Puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy food. Please limit “people food,” however, because it may cause upset stomach, very picky eating habits and/or obesity.
More than a third of pet dogs are obese, and almost another third are heading that way. Obesity carries with it a number of serious health problems. Overweight dogs are more prone to develop heart problems, arthritis and liver problems. Obesity is an easily prevented condition, and now is the time to form the habits which will save your dog from suffering in later life. As well as taking your pup for regular exercise, be sure to feed him no more than is required to keep him in peak condition.
How Often to Feed
- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
- Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
- When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually enough. For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it’s better to feed two smaller meals.
Good Basic Feeding Tips
- Feed your puppy the same kind of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog’s digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
- When switching to a new food, gradually transition him to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your puppy may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
- Feed your puppy at the same time every day.
- Always have fresh drinking water available.
- Keep food and water bowls clean.
- Don’t overfeed your puppy.
- Monitor your puppy’s weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
- Don’t be alarmed if your puppy’s appetite changes. It is normal for your puppy to lose his appetite or experience digestive upset occasionally.
- If your puppy’s upset stomach becomes severe or last longer than a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
- If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
- Do not free feed your puppy. You cannot monitor how much food they are eating or catch changes in their eating habits. This can also lead to an overweight dog.
