The best puppy food must ensure both health and taste. It should leave your pup wanting more of the food and help him develop strong bones, a sharp brain, good vision and a healthy immune system. If you wish your four-legged buddy to grow fast, what are the diet tips that you should follow? Here’s a quick look.
Ensure That Your Puppy’s Nutritional Needs Are Met
Make sure to choose the best puppy food formulated with balanced nutrients to meet your pup’s growth requirements. The product must contain the following vital nutrients across breed sizes and ages:
- High-quality proteins and Vitamins C and E: They boost immune power to help a pup fight against diseases.
- Carbs and fat: They provide the much-needed energy for playful and active puppies.
- Calcium: It helps a pup develop strong teeth and bones.
- DHA: It improves brain health and vision development.
Be Mindful of Feeding Quantities
You can start with a spoonful of puppy food 5 times per day. After that, consider the feeding recommendations below:
- Throughout the weaning period (usually 2 months): 4-6 meals daily
- 2-3 months: 4 meals daily
- 4-6 months: 2-3 meals daily
- After 6 months: 2 meals daily
The exact feeding quantity depends on your pup’s age and breed size. For that, you can follow the instructions of the dog food brand.
Know When to Switch to Adult Dog Food
Small- and medium-breed puppies are considered adults when they are 1 year old. Toy breeds are regarded as adults when they turn 9 months old. Large/giant breeds often continue to grow till 2 years. So, note the age at which your pup is considered fully grown to transition to adult dog food.
Follow a Puppy Food Chart
| Weight at Maturity (kgs) | 1-1/2 – 3 Months (cups) | 4 – 5 Months (cups) | 6 – 8 Months (cups) | 9 – 11 Months (cups) | 1 – 2 Years (cups) |
| 1.4 – 5.4 | 1/2 – 1 | 2/3 – 1-1/3 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | Feed like an adult | Feed like an adult |
| 5.9 – 9.1 | 1/2 – 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 – 2 | 3/4 – 1-1/3 | 1 – 1-1/2 | Feed like an adult |
| 9.5 – 22.7 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 – 2-3/4 | 1-1/8 – 2-1/3 | 2 – 3 | 2 – 4-1/4 |
| 23.1 – 34.0 | 5/8 – 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 – 4 | 1-1/2 – 3-3/4 | 2-1/2 – 4-3/4 | 2-5/8 – 6-1/4 |
| 34.5 – 45.4 | 1 – 2-2/3 | 2-7/8 – 3-3/4 | 2-7/8 – 6-1/3 | 3-7/8 -7 | 5-5/8 – 11 |
| Over 45.4 | 2-2/3 cups + 1/3 cup for each 4.54 kg of body weight over 45.36 kg | 3-3/4 cups + 1/3 cup for each 4.54 kg of body weight over 45.36 kg | 6-1/3 cups + 1/3 cup for each 4.54 kg of body weight over 45.36 kg | 7 cups + 1/3 cup for each 4.54 kg of body weight over 45.36 kg | 11 cups + 1/3 cup for each 4.54 kg of body weight over 45.36 kg |
Consider sticking to the same dog food brand that offers the best puppy food when you move to adult dog food. Weigh your pup at every veterinarian visit to ensure that it is receiving sufficient nutrition suited to its breed size and age.
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