Puppy Basics - Feeding Your Baby "Right" From the Start

If you are new to owning your first puppy, you can feel as overwhelmed as a new parent giving birth to a newborn baby. What and when to feed your little one can be a little confusing since we know you want the best for your puppy and want to make sure they are getting the proper amount of food. With so many brands of pet food out there claiming to be "healthy" and "all natural", it is up to you as the consumer and your puppy's new parent to make wise and smart decisions, especially on your puppy's future dietary needs.

Here are a few suggestions what and when to feed your new puppy:

• Feed your puppy a wholesome, natural, holistic diet from the start. Although these foods can tend to be more expensive, it will be best for your puppy in the long run in regards to health and help promote longivity. If the breeder has given you a specific food, please read the ingredients. Believe it or not, a breeder can send home a healthy new puppy with the most unhealthiest of dog foods. For more information on choosing a great dog food, please read our other post on Dog Foods Are Not Made Equally
• If switching your puppy's food to a more natural and healthy diet from what the breeder gave you, do it gradually in order not to upset your puppy's tender stomach. A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 of the new brand and 3/4 of the old brand. Do this for 3 days and then do 1/2 and 1/2 for another few days until you have reached a whole feeding of the new brand.
• Soften puppy food with a little warm water. Not only will it draw out the flavor of the dry food and create a gravy, it will also aid in digestion. Also, since puppies gums can be a little tender during the teething phase, it will be more comforting to the puppy while eating.
• Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Natural spring bottled water or filtered tap water should be used.
• Start your puppy on 3 feedings a day (morning, afternoon & night) and stay consistant with the feeding times. Should your puppy be picky or not eating, leave the food down for at least 20-30 minutes. If your puppy does not eat it, pick it up, throw it out (never re-use food that has been moisten with water or canned food as it can spoil). You can give a treat or two to hold your puppy over until the next scheduled feeding should it not eat.
• If you have a tiny teacup or toy breed puppy, it is highly suggested to make sure your puppy is consistantly eating at least three times a day until it is approximately 6-8 months old. Low blood sugar levels on tiny breed puppies can be fatal until they puppy has matured.
• It is common for a puppy in the first day or two of coming to it's new home not to eat all it's food on all feedings. Please remember, your puppy has to get adjusted to it's surroundings and your routines but just make sure they do get some food in their tiny belly.
• Depending on the breed and size of the puppy, start with the recommended feeding size on all 3 feedings. If you notice your puppy not eating all it's food in the afternoon feeding for about 3-5 days straight (but eats consistantly with the other feedings), start eliminating that afternoon feeding as it's your puppy's way of telling you that they don't need that extra food anymore.
• Don't be afraid to add some flavor to your pet's dry food! You can add broiled chicken and/or turkey, a little non fat yogurt or even cottage cheese. Also, baby food works very well too!
• I am a big advocate on adding natural "canned" food to pet's dry food. Although some vets and breeders can tell you that it is not necessary, I believe it is. Just ask youself this question. If you were eating the same food day after day, wouldn't you get tired of it? Also, since dry food is cooked at very high tempatures during the production process, adding a little bit of a good quality canned food adds more nutrients and vitamins to your dog's diet that the dog food can lack a bit. Don't feed the whole can at one. Simply just add a teaspoon or tablespoon for some variety!
• Don't be surprised if you choose a food and your pet doesn't seem to care for. Just like humans, pets do have a sense for taste and may not like the brand you picked. Simply find one that he/she loves and stick to it.
• Once your puppy starts to mature (and depending on the breed/size), you may want to consider buying a raised feeder. Larger breeds will tend to find eating from a raised feeder a bit more comfortable. It has also been known to help in digestion when pets are eating at "their level".

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Do not feed a dog before or after any "hard" playtime. Let their stomach settle down a bit to avoid vomiting or in larger breeds, a condition called "bloat".
• "Free feeding" or simply leaving dry food for your dog at all times is not recommended. It has been known to cause obesity in dogs. Stick to scheduled feeeding times.
• Always feed a pet at least twice a day (once in the morning and then early evening). If the recommended feeding is 2 cups a day, split the feeding in half. A dog with an empty stomach can actually start to vomit a white/yellowish foam (bile) which makes the dog feel weak/sick. When a dog's stomach is empty or not feeling well, they will have the tendency to want to eat grass.
• Never feed your puppy or adult dog chocolate, raisins, grapes or macadamia nuts. These are poisonous to pets.

We hope these feeding suggestions are useful in raising your new puppy. However, if your puppy is not eating, lethargic or experiencing consistant loose stools, please visit your vet immediately.