Puppy? Here are the best ingredients for a complete diet

When you have a puppy, especially if it’s your first and you’re new to pet ownership, it can be tricky to figure out how to handle mealtime. Whether you adopt him or buy him from a breeder, your puppy should arrive already weaned: this means he no longer feeds on his mother’s milk but eats solid food such as kibble and canned meat. Let’s take a look together at what kind of puppy food to choose for your new four-legged friend!

What pet food should you choose for your puppy?

Puppies have specific nutritional needs, and, of course, these needs also vary depending on the dog’s size. Small-breed dogs, in fact, usually have a faster metabolism and therefore require a higher energy intake relative to their weight. All puppies, however, need a healthy and complete diet so they can grow to their full potential: the period after weaning is one of the most important stages in your furry friend’s life, which is why it’s important to handle it properly. Remember that the good habits—including dietary ones—learned during this phase are the ones they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. No matter what size your puppy is, it’s also important to understand their preferences: we recommend trying different types of meat and fish until you find the one they like best. As for ingredients, we recommend consulting your trusted veterinarian: they’ll be able to advise you best on whether to opt for a completely grain-free approach or a more traditional one. There are, in fact, two schools of thought regarding animal nutrition, particularly regarding grain content, which is why our selection includes both low-grain and grain-free lines. If you opt for a low-grain approach, however, it’s always best to choose whole grains, which have a very low glycemic index and ensure a gradual release of glucose in the intestines, providing your four-legged friend with a steady energy level. It is also essential, especially during bone and muscle development, to ensure an adequate intake of phytonutrients and the right supplementation of taurine and L-carnitine, which support the function of vital tissues, as well as chondroitin and glucosamine to support the joints.

Good habits to pick up right away

Dogs, especially puppies, tend to be very ravenous and eat all their food very quickly, sometimes even risking choking. That’s why it’s a good idea to get them used to eating slowly right from the start, if necessary by serving the food in small portions until the full meal is complete. 

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