Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with joy and new responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects of ensuring your furry friend grows into a healthy, happy adult dog is providing them with the right nutrition. Understanding What Should We Feed A Puppy can feel overwhelming, but a well-balanced diet is fundamental for their rapid development, strong bones, and robust immune system. This comprehensive guide, informed by veterinary best practices, will walk you through the essentials of puppy feeding, from weaning to avoiding harmful foods.
Puppies are primarily carnivores, though they can also derive nutrients from certain plant-based foods. They typically transition from their mother’s milk at around 8-12 weeks of age. In natural settings, young canids begin consuming solid food, such as prey animal carcasses, as early as 7-8 weeks, gradually reducing their reliance on their mother’s milk. To further explore what type of food is suitable for young pups, you can read more about what should a 1 month old puppy eat.
The Foundation of a Healthy Puppy Diet
The cornerstone of your puppy’s diet should be a high-quality, balanced premium commercial puppy food specifically formulated for their life stage and health status. These diets are meticulously crafted to meet the intense nutritional demands of growing puppies, ensuring they receive the correct balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Always choose a reputable brand that undergoes stringent quality control.
Initially, puppies should be offered food at least four times per day. As they grow and their metabolism stabilizes, you can gradually reduce the frequency of meals. Adult dogs, for example, typically benefit from at least two meals daily to help prevent conditions like bloat, which can be life-threatening. It’s crucial to avoid both underfeeding and overfeeding, as excessive caloric intake, especially in large and giant breeds, can predispose them to serious muscle and bone problems later in life. For a deeper understanding of proper puppy feeding, consider exploring what should i give my puppy to eat.
Your veterinarian is your best resource for personalized advice on how much and what to feed your puppy. Regular vet visits are essential, where your pup’s weight and body condition score can be assessed, and dietary adjustments can be made as needed. Always ensure your puppy has constant access to fresh drinking water. Do not offer milk, as it can cause gastrointestinal upset in most puppies.
Navigating Teething and Chew Options
Between four to six months of age, your puppy’s permanent teeth will begin to emerge rapidly. This “teething” phase can be uncomfortable for them and often leads to destructive chewing. Introducing puppy-specific chew toys and healthy, chewable treats can significantly alleviate discomfort and redirect their chewing instincts away from household items. The global Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) lists dental products that meet specific standards for safety and effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar, offering reliable options.
Contented puppy sleeping deeply on a fluffy blanket
While many dog owners consider bones, raw meat and bones are generally not recommended. They pose risks such as broken teeth, internal blockages, and the transmission of harmful bacteria that can affect both animals and humans. However, if you choose to offer bones, they must always be raw and introduced gradually. The bone should be large enough that your puppy cannot swallow it whole or fit the entire bone in their mouth. Avoid hard marrow bones, T-bones, ‘chop’ bones (like lamb cutlets), large knuckle bones, or bones sawn lengthwise. Consider non-bone chewy alternatives from your butcher, such as cow hearts. Always supervise your puppy closely when they are eating bones.
Introducing Supplementary Foods and What to Avoid
Occasionally, you may offer small amounts of cooked meats, such as boiled chicken or lamb. Ensure these are free from cooked bones, onions, onion sauces, or any other toxic substances. As mentioned, raw meat and bones can carry bacteria. If you decide to feed raw options, select only human-grade raw meat and bones. Avoid raw meat products marketed as pet food (pet meat, pet mince, pet rolls), sausages, or cooked manufactured meats, as they often contain sulphite preservatives. These preservatives can lead to thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which can be fatal for pets. You can also learn more about what meat you should not feed your dog.
Tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna, and tinned salmon can be offered as occasional treats, being mindful of any small fish bones. Fish should not be a staple in their diet. A small amount of finely-cut vegetables, like cooked pumpkin or carrots, can also be a healthy addition. Puppies may also occasionally eat grass, which can provide vegetable matter and micronutrients; however, ensure access is only to untreated grass, free from chemicals or toxic plants. Calcium powder supplements should only be given under strict veterinary guidance.
Toxic Foods: A Critical List to Remember
It is imperative to know which foods are strictly off-limits, as they are toxic to dogs. This list is not exhaustive, but includes some common dangers:
- Alcohol
- Onions, onion powder, garlic
- Chocolate
- Coffee or caffeine products
- Moldy or spoiled foods/compost
- Avocado
- Bread dough, yeast dough
- Grapes, raisins, sultanas (including in baked goods like Christmas cakes)
- Currants
- Nuts (especially macadamia nuts)
- Fruit stones or ‘pits’ (e.g., mango seeds, apricot stones)
- Fruit seeds
- Corncobs
- Green unripe tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Cooked bones, small pieces of raw bone
- Fatty trimmings/fatty foods
- Salt
- Roughly-cut vegetables
- String wrappings around roasts or absorbent pads found under meat in packaging.
For a comprehensive understanding of what vegetables dogs cannot eat, refer to our guide on what vegetables are dogs not allowed. Additionally, if your dog has specific health concerns like pancreatitis, it’s crucial to understand their dietary restrictions; consult our article on what should a dog with pancreatitis not eat for more information and always seek veterinary advice.
Conclusion
Feeding your puppy correctly is a journey that requires attention, accurate information, and often, the guidance of a veterinary professional. By focusing on a high-quality commercial puppy food, adhering to appropriate feeding schedules, introducing safe chews, and strictly avoiding toxic foods, you lay the groundwork for your puppy’s long-term health and well-being. Always remember that each puppy is an individual, so consulting your vet for tailored advice is the best way to ensure their unique dietary needs are met. For more tips and guides on providing the best care for your canine companion, explore other articles on Dog Care Story!
