Feeding your puppy: 5 essential tips

Welcoming a puppy into your family is a moment of great joy and responsibility. In addition to offering love and attention, ensuring proper nutrition is essential for optimal growth and development. In this article, we will explore five essential tips for feeding your puppy, focusing on the right food quantity and the best options to ensure a balanced nutrition for your furry friend.

1) Respect the Weaning Phase

The weaning process plays a crucial role in a puppy's growth.
This phase begins around 3-4 weeks of age and can last up to 8 weeks. It represents the transition from maternal milk to independently consuming solid food, helping the puppy adjust to a nutrition tailored to its needs.

2) Start with a Balanced Nutrition Suitable for Age and Size

Once the weaning phase is complete, it is essential to provide your puppy with food tailored to its age and growth requirements. Choosing a high-quality, puppy-specific food ensures an adequate intake of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, calcium, and other nutrients to support optimal bone and muscle development.
Keep in mind that large-breed puppies have different nutritional needs compared to small-breed puppies. Our dry food lines, One Animal Protein and Grain Free Formula, include specific dry food options for puppies, tailored by size: Puppy Small/Mini for small breeds (up to 12 months) and Puppy Medium/Large for medium and large breeds (up to 18 months).

3) Divide Meals Throughout the Day and Alternate Dry and Wet Food if Needed

A puppy requires more frequent meals than an adult dog—typically three to four per day, in small portions. This helps prevent stomach overload and ensures balanced nutrient absorption.
If your puppy is hesitant to eat dry food, alternating between dry and wet food can be helpful: dry food supports dental health and provides steady energy, while wet food is often more palatable and helps increase fluid intake.
Finding the right balance based on your puppy's preferences and veterinary recommendations is key. Quality is also crucial, which is why we offer a wide range of wet food options, from Lifestage paté to single-protein wet food, grain-free wet food, and even natural specialties.

4) Monitor Food Quantity and Weight

It is crucial to carefully measure your puppy's food intake. Simply follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging or consult your veterinarian to determine the best nutrtition based on age, breed, size, and activity level.
Over time, be sure to monitor your puppy's body weight and watch for any signs of discomfort, overweight, or underweight issues. If needed, your puppy might require a single-protein diet, which your veterinarian can advise on.

5) Adjust Your Puppy's Nutrition as It Grows

As your puppy grows, its nutritional needs will change. Make sure to update its nutrition by transitioning to adult-specific dry and wet food. Consulting a veterinarian will help you adjust your dog's nutrition according to its growth stage, body weight, activity level, and any special dietary needs.

It is important to remember that good habits start early—just like bad ones! Establishing consistent feeding routines will help turn them into lifelong habits. We recommend:

• Maintaining a set feeding routine, such as serving meals right after a specific event (e.g., waking up, going for a walk).
• Reinforcing the importance of mealtime by avoiding distractions, talking, or playing while your puppy is eating. Just as your dog's mealtime should be uninterrupted, so should yours.
• Avoid giving table scraps, as it can be a difficult habit to break and negatively impact your dog's health.

Feeding your puppy properly is a crucial aspect of its health and well-being. Making mealtime enjoyable for your dog is a true act of love. By following these tips, you can ensure your puppy receives the right nutrition while growing into a healthy adult!