How to Feed Your Puppy Properly

The saying says it all: Cats aren’t dogs. So is that really true? Should you train your puppy the same way you would a cat? Of course not. What about food, then? A bowl that’s always full, dry food, wet food, or a gourmet meal like you’d find at a five-star restaurant? We still don’t always know what to do when we welcome a puppy into our home for the first time, and we mustn’t let ourselves get carried away by this adorable little ball of fur. Below, you’ll find a few tips and rules to follow to properly feed your puppy, starting from weaning.

Weaning and feeding your puppy: when is the right time to make the switch?

Weaning refers to the transition from nursing to solid food. In dogs, this occurs relatively early, between the 3rd and 5th week. While weaning is an important stage in a dog’s life and occurs naturally, it should not be abrupt but rather spread out over 3 to 4 weeks. The puppy will need to gradually get its stomach used to its new diet and will be weaned between the 6th and 9th week. Generally, when you adopt a dog as a private individual, this stage is already complete, and you can alreadyfeed your puppy solid food.

However, if your dog has had a litter and you’re responsible for weaning them, be sure to feed their mother puppy food. And yes, the puppies tend to quickly start nibbling from their mother’s bowl.

What should I feed my puppy?

Feeding a Patou, Rottweiler, Labrador, or Chihuahua puppy is a whole different story. Their appetites—and especially their growth rates—will vary. You’ll need to do some more specific research. And if you don’t know your dog’s breed or if it’s a mixed breed, ask your veterinarian. They can examine your dog’s bone structure and tell you whether your dog will be large, medium, or small as an adult.

Oh, Du rikiki

Small dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, grow quickly but remain small for a short time. By just 3 months of age—and thus at the end of weaning—small breeds will have already reached half their adult weight. And they will finally reach their full weight of 2 to 3 kg around 12 months of age.

or the burly sailor

For larger breeds, such as the Great Dane or the Newfoundland, growth is much more gradual and takes longer. A male Newfoundland, for example, will already weigh 20 kg by 3 months of age, reach full size between 19 and 22 months, and weigh between 50 and 60 kg.

Therefore, the diet should be tailored to each body type.

Special puppy kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?

Anyone who’s ever owned a dog knows this well: they aren’t picky eaters. That’s why you need to be careful. And giving your puppy leftovers from your meal isn’t doing them any favors. Even if it may seem tempting, forget about that leftover chicken drumstick discreetly slipped under the table. However, there’s nothing stopping you from whipping up some tasty, balanced meals for your dog that meet his energy needs. But don’t forget that you’ll need to add vitamin and mineral supplements, which you can easily find at the vet’s office.

Even better, there is food specifically formulated for puppies. It is high in calories to support balanced growth. And most importantly, it is perfectly balanced to provide the right nutrients. It’s important to remember that dogs are carnivores and that protein and fat play a key role in their diet. This remains the safest option.

Don’t forget that dry dog food in airtight packaging keeps well and is less expensive than wet food. You’ll also save money by buying XXL bags once you’ve found the flavor and ingredients that suit your dog. And above all, don’t feel guilty—a dog never gets tired of eating the same thing.

How much food should I give my puppy?

It depends on the type of food you’re going to feed him, as well as his size and age. For dry food, you can use the following guidelines on a 24-hour cycle:

or The frequency

– Up to 3 months, plan for 4 meals a day.
– From 3 to 6 months, 3 meals will be sufficient.
– From 6 months to 1 year, reduce this to 2 meals.
– After the first year, a single meal will suffice.

– You’ll find feeding guidelines for your puppy on the food packaging. These will vary depending on your dog’s size and the brand or product line.

Don’t forget that hermetically sealed dry food is easy to store and less expensive than wet food. You can save money by buying large bags once you’ve found the flavor and ingredients that suit your dog. Don’t feel guilty—dogs never get tired of eating the same thing.

The tip you need to know

As soon as your puppy starts eating on its own from its bowl, feel free to come over and pet it or gently stir the kibble with your hand. This will help prevent your dog from becoming aggressive or even hostile during mealtimes and feeling threatened. This is especially important around young children, as a bite can happen very quickly.

Check out our blog and our Alleva online store Alleva learn everything you need to know about puppy food

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