A well-fed pup is a happy pup. Balanced food rich in colostrum helps meet the nutritional needs of the little ones. The best dog food for puppy acts as building blocks to ensure good health by the ways of strong muscles, teeth and bones. High-quality food also boosts their immunity to fight off infections and increases their energy levels. As a responsible owner, pick age-appropriate foods. This helps them grow up into strong and healthy adults.
Else, it robs the puppy of vital nutrients like calories, calcium, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals and carbohydrates. But you might have tons of questions in mind. How much should you feed to a particular breed size? How often should you feed? When to transition to adult food? Well, below is a simple guide to help you kick-start the dog feeding process.
How to Pick the Correct Puppy Food?
Puppy food fuels the development of bones and organs. Adult dog foods help dogs maintain their bodies. So, it is crucial to pick foods solely meant for small dogs. Puppies go through a period called Immunity Gap which occurs between 4-12 weeks of age. This is when they lack the natural ability to combat diseases. So, look for a food range containing colostrum for an immunoglobulins boost. It has antibacterial properties which heal and prevents infections.
Puppy teeth erupt at nearly 2 weeks of age. The food must be formulated with organic acids like calcium for dental care. It can strengthen the incisors, molars, premolars and canines. This is also important to support the biting stage which continues till 5 months of age.
Healthy joints are necessary right from birth. It develops a firm structure instead of a lump of stiff bones and helps them move freely. Buy foods that promise a combination of nutrients that support healthy joints. Look for glucosamine, anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
How Much Should You Feed?
Puppies need tiny but frequent feeds. Small dog breeds in India like Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer and pugs require four to six meals a day. Limit this to two meals a day after six months. But you can increase the quantity from 1.5 cups per day to 2 cups per day. Medium breed puppies must be given three meals a day and large breed puppies should be fed three to four meals per day. All of this usually depends on energy levels, metabolism and nutritional demands of the body. Don’t forget to fill the water bowls constantly since puppies need at least one-and-a-half cups of water every two hours. Clean their teeth with a dog toothpaste or coconut oil for fresh breath after meals.
When to Shift to Adult Food?
A puppy can slowly start eating adult food around its first birthday. This is when they have reached 80% of their expected adult dog size. The best time would be between 9 to 12 months. Your dog’s favourite food can be mixed with adult food. Increase this amount slowly over a week while decreasing the puppy food formula. This way there are fewer chances of creating a fuss or suffering from gastrointestinal issues.
Puppies grow the fastest in the first five months. So be it large or small dog breeds India, it is necessary to ensure the right food, schedule and techniques to help your furry grow up into a happy and healthy beast. Consult a vet in case you have doubts for optimal results.
