Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, filled with joy and new responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects of raising a healthy, happy pup is providing them with the right nutrition. Puppies have unique dietary needs compared to adult dogs, requiring specific nutrients to support their rapid growth, developing immune systems, and overall well-being. Understanding What To Give To Puppies To Eat is paramount for laying a strong foundation for their health. This guide from Dog Care Story will walk you through safe, healthy, and vet-approved food options to supplement their regular puppy diet, ensuring your furry friend gets the best start in life.
Understanding Puppy Nutritional Needs
Puppies are bundles of energy, and their little bodies are working overtime to grow and develop. This means they require more calories, protein, and specific vitamins and minerals than an adult dog. Their diets must support bone growth, muscle development, a robust immune system, and healthy cognitive function. While high-quality commercial puppy food should form the cornerstone of their diet, offering certain human foods as treats or supplements can provide additional nutrients and variety. However, it’s crucial to know which foods are safe and how to prepare them to avoid any health issues.
Safe Fruits for Puppies
Fruits can be a refreshing and nutritious treat for puppies when given in moderation and prepared correctly. They offer natural vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Apples
Fresh apples, with their delightful crunch, can be a great snack. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which aids digestion. Remember to always remove the seeds, as they contain cyanide, and cut the apple into small, puppy-friendly pieces to prevent choking. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and bone growth, while vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity, both vital for a growing pup.
Bananas
Bananas are soft, easy to chew, and packed with health benefits. They contain fiber for digestion, folate/vitamin B9 for healthy cell growth, potassium for fluid balance, and vitamin C. Due to their higher sugar content, bananas should be given in small amounts as an occasional treat. They are particularly gentle on a puppy’s developing teeth and stomach.
Blueberries
These small, deep-purple berries are powerhouses of vitamins and antioxidants. Rich in vitamins C, K, and A, blueberries can help reduce the likelihood of various diseases and support overall health as your puppy grows. They make an excellent, bite-sized training treat.
Mango
This tropical delight is high in fiber and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Always remove the tough pit and fibrous peel, as both can pose a choking hazard and cause digestive upset. Due to its sugar content, mango should be offered sparingly. Ensure the pieces are small enough for your puppy to chew safely.
Watermelon
A hydrating treat, especially beneficial in warmer weather, watermelon is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6. It’s essential to remove all seeds and the rind before offering watermelon to your puppy, as seeds can cause intestinal blockages and the rind is difficult to digest. Cut it into small, manageable cubes.
Wholesome Vegetables for Growing Pups
Many vegetables are safe and beneficial for puppies, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without excessive calories.
Carrots
Crunchy carrots are fantastic for puppies, especially those going through the teething phase. The texture can help soothe sore gums and even assist in removing plaque from developing teeth. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A. Always cut them into small, chewable pieces to prevent choking, particularly for smaller breeds. A cold or frozen carrot stick can be an especially welcome relief for a teething puppy.
Cauliflower (Unseasoned)
Low in calories and loaded with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, folate, potassium, and vitamins C, K, and B6, cauliflower can be a healthy addition to your puppy’s diet. However, it can cause gas, so introduce it in very small, unseasoned, cooked or raw pieces to see how your pup reacts.
Celery
Celery is a low-fat, fibrous treat that offers vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate, potassium, and manganese. Like carrots and cucumbers, it must be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for tiny puppies. It might even help freshen their breath.
Cucumbers
Similar to celery, cucumbers are a low-calorie, hydrating, and crunchy snack that many puppies enjoy. They are practically fat- and sodium-free. Again, cut them into small pieces to eliminate choking hazards.
Green Beans
An excellent low-calorie and low-fat option, green beans are packed with fiber and vitamin C. They can be given cooked or frozen, providing a satisfying crunch and aiding digestion. These are particularly useful if you have a puppy that needs a healthy, filling treat without adding many calories.
Pumpkin
Pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a miracle food for a puppy’s digestion. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium, its high soluble fiber content can help regulate bowel movements, alleviating both diarrhea and constipation. It also contains prebiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome. A small spoonful mixed into their regular food can work wonders.
Protein Sources for Puppy Development
Protein is vital for muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall development in puppies. Cooked meats and eggs can provide excellent protein boosts.
Cooked Beef
Lean, fully cooked, and unseasoned beef can be a nutritious protein source for puppies, offering essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Always ensure it’s thoroughly cooked to eliminate bacteria and cut into very small pieces. Grass-fed beef often provides a better fatty acid profile.
Cooked Chicken (Unseasoned and Boneless)
Plain, boiled, unseasoned chicken is often recommended for puppies with upset stomachs because it’s easily digestible, high in protein, and low in fat. It can be offered as a delicious topper for their kibble. Crucially, never give cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and cause severe damage to a puppy’s delicate gastrointestinal tract. Cooked bones should never be given to dogs, as they can splinter and cause internal injuries.
Cooked Eggs (Unseasoned)
Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and essential vitamins, including A, B, D, and K, along with selenium, calcium, and zinc. They are a super healthy treat for growing puppies. Always cook eggs thoroughly, as raw eggs can carry salmonella. Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, chopped finely, make an excellent addition to their diet.
Cooked Fish (Unseasoned and Boneless)
Fish like salmon and sardines are rich in protein, amino acids, and crucial omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development and skin health. Sardines are unique as their soft bones can provide a calcium boost; otherwise, always remove all bones from other fish before feeding. Limit fish intake to small, fully cooked, unseasoned portions, no more than twice a week. Ensure the fish is not seasoned with ingredients harmful to puppies.
Cooked Turkey (Unseasoned and Boneless)
Similar to chicken, lean, fully cooked, and unseasoned turkey is an excellent source of protein for puppies. Always remove the skin, bones, and excessive fat before offering it to your pup. Make sure there are no seasonings or additives that could be harmful. Understanding what human meat is bad for dogs is crucial to protect your puppy from harmful substances.
Other Beneficial Treats and Supplements
Beyond fruits, vegetables, and meats, certain other foods can offer unique benefits to your puppy.
Unsalted Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanuts can be a safe treat in moderation, providing good fats and protein. However, too much fat can lead to issues like pancreatitis, so portion control is key. Peanut butter offers vitamins B and E, and fiber, benefiting cardiovascular and digestive health. The most critical rule for peanut butter is to always check the label for xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Only offer xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter as a very occasional treat. Many common human foods, including certain types of peanut butter, can be bad for dogs if they contain harmful ingredients like xylitol.
Plain Yogurt
While some puppies may be sensitive to dairy, plain yogurt can be a healthy treat for many, thanks to its beneficial probiotics that support a strong digestive system. Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt without any artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Introduce a very small amount first to check for any digestive upset.
Cooked White Rice
Cooked white rice is a staple recommendation for puppies needing a bland diet due to an upset stomach. It’s easy to digest and helps firm up loose stool. However, it can cause blood sugar spikes, so puppies with diabetes should only consume it in very small amounts and under veterinary guidance.
Important Considerations When Feeding Puppies
Feeding puppies requires careful attention to detail to ensure their health and safety.
Portion Control
Puppies have smaller stomachs and require more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day rather than large infrequent ones. Overfeeding can lead to digestive upset or unhealthy weight gain, while underfeeding can hinder their growth. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice on appropriate portion sizes for your puppy’s age, breed, and activity level.
Preparation is Key
Always thoroughly cook any meats or eggs to eliminate harmful bacteria. Remove all seeds, pits, rinds, and bones from fruits and vegetables. Chop all treats into small, easily digestible, and non-choking pieces suitable for your puppy’s size. Unseasoned is always best, as many human seasonings are toxic or irritating to puppies.
Avoidance of Harmful Foods
Beyond the known dangers like chocolate, grapes, and onions, it’s vital to be aware of less obvious threats such as xylitol in sugar-free products, avocado pits, and raw yeast dough. Even seemingly harmless foods can become dangerous if not prepared correctly. For comprehensive information on what meat to not feed dogs, consult reliable sources to ensure your puppy’s safety.
A collection of safe and healthy food items for puppies, including fruits, vegetables, and cooked proteins, laid out appealingly.
Consult Your Vet
Before introducing any new foods into your puppy’s diet, especially if they have existing health conditions or allergies, always consult your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your puppy’s specific needs and guide you on appropriate quantities and frequencies for treats. Knowing what meat should never be given to dogs is critical for preventing serious health issues. Your vet is your best resource for ensuring your puppy receives a balanced and safe diet.
Conclusion
Providing your puppy with a healthy, balanced diet is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. While high-quality commercial puppy food forms the foundation, supplementing their meals with appropriate, vet-approved human foods can enhance their nutritional intake and provide enjoyable treats. Remember that moderation, proper preparation, and vigilance against harmful ingredients are key. By understanding what to give to puppies to eat, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of health and happiness. Always prioritize your veterinarian’s guidance for any dietary concerns or changes. Ensure your puppy gets the best start in life with nutritious choices, allowing them to grow into a strong, vibrant companion.
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.
Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.
Author Bio
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.
