what to feed a puppy at home

A homemade puppy diet should contain the proper balance of:

• Protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
• Carbohydrates, like rice, pasta, potatoes
• Vegetables, such as peas, green beans, carrots
• Fat, often in the form of vegetable oil
• Vitamin/mineral supplements (purchased from a reputable company)

Full Answer

What type of food should I Feed my Puppy?

What Type Of Food Should I Feed My Dog? You should feed a pure, kibbled diet to your dogs if at all possible. A raw meat diet can or can also be mixed with cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables, and rice with some preparation. In fact, some owners feed raw meat, especially raw meat, to their dogs, and although this often suits some breeds well.

How much food should we feed our puppy?

What Human Foods are Safe to Eat?

• Bread. Plain bread has no nutritional value for your pup, but it’s safe to consume – except if your dog is overweight.
• Cashews. Unsalted cashews are fine – but only a few at a time. ...
• Cheese. Cheese is considered safe in moderate quantities, as long as your pup isn’t lactose intolerant.
• Coconut. ...
• Corn. ...
• Eggs. ...
• Fish. ...
• Ham. ...
• Honey. ...
• Peanuts and Peanut Butter. ...

More items...

How often should I Feed my Puppy?

Why Ollie?

• Ingredients: Ollie’s food is made only with whole, human-grade ingredients sourced from reputable farms and approved by vets. ...
• Easy Schedule: All of Ollie’s recipes are pre-portioned and stored in the freezer – plus you will receive a puptainer to keep your pup’s food fresh in case you feed ...
• Health Benefits: The proof is in the results. ...

What time of Day should I Feed my Dog?

What Time Should I Feed My Dog Twice A Day?

• Food: A dog feeding schedule for most adult dogs should include time to eat twice a day. …
• Water: The next step after establishing a good dog feeding schedule is a having a schedule for offering fresh water to your dog.
• Sleep: An average dog sleeps about 14 hours a day. …

What to feed a puppy?

Hopefully your puppy has come from a reputable breeder or responsible rescue where you’ve received information about their current diet and maybe even been given a small supply of food.

What can puppies eat?

If you’re starting from scratch, try booking a nutrition consultation with one of our trained pet care advisors or speaking to your local vet for help and guidance.

When should I feed my puppy?

Just like with babies, creating (and sticking to!) a routine with puppies is vital. No matter how cute those puppy-dog eyes, remember that your tiny four-legged friend has eyes much bigger than their tiny tummies and regardless of how many meals they have a day, they should be given at evenly spaced intervals and never allowed to free feed.

How much should a puppy eat?

There are a lot of variables when it comes to the portion sizes you feed your pup. Working off the breed, age and size of your dog, your vet or a Pets at Home colleague will be able to advise how much to put in their bowls. For an extra piece of mind, check your puppy’s body condition score regularly (every 1-2 weeks).

Puppy feeding chart

A puppy feeding chart can help you determine how much food should you be feeding your puppy. Because your puppy grows at a rapid rate, they need to start eating complete and balanced puppy food as soon as they’re weaned off their mtoher, which is usually between six and eight weeks.

Puppy feeding tips

Amongst the chaos that comes with a new addition, it’s easy to slip into habits that are more convenient than beneficial. Try to follow the below to keep a happy puppy and happy owner!

What is the nutritional need of a puppy?

Learn about a puppy’s nutritional needs. Puppies have a lot of growing to do, so their bodies require more calcium, protein, and calories than an adult dog. Therefore, it is essential to feed your puppy food that is meant for puppies and identified on the label as food for "Growth".

How to make sure my puppy is fed the right food?

Talk to your veterinarian . If you want to make sure that you are feeding your puppy the right type and amount of food, talk to your veterinarian. The dog food bag may offer some guidelines, but it is impossible for the dog food manufacturer to be able to tailor their recommendations for each individual dog.

How to keep a puppy from eating?

Set aside a quiet area for your puppy to eat. Puppies need a quiet area to eat their food. Make sure that your puppy has a nice quiet space to eat and prevent other animals from getting to your puppy's food bowl. If your puppy feels threatened while eating, he may start guarding his food bowl.

Why do puppies lick new food?

The puppies will start licking and eating the new food as they become more familiar with the taste and new texture. The puppies will also walk through the food and make a mess. You will need to keep on top of keeping things clean. Make sure the new food is designed for puppies.

What is the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus in puppy food?

The calcium to phosphorus ratio in puppy food needs to be within the range of 1:1 to 1:5 to help the puppy develop strong bones and teeth. Getting the ratio wrong at a young age means the puppy may have irreparable damage to their adult teeth, and may also have stunted bone growth. ...

How long does it take for a puppy to die from being overweight?

Puppies that are overweight in their first year of life may potentially die 2 - 3 years ahead of their lean littermates. Use the suggested feeding quantities on your puppy's food package as a starting point, but then assess your puppy's body score on a weekly basis.

How do I keep my puppy's water dish clean?

Fresh water should be provided for your puppy at all times; there's no need for a schedule. Refill your puppy’s water dish often and wash it out once per day to keep it clean. [11]

Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

Homemade diets are growing in popularity in part because the ingredients can be controlled, so there is no fear of dog food recalls. In addition, many people are trying to eat healthier and they want the same for their dogs.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

Like humans, dogs have nutritional needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. Dogs' nutritional needs differ from our own, so you can't exactly start sharing your own dinner with your dog. Feeding an incomplete or imbalanced diet can lead to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in dogs.

What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food

It's important to monitor your dog closely when changing to homemade dog food. Stay in contact with your veterinarian regarding any changes you notice, whether good or bad. For best results, keep a record of your dog's weight and body condition over time.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

When preparing a diet at home for your dog, it is essential that you follow a recipe that is complete and balanced. Once you and your vet have chosen an appropriate recipe, it's time to get started.

Sample Dog Food Recipes

The following recipes have been created by veterinarians for general use in healthy dogs. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog these or other homemade diets.

MSPCA-Angell Sample Dog Food Recipe

MSPCA-Angell offers the following recipe for the average 15 lb adult dog with no medical problems as a possible option to concerned pet owners. This recipe is balanced for long-term feeding when fed according to instructions.

Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog

IMPORTANT: Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, please consult with your holistic veterinarian to ensure the changes are compatible with your dog’s current health status. Weigh your dog before making diet changes. Having a baseline; tracking their weight will help you in adjusting quantities should they lose or gain too much.

How many times a day should a puppy eat?

A toy puppy younger than 4 months old should be fed four to five times a day and allowed to eat as much as he wants. From about 4 to 7 months of age, he can eat four times a day; from 7 to 9 months of age, three times a day; and by the time he’s 12 months of age, twice a day.

How much does a puppy weigh at birth?

Consider this: A newborn Chihuahua may weigh only three ounces at birth and three pounds at maturity. A newborn Great Dane, however, may weigh only one pound at birth and 100 pounds at maturity.

Why do puppies run out of energy?

When that happens, the body starts breaking down body fat for energy. But because small puppies have so little body fat, that energy source soon runs out. The body runs out of sufficient energy, and the brain, which is highly dependent on glucose, is one of the first systems to fail.

What happens when a large breed puppy grows too fast?

But when a large-breed puppy grows too quickly, we learned, he can develop problems in the bones and joints. Consider the following:

What do puppies need to grow?

Puppies need puppy food. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies.

How long does it take for a puppy to eat adult food?

This transition is dictated by breed size, just as the amount to feed a puppy depends on his breed. Larger breeds may take longer to reach full maturity, so he may need puppy food for up to two years. In general, however, expect to make the transition to adult dog food between one and two years of age.

Why does my puppy leave food in the bowl?

As puppies near adulthood, their calorie needs may drop, and your puppy may begin leaving some food in the bowl. Don't misinterpret this as an indication of dislike for the food. Instead, begin offering less so your puppy doesn't overeat and stays in ideal body condition.

Why do small breed dogs like smaller kibble?

Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need. According to Purina Nutritionist, Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, “Small breed-specific dog food is important due to their increased metabolism.

Is human food toxic to dogs?

Not only are some human foods toxic to dogs, but you’re rewarding undesirable behaviors, which will be harder to break later. By referencing the puppy feeding chart above and following the 90/10 rule, you can set your pup up for a long, healthy and happy life with you.

How long should I feed my puppy?

Puppies should be eating food labeled for growth or for all life stages. After a month or six weeks on the food, assess your puppy’s health. They should be playful and energetic, with a shiny, thick coat. Formed brown feces are a sign that your puppy is digesting most of the nutrients in the food.

What to give a puppy to help him bond?

Consider giving other types of treats to deepen the bond with your puppy. Healthy snacks like bits of carrot, green beans, or bell peppers give your puppy something to crunch without many calories. And remember, in your puppy’s mind, spending time with you is the best treat of all.

How do puppies' nutritional needs differ from adult dogs?

How and why do puppies’ nutritional needs differ from adult dogs? Puppies are growing rapidly, building bone and muscle, and developing organs. Adult dogs are maintaining their bodies. Your puppy needs extra nutrients to fuel their growth.

How do I know if my puppy is eating the right amount of food?

How do I know if my puppy is eating the right amount? Veterinarians evaluate dogs using a body conditioning score, which ranges from one for emaciated, to five for obese. It's normal for very young puppies to have some baby fat, but after the first 8 to 10 weeks, "puppies should be a two", Buffington says.

How fast do puppies grow?

At the start, that means about twice as many per pound as an adult dog of the same breed. Puppies grow the fastest in their first five months. Look for feeding charts on commercial puppy food labels. You can use them as a guide.

How to tell if a puppy has ribs?

You shouldn’t be able to feel any fat on its ribs. You should see a waist when looking down at your puppy and an abdominal tuck when looking from the side.

Why do dogs need treats?

Many pet owners like to reward their dogs with treats, but it’s best to limit them. Because puppies need so many nutrients to grow, it’s important to give them food that provides complete and balanced nutrition.

Why do you feed your dog whole foods?

Larsen and Dr. Bartges. These include gaining control over your dog’s diet, appeasing picky eaters, combatting food intolerance issues, ...

Why is it important to cook for dogs?

Cooking for your dog offers benefits like diet management, appeasing picky eaters, and bond-building. Common home cooking mistakes include using unsafe ingredients and not preparing balanced meals. While homemade dog food has merits, pre-prepared foods with whole ingredients are now available. Dog nutrition can be tricky, especially ...

What happens if you don't prepare balanced meals for your dog?

When you don’t prepare balanced meals that are individualized to your pet’s needs, it can come at a cost. Nutrition deficiency (or excess) can lead to diseases, such as malnutrition or obesity, and can ultimately be fatal. “Each of the ~40 essential nutrients required by dogs has a specific role in the body.

Is it better to cook for dogs?

So, while you might think that cooking for your dog is better for their health, it can be just as beneficial to purchase pre-prepared food that’s made with the same principles in mind. Whichever method you choose, just to make sure you are always catering to your dog’s individual health and nutrition needs.

Is commercial food good for dogs?

Commercial foods are made to be complete and balanced, adds Dr. Bartges, albeit not the most exciting of meals. “Think of it as eating the same highly processed food for every meal, day after day, for years, ” he affirms. Put that way, feeding your dogs a variety of whole foods makes a lot of sense. In fact, there are a multitude of reasons why you ...

Is it safe to feed a dog homemade food?

So make sure to always be aware of which foods are safe for dogs. Additionally, cites Dr. Bartes, a certain type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy has recently been reported in dogs eating homemade diets that are grain-free, legume-based, and high-fiber.

How long should I feed my puppy new food?

Do this over at least 2 or 3 days until you are feeding all new food. This will help encourage your puppy to keep eating, minimize stress, and prevent stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Why is it important to feed a puppy a little?

Feeding a little and often is a good practice because it permits the owner to observe the puppy eating several times a day and thus to note its eating habits. At this stage in a puppy’s life the gastrocolic reflex is still quite active, so once a pup has finished eating, it usually has to be taken outside to eliminate.

Why do puppies eat ad libitum?

Some new owners want to feed their pup “ad libitum” (free choice) so that the food is down all the time and the puppy simply grazes whenever it’s hungry. This is not always a good idea as some puppies may eat too much and become overweight. Plus, it may make housebreaking more difficult.

Why do you keep your puppy's food the same?

Keeping the pup’s food the same is one way to minimize the stress of the move. It is one way to bridge the gap between the life that was and the life that is to be. Before you take your puppy home, ask for a sample off the food he/she has been eating to get you through the first few days. If you plan to change to another brand of food, ...

Should I feed my puppy vitamins?

The answer to this is that if you are feeding proper puppy food that is complete and balanced, additional vitamins and minerals are not only unnecessary and expensive but may also even be harmful under some circumstances.

Can I feed my puppy human food?

Eating human food can turn them into finicky eaters and they may end up holding out for hot dog or steak and not eating their proper fill of puppy food.

Is AAFCO approved for puppies?

The food should be AAFCO approved. AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials and their stamp of approval means that the food has undergone rigorous testing and been found satisfactory for the label indication i.e. feeding rapidly growing puppies.