Whether it’s homemade or commercial brands, WebMD offers guidance on selecting the ideal puppy food for their nutritional requirements. Puppies are adorable, fluffy, and always ready to eat. As new pet owners, individuals are responsible for ensuring their puppies receive the correct food to support their rapid growth. Proper nutrition is crucial for developing strong bones and teeth, building muscle, and providing the energy necessary for play and learning. However, choosing the right food from the myriad of available options, including what the puppy may have been fed by the breeder or shelter, can be challenging.
For those seeking advice on how to nourish a puppy, continue reading. Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs because they are in a phase of rapid growth, requiring additional nutrients to support this development. Puppies generally transition to solid food around four weeks of age, as they can no longer rely solely on their mother’s milk for their caloric needs, and are typically weaned by six weeks. Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests that for puppies under eight weeks, dry food may need to be moistened until it is soft.
When choosing a quality puppy food, it’s beneficial to consult a veterinarian, as they can offer recommendations based on their extensive experience with various diets. C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, emphasizes the importance of precise nutrition within the first six months due to the rapid changes in nutrient needs during this period.
To determine if a puppy food is suitable, one should look for a statement on the packaging that confirms it meets the nutrient guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for complete and balanced nutrition. The label should also specify the life stage for which the food is appropriate, with puppies needing food labeled for growth or suitable for all life stages. After feeding the puppy a particular food for a month or six weeks, one can assess the puppy’s health by observing their playfulness, energy levels, coat condition, and feces to ensure proper digestion.
Puppies should be fed three times a day from weaning up to four to six months old, if possible, and can then move to twice-daily feedings after six months. However, if feeding three times a day is not feasible, Buffington assures that puppies are adaptable. The caloric intake for puppies should be roughly double that of an adult dog of the same breed to support their growth, especially during the first five months. Feeding charts on commercial puppy food can serve as a guide, and adjustments should be made regularly to maintain optimal health.
Veterinarians use a body conditioning score to assess a dog’s weight, ranging from one for emaciated to five for obese. Puppies are expected to have some baby fat initially, but by 8 to 10 weeks, they should ideally be at a score of two. One can learn to assess their puppy’s condition at home, looking for visible ribs and backbone at a score of two, along with a visible waist and abdominal tuck. By five months, puppies should appear lean as they near the end of their most rapid growth phase.
Large-breed puppies, such as Great Danes, Labrador retrievers, and Doberman Pinschers, are predisposed to skeletal and joint issues, including hip dysplasia. While genetics play a significant role, overfeeding can exacerbate these conditions. Large-breed puppy foods are formulated to promote controlled growth and may have lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, as well as additional fiber to reduce calorie content without sacrificing volume. Research, including a 14-year study on Labrador retrievers, indicates that a balanced diet with fewer calories can delay the onset of joint problems. Maintaining a large-breed puppy at a body condition score of two can help prevent orthopedic issues later in life.
The definition of organic pet food is still under development by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is working on rules regarding synthetic additives that may be used in organic pet foods.
Treats should be given sparingly, as puppies require nutrient-rich food for growth. Treats should not exceed 5% of a puppy’s caloric intake, as recommended by nutrition experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Treats should be appropriately sized for the puppy, and table scraps should be avoided to prevent begging habits and potential digestive issues. Healthy snacks like carrot, green beans, or bell peppers can be offered as low-calorie treats. Engaging in play, training, and learning tricks are also considered treats, as puppies desire to bond with their pack.
Puppies should transition from growth-focused food to maintenance diets once they reach 90% of their expected adult weight, which occurs around 9 to 12 months for small breeds and 12 to 18 months for large breeds. Owners should be cautious with foods harmful to dogs, such as avocados, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, raw bread dough, onions, garlic, chives, dairy products in large quantities, alcohol, caffeine, salty snacks, and xylitol-sweetened products. Xylitol can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia in dogs.
