Don't feed free-choice. Instead,
feed your weaned puppy two to three times daily and remove uneaten food after 15 minutes. Feeding at set times throughout
the day allows your puppy to get hungry between feedings and develop good eating habits. It also allows your puppy's digestive
system to operate on a predictable schedule which will facilitate housetraining. Don't be surprised if your puppy occasionally
skips a meal; simply remove the uneaten food and replace with a fresh portion at the next meal time. Allow your puppy an
hour of quiet time after each feeding to prevent stomach upsets.
Changes in feed can upset your puppy's developing digestive system, causing vomiting or diarrhea. Feed your puppy the
same kind of food every day. When switching to a new food, ease the transition by mixing portions of both foods as you slowly
replace the old one. Ideally, take a week to make the transition.
Don't overfeed your puppy. If you are providing proper nutrition in sufficient quantity, your puppy will grow at an appropriate
and healthy rate. Most puppies stay fairly thin until they reach maturity. Trying to bulk up your puppy by overfeeding can
lead to bone and joint problems later. Generally, it's best to follow the feeding guidelines of the pet food manufacturer.
Don't be surprised if your puppy loses his appetite for short periods, as this is a normal part of the growing process.
Limit treats to small rewards, and never feed table scraps. Premium dry dog foods provide balanced nutrition and generally
don't require supplementation. Puppies on dry food diets typically have fewer intestinal upsets, diarrhea, or constipation.
Always have clean, fresh water available. Tests have shown that animals drink more from ceramic or stainless steel bowls
than from bowls made of plastic. Wash the bowl often.
Choosing Your Puppy's Food
Read the ingredient panel, and understand what it means. Most feed ingredient names are defined by the Association
of American Feed Control Officials, but those definitions leave room for wide variations. Choose a pet food manufacturer
you trust, regardless of what the panel reads.
There are many premium pet foods available because there are many differences in pets. We recommend talking about your
puppy's specific needs with your pet food supplier.
Premium pet foods pay off in the long run in terms of your pet's health. Compare the recommended serving size before deciding
it's too expensive. You may be surprised.
The Feed Guy
