Know The Keys To Feeding Puppies

A healthy adult dog is one that had a good education as a puppy and has a balanced diet, with the correct intake of proteins and nutrients. Puppies’ feeding depends on their age and the time that has passed since birth. For the first 45 days, the most suitable food is breast milk. Once this stage is over, weaning begins, and we can already offer other types of food.

It’s important to remember that  dogs grow very quickly. We will have to anticipate changes well in advance.

The feeding of the puppies is different from ours

All veterinarians agree that  puppies and dogs in general cannot eat what people do. Remember that some of our foods can harm them.

Along with the type of food that we are going to give to the puppies, it is necessary to take into account other aspects, such as the quantity and frequency of meals, something that will vary according to the animal’s growth. During the first four months of life, puppies can feed four or five times a day. Little by little, this number can be reduced to three and, finally, two meals a day are recommended for adult dogs.

Breast milk for puppies

As we have seen, breast milk is essential during the first days of life of puppies. The little ones must be with the mother for the first 45 days of lactation and drink milk that provides all the nutrients that the newborn pet needs at this stage.

If, for some reason, it is not possible for the puppies to take breast milk, you will need to buy specialized milk from pet stores. In any case, it is always best to consult a veterinarian to find out the proper way to act.

Advice for feeding puppies

• As we have seen, homemade food is not ideal for the nutritional needs of puppies.  Its continuous use can cause deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients, which can compromise the animal’s quality of life.
• Remember that some human foods can be toxic to puppies and animals in general.
• Special puppy foods are the best option to feed dogs when they give up breast milk. They contain the proper amount of vitamins, fiber and protein that puppies need to live happy and healthy at all stages of life.
• Puppy food is best suited to their age. Keep in mind that puppies’ food varies as their bodies mature. Therefore, it is essential to choose foods that have probiotics and vitamins in their composition, as these substances strengthen the immune system and protect the flora of the animal’s digestive system.
• When they reach six months of age, the dogs are no longer puppies and become young puppies, almost adults. At this stage, they need a lot of phosphorus and calcium. Although highly developed, they are still growing and need strong, flexible bones.

• Hydration is another key aspect. Puppies need to be constantly hydrated to stay healthy. Your bowl should always have fresh, clean water. Remember to take care of the hygiene of the containers and the place where they feed.

The ideal amount of food

There is no need to stuff the chicks with food. Among other things, overeating can damage your digestive system and put a lot of pressure on your pet’s skeleton. Gaining too much weight in a short time will not be beneficial to our pet.

The starting point for knowing the ideal amount of food we will give our little friends is to consider the food manufacturer’s instructions.

There is no standard serving of food for all animals. It will depend on the puppy’s age, breed, physical activity, etc. It’s important to weigh your dog regularly to make sure he’s the proper weight for his age, breed, and size.

Food and exercise

Do not feed the puppy immediately before or after exercising. It is best to wait an hour between activity and eating. It is good practice to let the animal rest for a while before eating. Thus, we avoid digestive problems, some even more serious.