What to Feed Your New Puppy
Nutrition is a very important part of your pet’s life, but with all the options available it can be hard to know what is best for your new puppy. Your breeder may have specific recommendations, and friends or family may also offer advice. Below are some important tips on nutrition.
Switching Foods
If you are changing or introducing new foods, it is extremely important to do this slowly. Most pets need at least 1–2 weeks to transition from an old food to a new food, and some sensitive pets may even need this when transitioning from one bag of the same food to another. To transition, think in fractions. Begin with mostly the old food and only a few kibbles of the new food. Try this for a couple of days, and if there is no intestinal upset, slowly increase the amount of new food while reducing the old food. If at any point your puppy experiences vomiting or diarrhea, please call our hospital immediately.
Good Quality Foods
Many pet foods are advertised as “quality,” but packaging alone does not guarantee nutrition. Pet food companies can make lower quality foods look appealing, so it is important to do your research. The website http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com provides information on ingredients and grades foods based on quality. Make sure you have several food options in mind when shopping, as the brand you want may be unavailable or out of budget. Lower quality foods are often found in grocery stores, while businesses like Guy’s Farm and Yard, Menard’s Agway, and Pet Food Warehouse typically carry higher quality options. The Dog Food Advisor website also includes an updated list of food and treat recalls, which is helpful for avoiding potentially harmful products.
Snacks
Many commercial dog treats contain high amounts of calories and sugar. For healthy alternatives, many puppies enjoy carrots, snap peas, green beans, and other vegetables. You can also replace a peanut-butter-filled Kong with canned pumpkin or yogurt. These are tasty, healthy, and can be frozen for a longer-lasting treat. As with food transitions, introduce new treats slowly and increase quantities gradually. Treats should make up less than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake.
Please feel free to discuss foods, transitioning diets, treats, or any other nutrition questions with our staff or veterinarians. We are always happy to help.