guidance.
Essential Puppy Feeding Guidelines
The foundation of your puppy’s diet should be a high-quality, balanced premium commercial puppy food specifically formulated for their life stage and health status. This ensures they receive all necessary nutrients for optimal growth. Initially, puppies should be offered food at least four times per day. As they grow, you can gradually reduce the number of meals, aiming for at least twice daily for adult dogs to help prevent conditions like bloat, which can be fatal.
It is vital to avoid both underfeeding and overfeeding. Research indicates that overfeeding, particularly large and giant breeds, can predispose them to significant muscle and bone problems later in life. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on how much and what to feed your individual puppy, as each dog’s needs vary. Regular veterinary visits are essential; your vet can weigh your pup, assess their body condition score, and provide tailored dietary recommendations. Remember, fresh drinking water must always be available, but never offer your puppy milk, as it can cause gastrointestinal upsets.
Adorable sleeping Labrador puppy resting after a meal
Navigating the Teething Phase with Safe Chews
Between four and six months of age, your puppy’s permanent teeth will begin to emerge and grow rapidly. This period, known as teething, can be uncomfortable for puppies and often leads to them gnawing on household items. Introducing puppy-specific chew toys and healthy, chewable treats can provide relief and redirect their chewing instincts. For reassurance on dental product safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar, the global Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) lists accepted products that meet these standards.
Bones and Raw Meat – Proceed with Caution
While it might seem natural to offer bones, raw bones and raw meat are generally not recommended due to several risks. Bones can break teeth, leading to painful dental issues and costly veterinary bills. Furthermore, bone fragments can cause internal blockages or perforations, which are life-threatening emergencies. Raw bones and raw meat also carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, that can make both animals and humans seriously ill. If you’re interested in understanding specific risks, you might want to learn about dangerous meats for dogs.
If you do decide to offer raw bones, they must always be raw and introduced gradually, with strict supervision. The bone must be large enough so your puppy cannot fit the entire bone in their mouth or swallow it whole. Avoid large, hard marrow bones, T-bones, ‘chop’ bones (e.g., lamb cutlets), large knuckle bones, or bones sawn lengthwise, as these pose higher risks. Instead, consider asking your butcher for non-bone chewy alternatives like cow hearts.
Expanding Your Puppy’s Diet: Other Safe Foods
Beyond commercial puppy food, you can occasionally offer some other safe foods as treats, but moderation is key.
- Cooked Meat: Boiled chicken or lamb can be offered occasionally. Always ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and contains no cooked bones, onions, onion sauces, or other toxic substances. As previously mentioned, if you choose to feed raw meat or bones, select only human-grade options. Avoid raw meat products marketed as pet food (such as pet meat/mince/rolls and bone products), sausages, sausage meat, and cooked manufactured meats, as these can contain sulphite preservatives. These preservatives have been linked to pet food safety incidents, causing thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal. For more detailed information on which meats to avoid, consider reading about meats to never feed your dog.
- Tinned Fish: Tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna, and tinned salmon can be offered as an occasional treat. Be mindful of any small fish bones. Fish should not be a constant part of their diet.
- Vegetables: A small amount of finely-cut, cooked vegetable matter, such as cooked pumpkin or carrots, can be a healthy addition.
- Grass: Provide your puppy with access to grass, ensuring it hasn’t been chemically treated and is free from toxic plants. Puppies sometimes eat grass, which can be a natural source of vegetable matter and micronutrients.
- Calcium Supplements: Calcium powder supplements should generally not be given unless specifically directed by a veterinarian, as improper supplementation can lead to developmental problems.
Critical: Toxic Foods Your Puppy MUST Avoid
This list is not exhaustive, but these substances should never be fed to your puppy, as they are toxic:
- Alcohol
- Onions, onion powder, garlic
- Chocolate
- Coffee or caffeine products
- Mouldy or spoiled foods, or compost
- Avocado
- Bread dough, yeast dough
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas (including in Christmas cakes and similar items), currants
- Nuts (including 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
- Salt
- Roughly-cut vegetables
Additionally, ensure your puppy doesn’t have access to string wrappings around rolled roasts or the absorbent pads found under meat when wrapped on trays, as these can pose choking hazards or cause internal obstructions. If your puppy has specific health issues, such as pancreatitis, it’s even more critical to be aware of dietary restrictions for pancreatitis to prevent flare-ups. Being vigilant about what your puppy ingests is a vital part of responsible pet ownership.
Conclusion
Feeding your puppy correctly is one of the most important aspects of ensuring their healthy development. A balanced diet based on high-quality commercial puppy food, supplemented with occasional safe treats and vegetables, forms the cornerstone of their nutrition. Always prioritize veterinary advice, especially regarding feeding amounts and any specific dietary needs. Being aware of and strictly avoiding toxic foods is equally crucial for your puppy’s safety. With patience, knowledge, and expert guidance, you can provide your furry companion with the best start in life. For more in-depth information on puppy care, explore other articles on Dog Care Story!
References:
- RSPCA Knowledge Base (rspca.org.au)
- Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) (vohc.org)
