It is important to feed your puppy nutritious and healthy food for his good and sound health. This will help him to stay fit and grow properly. Just like us humans puppies also need a planned diet. Puppy owners should consult a vet as to decide what, when and how much to feed their puppies. A small amount of supplementary food should also be fed if prescribed.
Feeding schedule according to the age of the puppy:
First 8 weeks:
During the first 8 weeks only mother's milk should be given to the puppy. After 3 or 4 weeks some solid food should be given.
6-8 weeks:
You should feed your puppy 3-4 times a day. Nutritional needs of a puppy are different than an adult dog. Choose a proper puppy food to provide your puppy with all the required nutrients. Proteins, calcium and right amount should be provided along with meat.
After 8 weeks:
Your puppy should be fed twice a day after 8 weeks.
3-6 months:
After 3 to 6 months your puppy will start teething. At this stage he may loose his appetite. You need to feed the puppy twice a day with nutritious food.
6 months to 1 year:
At this stage your puppy may look grown up but it is important to feed him puppy food even at this stage. Before switching from puppy food to normal food consult your vet.
8-9 months:
You can now feed your puppy once a day.
2 years:
If you own a smaller breed, you can switch him to adult food within a year's time, but larger breeds need to be fed puppy food till two years of age. Switching to adult food should be done with consultation from your vet.
Some feeding tips:
- The same kind of food should be fed daily. Changes in food can cause upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Feeding time should be the same everyday.
- The bowls used for feeding should be clean.
- Overfeeding should be avoided.
- Frequently check your puppies weight and do the required adjustments in his diet after consulting a vet.
- Add 4 parts of dry food to 1 part water while using dry food.