Puppy Food 101: Find Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Just became a pet parent? In addition to giving oodles of love, ensure you raise them right with the right puppy food, nutrition, and care at their disposal. Find out all about puppy feeding right here in this detailed guide. 

Bringing home your bundle of furry joy comes with the responsibility of being the perfect parent to them. Whether it is about love, care, or imparting good ole wisdom, we want to do it right by their side. In this, one of the greatest challenges is choosing the right kind of puppy food. 

Understanding how to feed a puppy, what’s best for them, how much to give them, and so on. If you are wondering the same, then read on, pet parent. Here is a complete list of the most frequently asked questions that we have answered for you and your lil pupper. 

Why do dogs & puppies have different nutritional needs?

Let’s get this cat out of the box first. Your puppy and an adult dog are two separate beings and so is their entity. While a pupper is in a superfast mode of growth and development, for which they need more nutrition, an adult dog, on the other hand, is just trying to maintain a healthy body & mind. 

When is the right time to feed my puppy solid foods?

As soon as the puppy gets weaned, you can start feeding them solid foods. Weaning usually happens between 4-6 weeks of birth. Until then, they rely on their mother’s milk to fulfil their dietary needs. After weaning, they need solid foods, preferably moistened puppy food, so it's easy to consume. 

What is the best way to select high-quality puppy food?

Your lil pupper is different and so are others, particularly in the first 6 months of their birth. Hence, there is no shortcut to selecting the right puppy food for them. The best way to select high-quality puppy food for your little pupper is after consulting a veterinarian. 

How many times should I feed my puppy?

Puppies normally eat anywhere between 4-6 times a day from weaning till 6 months of age. After 6 months, they start eating 3-4 times a day. For more concrete information, it is best to plan a diet after a consultation with your veterinarian.

How much is too much for my puppy’s diet?

There is a thumb rule.

1 Serving for a Puppy = 2 X Serving size of an Adult Dog (of the same breed)

The reason is simple. Puppies grow rapidly during the first 6 months and to fuel their growth, they need a more frequent diet too.. However, it is best to consult a veterinarian before making their feeding chart and schedule. Like we said, every little pupper is different in their own sweet ways. 

You don’t want your fur baby to be obese or suffer from malnutrition either.  The vets assess their body scores based on which they chalk out the ideal diet plan for your little one.

I have a large-breed puppy. Any special foods that I can feed them?

Owing to the size and certain inherited factors, large breed puppies are more likely to develop joint problems at a later stage. Hence, maintaining their body size and weight are important. This is achieved by opting large breed puppy foods for them. These foods are rich in fibre while being comparatively low in calories, phosphorus and calcium to deduce any joint-related problems from occurring. 

What kind of puppy treats are best for my puppy?

Treats are, well, treats. They are not food and can’t replace food. Hence, it is best to limit them to 5-10% of their diet in a day. Opt for Dog treats to suit your pupper’s breed. Also, avoid feeding them scraps from your table. This is not only harmful to their digestive health, but also goes against teaching them table manners. However, don’t forget, ‘Spending more playtime with them is the most rewarding treat for your little furry’.

When should I switch my furball from puppy food to adult dog food?

Once your furry little one reaches 90% of their expected adult weight, you can switch to adult food. It takes between 9-12 months for small breed puppies to reach this goal, while it takes anywhere between 12-24 months for the large breed puppies to reach this stage. 

Is there organic puppy food that I can give to my pupper?

Unfortunately, there is no organic puppy food that has been recognized or certified for puppy feeding. There are ongoing studies though. 

What foods should I not give my puppy?

Some foods, no matter how much they love it, are harmful to these lil furries. Keep your floofy away from foods like:

• Chocolate
• Avocados
• Nuts
• Sugar
• Cheese
• Alcohol
• Candies and gums containing Xylitol
• Garlic, onions, chillies
• Salty or fried foods
• Caffeine….etc.

How do I know if the food I am giving to my puppy is adequate to their needs? 

There are three ways to ensure this. One way is to buy food that is approved by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials ). AAFCO-approved products have breed-specific information on their packaging through which you can buy the right kind of food. 

Brown faeces is another way to track your puppy's health. If they are getting adequate nutrition, their behavioural patterns will be vibrant, full of energy, complemented with a thick shiny coat. 

You can book your online vet consultation with Zigly to prepare a specific diet for your pet.