Proper Puppy Nutrition: Meeting the Needs of Young Dogs

It is important to provide the right nutrition for small puppies in order to ensure their healthy development. Learn how to properly feed your four-legged companion and provide him with everything he requires.

The beloved four-legged companion will always need a nutritious and healthy food. For proper growth and development, puppies are especially dependent on essential nutrients and vitamins. You can help your dog grow into a strong, healthy and lively little fellow by providing the proper nutrition at this early stage.

How to get your puppy used solid food

If the puppy is no longer getting enough milk from the mother dog, it must be introduced to solid foods. Start feeding the puppy small amounts as early as possible, ideally from week five. Specialized stores sell special food to help with this phase of transition, which is usually the best way to ensure optimal care for your baby. Start by mixing it with warm water. At first, you should offer four to five portions. After a few weeks, reduce the amount and gradually increase the portion size. Comparatively, an adult quadruped only receives two meals a day.

Your new family member is likely to be used to solid foods if he comes from a breeder. This makes things easier for you. Ask your breeder what he feeds the little rascal, and keep this diet.

What is the best puppy food?

It is admirable in principle to want to cook for your four-legged companion yourself. As long as your puppy is still a pup, you risk not giving him the nutrients he needs through his food. You can buy special food for puppies in the specialty trade. These foods are only labelled as such if the food is suitable for young animals. When buying food, be sure to check the ingredients. Food must have enough calcium, vitamins, and minerals like fats, proteins, carbohydrates. It is also important to check the ratios of each ingredient. Check the food for grains additives. They are bad for digestion and should only be used in very small amounts or not at all.

Keep in mind, too, that high-energy dog food contains a lot of minerals and nutrients that promote growth. You should not feed a large dog for too long, and the portion size must be moderate. These dogs will grow quickly, causing health issues later on, such as hip dysplasia.