Dog Training Guidelines 

Your Source Of Dog Training Tips & Guidelines 

Because of the rapid growth rate, the proper feeding of a puppy requires almost double the amount of nutrients than older dogs. The higher levels of nutrients are not found in regular dog food and these are what your puppy needs.

For the proper feeding of a puppy give them puppy mix due to their special nutritional needs.  Most manufacturers will offer a special formula for puppies that are enriched with water soluble and fat soluble vitamins, that are higher in protein, fats, minerals, and the other very essential nutrients that your growing puppies require.

Feeding the first few days

During the first few days, you should probably feed the same kind and brand of puppy mix and stay on the same feeding schedule that he was on before he came to live with you. To start using the puppy mix that you have chosen or that you have received from your veterinarian or breeder, your puppy will need to be switched slowly in order to prevent any intestinal upset.

You should introduce a new puppy mix over the period of a week to 10 days. First of all, you should make a mixture that contains 25% of the new and 75% of the old and feed that for a few days. If the puppy tolerates that, then make it a blend of 50-50 for the next few days. If that is well tolerated, then you can make a mixture of 75% of the new and 25% of the old for several days. After that, you may start feeding your puppy 100% of the new puppy mix. If your puppy shows any signs of vomiting, constipation or loose stools then slow the rate as well as the percentage at which you are switching him over.

Type of food for puppies

Neither canned nor semi-moist food is recommended for your puppy. Canned foods are usually much higher in calories and fat, Semi-moist feeds contain a high amount of salt or sugar for preservation. Dry feeds, on the other hand, are easier to use, more economical and better for your puppy.

Puppies that eat dry food usually have fewer problems with intestinal upsets. They also don't have as many problems with unwanted weight gain. The single most important advantage of using dry food is that it is good for the puppy's teeth and gums. Dogs that mainly eat the softened foods will more than likely have more dental problems such as plaque buildup, tooth loss, abscesses and gum disease. If you notice bad breath in your dog, then this may be the reason.

The next item on our proper feeding of a puppy list that should be a no-no for your puppy is the feeding of table scraps. It is strongly recommended that you never start this because once you do, it will never stop. Table scraps are usually much higher in calories and aren't well balanced. They are also not fortified with the minerals and vitamins that your dog & puppy requires. Feeding your puppy & dog from the tables just reinforces the bad habit of begging.

Table scraps should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Never give your puppy or dog any chocolate, bones that easily splinter, and keep him away from greasy, high-fat foods.

As far as pet food is concerned, you usually get what you pay for. If you go for the economy brand which is much cheaper, it is made up of the cheapest available ingredients. Due to this, energy levels are decreased and there is a lower digestibility factor which means that much of is eaten passes right through the puppy’s system and is never absorbed. Premium brands use higher quality ingredients so that this food has a much higher biological value. Your puppy doesn't have to eat as much of this and less waste is produced.

Problems with Cow’s Milk

Milk is considered to be just another table scrap when it comes to feeding your pet. Cow’s milk contains sugar lactose. Dogs are not able to digest milk because they do not have lactase in their system. That is why dogs or puppies may develop diarrhea when milk is given to them. Remember, dogs do not need milk!

Amount to feed

Usually what is stated on the back of the bag is too much for the puppy to eat. You should adjust that amount so that the puppy maintains an optimal weight. Your veterinarian is a good source to help you determine the right amount to feed your puppy.

Water

You may think that your puppy drinks a large amount of water. Your puppy needs this and shouldn't be deprived of it. Water is the most important nutrient that your puppy or dog needs. Puppies also need more water because they are growing. Make sure that your water is fresh as it will greatly reduce the chance of getting a disease and will, therefore, keep your puppy healthy and happy. For additional information on the proper feeding of a puppy visit our dog training resource page.