How to Choose the Right Food for Your Puppy
When it comes to choosing the best puppy food for your pup, size matters. Different breeds of puppies have different nutritional needs, so you’ll need to make sure that you are feeding your pup an appropriate diet based on their breed. As a general rule, puppies should eat their specialized food 2-4 times per day in order to meet their caloric requirements. Consult your veterinarian on appropriate amounts and which dog foods are appropriate, as they can vary depending on the individual pup. Additionally, puppies should always have access to fresh water in order to stay hydrated.
And overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity which brings with it, a host of other health issues. Obesity is more difficult for senior dogs and breeds that are prone to hip dysplasia and joint conditions. Besides, as Dr. Bryant noted, your vet will let you know if you should be looking for specific puppy food ingredients depending on a potential medical diagnosis. Moreover, Purina offers a version specifically designed for pups with sensitive stomachs called Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach. As the name suggests, it also helps to prevent skin irritation that can sometimes be triggered by various foods.
A puppy should get most of their calories from the best food for puppies rather than from treats, which typically don’t provide complete nutrition. Richardson says that the Italian brand Farmina is a great choice for puppies. Also, this dry food is clinically tested to have a low glycemic index, which helps your puppy get all the nutrients it needs. Three of the vets we consulted recommend Royal Canin puppy foods. If your small dog’s breed is a bit of a mystery, Royal Canin also makes food for small, medium, and large puppies that isn’t specific to their breeds.
This e-book provides valuable information on how good and sound nutrition habits will set your puppy on the right path. Commercially available chew toys and simulated bones are made for dogs of all sizes. Poultry and pork bones, or cooked bones of any kind, are strictly forbidden. They splinter into shards that can cause choking and serious damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. It is important to note that bones have little if any nutritional value.
Below are some of our top picks for small-breed puppy food. This recipe offers 9% crude protein, 6% crude fat, 1% fiber, and 78% moisture. This is a wonderful food to add flavor and water to your puppy’s diet. The all-natural pate is smooth, easy to eat, and easy to digest.
Formed brown feces are a sign that your puppy is digesting most of the nutrients in the food. Start by asking your veterinarian what they recommend, says C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD. Buffington is a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital.
And then there are the ongoing debates of wet or dry, tinned, raw, grain-free and so on. Along with the cuddles and excitement, owners have a lot of preparation to do. Of course, they will want to ensure they have all the right supplies and are set up for everything a puppy might need. One area owners are concerned about is finding the best food for puppies. Investing in your puppy’s well-being is crucial to their health and happiness, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Many large and giant breeds can develop joint problems in life — some of which are linked to certain ingredients — and diets labeled ‘giant breed’ take this into consideration,” Roberts said. Below we have reviewed some of the best puppy foods on the market. Some are for specific sizes of dogs, but all are for puppies. Some dogs may suffer from food allergies and will need special diets. Avoid low-quality products that use lots of fillers, unnamed meats, or unnamed meat by-products.
Larger breeds need meals with appropriate calcium, fat, phosphorus, and vitamin D, as these elements are pivotal in regulating bone growth. Large breed and small breed puppies also should not be fed the same thing if possible. For starters, the kibble size alone is extremely different. Smaller breeds need kibble that is smaller in size and full of nutrients. Freeze-dried foods taste fantastic, and dogs go crazy for them.