Start your puppy out on the right paw with a variety of top-quality foods to not only support their growth and development but also to build a strong immune system. We recommend feeding your puppy premium quality dry kibbles like Royal Canin, Smartheart dog food, and Purepet. Complete with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes our food ensures your puppy’s body has everything it needs for proper digestion, cell function, and growth. This will keep your puppy’s health at its peak, possibly reducing your veterinarian visits and costs in the long run.

DRY FOOD, WET FOOD OR BOTH?

While dry kibble is one of the most popular and economical choices for your pup, it’s not the only food selection. Wet food, which comes in cans or pouches, is typically the most expensive option, though your pup will probably find it tastier than dry food. However, many dog owners stick with dry food not just for its low cost but also for its positive effects on oral health. The friction that is produced when your pup eats kibble helps keep his gums and teeth healthy.

If you’re unsure what to choose, you don’t have to settle on one type of food. A combination of dry and wet foods can be a great way to give your puppy a complete, balanced diet. If you choose to go down this route, make sure the combination doesn’t exceed your pup’s caloric intake. Talk with your veterinarian and use the chart below to help you map out how much you should feed your puppy. Also, be sure to add water to dry and wet food.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY?

Feed your puppy frequently in the beginning – at least 3 to 4 times per day − and more often if they're very young. At 5 to 6 months, you can slowly transition to 2 to 3 meals per day by gradually reducing the mid-day meal and slightly increasing breakfast and dinner. Keep in mind, that at around 6 months, or at the time of spay/neuter, their growth process slows down, so watch your companion’s waistline and reduce the amount of food if necessary. Overfeeding your puppy can set them up for health problems such as joint issues and obesity. Puppies should be trim and fit, not chubby and round.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES MY PUPPY NEED?

Freshwater should be available all the time. When summer rolls around, consider putting water bowls in multiple areas of your home to ensure your puppy stays hydrated. Younger pups need about a half cup of water every couple of hours. Older puppies usually need somewhere between one-half ounce and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. It’s important to wash their water bowls daily to avoid bacteria.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO FEED MY PUPPY?

Once you know how much and how often to feed your puppy, you’ll need to create a feeding schedule for them. Taking the amount of food your pup needs and dividing it into smaller meals is the best and easiest way to do this. To keep things simpler, base their feeding schedule around your own – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The main thing to remember is consistency. Feed your dog at the same time every day to help your pup get used to the process. Also, make sure to feed your pal as early in the evening as possible to ensure they completely digest their food before bedtime. That way, accidents inside the house will be less likely.

SHOULD I LEAVE FOOD OUT FOR MY PUPPY?

Don’t leave food out for your puppy unless you cannot find a way to provide a mid-day meal when you’re at work. Free-choice feeding is a recipe for unhealthy eating and elimination habits. Not only does free-choice feeding frequently lead to overweight pets, but it’s also a strain on their developing immune and digestive systems. If you must leave food out when your puppy is younger, be sure to eliminate free-choice feeding once he is old enough to transition to 2 to 3 meals per day.

FOODS YOU SHOULD NEVER FEED YOUR DOG INCLUDE:

• Grapes and raisins

• Onions

• Macadamia nuts

• Xylitol (found in gum and some peanut butter)

• Chocolate or anything with cacao beans

WHEN SHOULD I STOP FEEDING MY DOG PUPPY FOOD?

It's appropriate to feed your new dog puppy food until 12 to 15 months of age. At this time, you can transition to “all life stages” foods and follow our traditional feeding guidelines listed on each product and product page. You can vary the amount fed to manage your pet's changing needs. You're the best judge of your pet's needs because you know the factors.

For instance, if your dog spends most days snoozing on the couch, feed less on those days. But, if you take them on a 5-mile hike in the mountains on Saturday, you'll want to feed them extra food on Saturday evening and maybe even Sunday morning to help their muscles recover. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, your pet may need a little more food because of metabolic changes associated with temperature change. Illness or injury will also alter nutrient requirements.

Knowing your pet’s life stages is key to keeping her healthy and happy.

 Credit: I and love and you