Feeding puppies properly: the appropriate diet for young dogs
Whether you are a breeder or a neo-puppy owner, the right nutrition for a puppy lays the foundation for the health and well-being in the rest of life. What is important in the puppy feeding, you will learn here.
Healthy start in the dog life
Growing dogs must be optimally supported and cared for in their development. and cared for. Because in the first months of life the dog's body performs at its best.
Depending on the size and breed of the dog, the small puppy matures into a full-grown dog within 12 months (small breeds) or around 24 months (large breeds). months (large breeds) to a full-grown dog.
The most important challenges in puppy feeding at a glance:
- Rapid growth
- Sensitive digestive system
- Development of the immune system
- High nutritional requirements
- Taste and texture of the food
- For dry food: kibble size
The first 3-4 weeks of life, the puppies are usually nursed by the mother dog. After that, breeders and later the new owner come into play. All are responsible for ensuring that the little ones lack nothing.
Why puppy food?
Puppies and young dogs have very different demands on their food than adult dogs. They need more energy for their growth and the need for nutrients is also different. Therefore, they must necessarily be supplied with declared puppy food.
Feeding puppies with food for adult dogs can lead to severe deficiency symptoms and growth disorders.
Recognising good puppy food
Due to the relatively fast growth and the high demands on their food, it is essential that high-quality nutrients are included in the food in the right dosage!
In detail this means...
- High-energy food: Because puppies need a lot of energy and strength to grow, their food must contain more calories than that for adult dogs.
- Easily digestible proteins: The most important building material of the dog's heart, brain and muscles is protein. This is why it is particularly important in puppies' diets. For puppies' sensitive digestive systems, proteins must be easily digestible, such as poultry and fish.
- Need-based vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals play an important role in the development of strong bones, healthy teeth, beautiful skin and a shiny coat. Puppies have a higher need for nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin D.
- Kibble size: a factor in puppy nutrition that should not be underestimated is a kibble size adapted to their dentition. This is especially important for small breed dogs.
How the feed change works
The digestive system of puppies is very sensitive and therefore food changes should be made slowly and with a lot of tact. Sudden food changes can lead to diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, as they can put a lot of stress on the sensitive gastrointestinal tract of the little ones. The PERRO changeover recommendation is therefore:
| Day 1 and 2: 75% known food + 25% new food |
| Day 3 and 4: 50 % known food + 50 % new food |
| Day 5 and 6: 25% known feed + 75% new feed |
| Day 7: 100% new food |
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How many times a day should you feed puppies?
Puppies up to 6 months of age should be fed several times a day in small portions. The breed or size should also be taken into account. Small dogs naturally have smaller stomachs, so they should be fed smaller portions even more often during the day. We recommend as a guideline:
- Large breeds: 3 x daily
- Small breeds: 4 x daily
The right amount of food for puppies
A general statement about the right amount of food can not be made, because it depends on the breed or the size of the dog. In general, however, it is important to follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations. Because both too much and too little, has a negative effect on the development of the puppy.
If a puppy gets too much food, it will not become fat at first, but will grow faster. But this can have negative effect, especially in old age, because too fast growth can lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, e.g. Arthrosis lead. Reputable feed manufacturers communicate the feeding recommendations clearly and simply. A look at the feeding recommendation of PERRO Basic Junior gives understandable information about the optimal nutrition of of puppies.
Dry food or wet food?
Often we get the question whether puppies may also eat wet food. Of course they are allowed to eat wet food - it should only be a special puppy wet food. Mostly the wet food is called "Junior". And it should be a complete food - this simply ensures that the puppy is supplied with all the nutrients that are important for him.
Puppies usually accept wet food well, simply because it tastes and smells good. There is more moisture in wet food. For puppies that tend to drink less, high-quality wet food can keep them hydrated. Especially on hot days in the summer, this can be helpful.
But dry food also has its advantages. It is easier to dose, longer lasting and usually less intense in smell. Nevertheless, it contains all the necessary nutrients that a puppy needs for healthy development. Ultimately, it is a matter of taste whether dry or wet food is given.
It's all in the mix?
Is it allowed to mix dry and wet food for puppies? An often asked question with no clear answer. Our recommendation: always give wet and dry food in separate meals.
The two types of food have different digestion times and, when given together, can cause digestive problems such as flatulence or even diarrhea, especially in sensitive young dogs.
WHEN CAN THE PUPPY EAT "NORMAL" FOOD?
Switching
The change from puppy food to food for adult dogs should be made depending on the breed or size of the dog.
Large breeds
Large breeds grow longer and therefore need the nutrient-rich puppy food longer.
Small breeds
Dogs of small breeds grow up faster and can therefore be switched to "normal" food sooner.
Correctly feed large puppy breeds
Especially with puppies and young dogs of large breeds, the mistake is often made to switch to adult food too early. After all, they somehow already look so big. But it is especially important for large breeds, which have a long growth phase, to ensure the nutrient supply without provoking too rapid growth.
For this we have developed PERRO Basic Junior V2. The food is adapted to the growth of large dog breeds. It ensures an even, joint-friendly and not too fast growth and thus forms the perfect basis for a healthy and long dog life.
Do not forget after feeding...
The excretory organs bladder and stomach of a puppy are still relatively small and control over them must also be learned first. Therefore, always remember to go out with a puppy after eating. But of course everything with calm, because too much excitement does more harm than good and can quickly lead to stomach pain.