If you are a dog lover, simply bringing your favorite puppy home is not enough. You will need to look after it like a parent. Feeding your pet right is the most important aspect of nurturing it. The kind of food your pooch eats determines its fitness and health. Irrespective of the breed you have, you should look after its nutritional needs to give it a long, healthy, and happy life.

Here is a quick yet important guide to puppy nutrition for all pet parents:

Know Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs

Different dog breeds have different nutritional needs. While some of them are fond of eating whatever they can, others are too fussy about food. You should be aware of a puppy’s nutritional needs before you buy it. For example, if you are looking for Poodle puppies for sale in India, know the portion of nutrients your pet will need beforehand.

Just like humans, different dog breeds need different quantities of macro/micronutrients to stay healthy. For example, high-energy breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, etc. require more calories for every pound of their weight. These puppies also need a diet rich in animal-based protein.

Fats, on the other hand, are needed for the steady brain development of all dog breeds. As long as your pet receives enough proteins and fats, it can survive on a low-carb diet. Excessive carbs can increase the risk of obesity, especially for low-energy breeds like Pugs and English Bulldogs.

Get The Right Dog Food

Know the food your pet should eat before you buy your furry friend. You can always seek a dog breeder’s help in getting suitable food for your pooch. If you are buying commercial dog food, buy only high-quality food carrying the label “complete and balanced.”

There are different types of commercial food a puppy can eat, the most common being kibble. Kibbles are important for your furry friend’s dental health. As long as it is small enough for your pet to chew and digest, you are good to go.

You can also get wet food for your puppy to give it the right amount of moisture and make the food more palatable. Most dogs can eat home-cooked meals. However, do not resort to feeding your pooch table scraps (or leftovers). It is never a good idea to give your pet the food you eat. Cook a meal especially for your pet to keep it fit.

Whichever dog breed you have, keep it away from food items containing artificial fillers.

Set A Feeding Schedule

Feeding a puppy is just like feeding your child. You need to set a feeding schedule depending on its nutritional requirements. When a puppy is younger than two months, it can free-feed. You can leave its food open and it will eat whenever it is hungry.

As it gets older, you will need to structure its diet. Puppies between the ages of two and six months should eat four meals per day. The ones aged between six and twelve months can do with three meals every day. As your furry friend crosses the one-year mark, it should not eat more than two meals per day.

Be Mindful Of Portion Sizes

Along with the feeding routine, pet parents should also be aware of the portion sizes their puppies should have to stay healthy. Most commercial dog food products give you the ideal portion sizes for different puppies. Try if you can get breed-specific dog food to avoid any confusion. The portion sizes depend on your puppy’s current weight and its estimated adult weight. Ask an experienced dog breeder or a trusted vet in town for more details.

Moreover, you should control these portions based on your pet’s body condition. If it seems to be getting obese, reduce its portion sizes and limit the food it eats. The thumb rule used by many is feeling your puppy’s rib cage. If you can feel the ribs without digging in too deep, your pet is healthy. If not, you may need to reduce your diet.

Do Not Take Water For Granted

As a pet parent, never overlook the importance of water in a puppy’s nutrition. Ensure that your pet always has access to clean and fresh drinking water. Hydration can avoid a plethora of unfavorable health complications in puppies of all breeds.

Give Your Puppy Sufficient Treats

Treats are equivalent to junk foods for dogs! However, they are not too unhealthy. You will need treats, especially during your pet’s training phase. Most puppies love treats and will never refuse them. Ideally, 10% of a puppy’s diet can include treats. Make sure you get only healthy treats produced by authentic brands to keep your pooch healthy.

Know What Not To Feed

Along with the dog food and treats your pup should receive, you should also know the food items it should stay away from. Many items that are normal to humans are toxic to dogs. Some of them include grapes, chocolates, onions, raisins, garlic, etc. Get a list of these items from your dog breeder or vet when you buy your puppy.

Beware Of Allergies

You may not know which foods your puppy is allergic to. Keep an eye on how its body reacts to specific food items and take immediate action if you notice symptoms like excessive itching, red eyes, ear infections, gastrointestinal complications, etc. Once you identify the allergens, keep these food items as far away from your furry friend as possible.

Receive A Detailed Diet Plan For Your Puppy As You Buy It From Doggywala

If you are ready to become a pet parent, Doggywala will provide you with a comprehensive diet plan for your pooch. We sell only healthy puppies to our clients. Our team will help you create a feeding routine and recommend the best food items for your furry friend depending on its breed. If needed, we will also give you access to some of the most qualified vets in your town.