Puppy Care - How Much Food is Enough?

One of the most common mistakes that puppy owners make is that they give their dog too much food. True, puppies need a little more nutrients and vitamins so that they can grow healthy and strong, but giving them too much food will only cause growth spurts, muscle and bone problems, DM in dogs, and obesity problem. It is important to know the right amount or proportion to give to avoid any illnesses while they grow.

First week

Puppies this young still need to stay with their mother to be fed. They have a better chance of surviving this way since their mother's milk contains all the nutrients they need. The natural milk helps them develop a stronger immune system.

Pups younger than 6 weeks old and are separated from their mothers tend to be more sickly and unhealthy. During this age, there is no limit to how much milk the puppy drinks. Feeding time is also a way to develop the puppy's social skills. He or she needs to fight for their spot during feeding and many trainers say that this highly impacts how the dog is going to be like when it grows up. They need to feed from their mother until they are old enough to eat semi-solid food.

6 - 8 weeks

Feed them 3 to 4 times per day, but don't give them the same food you would give their mother. Puppies are still growing, so normal dog food mixes and formulas really do not work well for their growth. There are many dog food brands that offer puppy starter kits, which have all the nutrients needed by the puppy in one simple pack. The portion of their meals would depend on how big or small the dog is.

 

8 weeks -3 months

During this time, your puppies will be exposed to different types of food. This age is when you also discover which dog food brand works with their bodies. Continue to feed them twice to three times a day.

3 - 6 months

Puppies grow rapidly during this time. It's important that they are fed twice a day with a good, pre-mixed dog food. Remember, do not over feed your puppy during this growing stage since it can cause growth problems and even generic problems like DM in dogs when the dog becomes older.

6 moths onwards

You should have already established a good feeding time routine with your pet by this time. You'll want to feed it once a day with the right amount of dog food-don't worry, this will be enough. Don't forget to provide clean, fresh water regularly.