How to tell when and how much to feed your puppies

It is common knowledge that puppies require more energy and nutrition to accommodate their playful attitude and growing bodies. But where the lines blur is exactly how much food is the right amount, and how this amount should be spread out in meals throughout the day. Many foods will differ, so owners will need to do their research about their nutritious pet food choices online. 

It is worth noting that even the advice of experienced and successful breeders varies widely on this topic of how often. In the very early stages of life, probably before three months, most puppies require meals three times per day. This is because growth is simply so rapid, yet the stomach is still tiny and cannot hold half a day’s worth of food at once. Also, a steadier energy supply will result in fewer rushes in energy that can result in destructive behaviour. Where the disagreement arises is at what stage puppies should switch to two meals per day. The amount of food is still the same, but the two meals just contain slightly more. Some breeders suggest this happen at three months, while many dog food brands advocate the switch at six months. For some owners who work full time, the sooner pups can move to two meals per day, the better. It is a matter of personal choice within this timeframe, so long as the last meal of the day is no later than six or seven o’clock to allow for proper digestion and prevent night time messes. 

So, that is how often, but what about the actual volume of food? Well this will largely be guided by the packet recommendations, but even these should be taken as guidelines only. As an owner, you will know the way your puppy behaves, if it is active, has a high metabolism, and exactly how old it is. You might begin with the pack instructions, and adapt the amount over time as you observe the changes in your puppy. 

As your puppy progresses through stages of development, the dietary requirements will change dramatically. At some stages, puppies require twice the nutrients and three times the calories per kilogram compared to an adult dog. Puppy foods typically cater to these specific needs, so it is not appropriate to just feed a puppy a smaller amount of adult food, just as you would not feed solids to a newborn. Specific puppy food can cease when your dog has fully matured and finished growing. This will vary between breeds, with most occurring at one year, but some larger breeds still growing until they are two. 

In terms of wet and dry food, the decision will be based on your lifestyle. Dry foods are cheaper and can be left out for long periods of time, but need to be of a high quality in order to maintain a balanced diet. Wet foods are more appealing to dogs but are of course more expensive and do not offer the dental benefits of dry food. Human foods or dog treats can be given occasionally as a reward, but do not offer the balance of nutrients and energy that is required. Contact Pookinuk at http://pookinuk.com.au/ to learn more about their balanced pet food diets online.