Nutrition: Feeding Your Puppy (and Avoiding a Vet-Scale Shaming Incident!)

Providing your puppy with proper nutrition is like laying the foundation for a skyscraper – if you skimp on the concrete, the whole thing's gonna crumble. Choosing the right food and feeding them appropriately will set the stage for their growth, development, and overall health, ensuring they have a long, happy, and energetic life...full of zoomies and mischief!

As a dog owner myself, with five pups under my belt over the last 25 years, I've learned a thing or two about navigating the sometimes-baffling world of puppy nutrition. We've tried all sorts of foods, dealt with varying appetites, and even experienced the dreaded "vet-scale shaming incident" (more on that later!). So, trust me, I get it. It can be overwhelming. But fear not! I'm here to share my hard-won wisdom (and a few laughs) to help you feed your pup for optimal health.

Here's my guide to puppy nutrition, filled with practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and a healthy dose of humor:

Choosing the Right Food: Decoding the Puppy Food Aisle

Walking down the puppy food aisle can feel like trying to decipher ancient hieroglyphics. So many brands, so many ingredients, so many confusing claims! Here's what to look for:

• Puppy Food is a Must: Feed your puppy a food specifically formulated for puppies. These foods are higher in protein, fat, and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. Think of it as rocket fuel for your little furry friend!

• Breed Size Matters: Choose a puppy food that is appropriate for their breed size. Small-breed puppies have different nutritional needs than large-breed puppies.

• Quality Ingredients: Real Food, Real Results: Look for a puppy food that contains high-quality ingredients, such as real meat (chicken, lamb, fish), whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal), and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes). The ingredient list should be clear and easy to understand.

• Avoid the Nasties: No Fillers Allowed! Avoid puppy foods that contain fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients provide little nutritional value and can be difficult for puppies to digest.

• Vet is Best: Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best puppy food for your pup based on their individual needs. They can assess your puppy's health, breed, and activity level to recommend the most appropriate food.

My Personal Recommendation (Sort Of): We've tried all sorts of brands over the years, but we tend to stick to Pets at Home own-brand AVA, mixed with a cheap meaty topper to make it smell extra tasty. I know, I know, I'm not a food snob. But hey, it works for us!

Pro Tip: Popping a small amount of boiled water onto dry kibble also releases all the smells and flavors, making it extra appealing (and stinky!).

Feeding Schedule: When, What, and How Much?

Establishing a consistent feeding schedule is crucial for your puppy's digestion and overall health.

• Frequency is Key: Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs. Start with three to four meals per day and gradually reduce the frequency as they grow.

• Portion Control: Read the Fine Print: Follow the feeding guidelines on the puppy food packaging to determine the appropriate portion size. These guidelines are just a starting point, and you may need to adjust based on your puppy's individual needs.

• Consistency is Comforting: Feed your puppy at the same times each day to establish a routine. Puppies thrive on routine!

• Free Feeding: Avoid the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet: Avoid free feeding, as this can lead to overeating and obesity.

• Special Needs for Boodle: I have to give Boodle her space and serve her food outside! She just does not like eating her food inside, so rain or shine she is out there at the back door. We do not know why.

Treats and Snacks: A Little Goes a Long Way

Treats can be a great tool for training and bonding, but it's important to use them in moderation.

• Moderation is Magic: Give treats and snacks in moderation. They should not make up more than 10% of your puppy's daily calorie intake. Think of them as sprinkles on an ice cream sundae – a nice addition, but not the main course.

• Healthy Options: Fueling the Fun: Choose healthy treats, such as small pieces of cooked meat (chicken is a favorite!), vegetables (carrots are a big hit!), or fruit (some pups love blueberries!).

• Treat-Training Favorites: All my dogs have loved cheese! Tuna is another favorite. Jazz loved peas, and Mouse loves garden and mushy peas!

• Avoid Harmful Foods: The No-No List: Avoid giving your puppy harmful foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic. These foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.

• Water: The Elixir of Life:

• Fresh Water, Always: Always provide fresh, clean water for your puppy.

• Availability is Essential: Make sure water is available at all times, especially during warm weather or after exercise.

Supplements: When to Add a Little Something Extra

Supplements can be beneficial for some puppies, but it's important to consult with your veterinarian before adding them to your puppy's diet.

• Vet Consultation is Key: Consult with your veterinarian before giving your puppy any supplements.

• Glucosamine for Seniors: We've used glucosamine for Ellie when they got older to support their joint health. We'll be starting this soon for Pepsi too, as she's starting to slow down a little.

• Other Potential Benefits: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids (for skin and coat health) or probiotics (for digestive health).

Switching Foods: A Gradual Transition is Essential

If you need to switch your puppy's food, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset.

• Gradual Transition: Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food and gradually increase the proportion of new food over the course of a week.

• Listen to Your Puppy's Gut: If your puppy experiences any digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting), slow down the transition or consult with your veterinarian.

Growth Chart

Monitoring Growth: Keeping Tabs on Your Pup's Progress

Regularly monitoring your puppy's growth is essential to ensure they're thriving.

• Weight: Keep an Eye on the Scale: Monitor your puppy's weight regularly to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. There are a couple of ways to do this: you can weigh yourself on your own scales, then pick up your dog and weigh the two of you together, and work out the difference. However, if your dog is very tiny, weighing them on the kitchen scales in a mixing bowl works just as well!

• Body Condition: The Rib Test: Assess your puppy's body condition regularly. You should be able to feel their ribs without seeing them.

• Veterinarian Checkups: Regular Tune-Ups: Take your puppy for regular veterinarian checkups to monitor their growth and overall health.

• The Vet-Scale Shaming Incident: Let me tell you a story. Years ago, I took Jazz to the vet, and she was deemed "overweight." We were paraded over to the scales, and she weighed a whopping 18kg (she should have been around 16kg). I was mortified! We got her down to 16kg by reducing her portion size. As an older dog, she wasn't needing as much food as she had when she was more active, but I hadn't adjusted her portions accordingly. Lesson learned!

• Mouse's Weight Gain Journey: On the flip side, Mouse was a tiny 900g when she came home. To help her gain weight, we increased her daily meals from three to four and added a different kibble food with warmed gravy. In two weeks, she put on 300g, which the vet was much happier with. So, sometimes you need to increase their food intake!

Feeding your puppy doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With a little knowledge, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of love, you can help your pup thrive and avoid any vet-scale shaming incidents along the way! Remember, every puppy is different, so listen to your vet and adjust your feeding plan as needed. Now, go forth and feed that pup!