If you are about to adopt a dog for the very first time, one of the first expenses that you will have is dog food. If you adopted a young pup, things get trickier because now you have to deal with puppy food! Surely, when you find yourself in this situation, it can be quite overwhelming because you want to feed your puppy with the best! But what exactly is the best?
As a dog owner, you need to become increasingly concerned with ingredients in dog food. Eventually, feeding your puppy will be a simple task. In this article, you will learn some important tips that will help you deal with puppy food much easier.
Why is puppy food important?
A puppy’s feeding schedule is different! Furthermore, puppies need specific dietary requirements to properly grow into an adult dog. On a general basis, puppies require more protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus than adult dogs! These nutrients are vital to maintaining a proper balance.
You will find all sorts of puppy food out there. Some made with commercial formulas, others made from natural ingredients and others made with very sophisticated methods. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you keep track of every ingredient that makes up the food you buy. Make sure that you meet every nutritional need that your pooch needs.
Tips when choosing the best puppy dog food
Here you have 5 important tips to take into account when choosing the best puppy food for your little one.
Tip #1: Ask for tips from your veterinarian
The best way to start is by asking your vet about your puppy’s future diet. This is particularly important if your puppy has any specific dietary needs. Remember that once you adopt a puppy, you must take him for a vet visit. That is the perfect time to ask your veterinarian about how to care for this pup, but also what to feed him. Learning about dog nutrition from a trusted source is always important.
Tip #2: Carry out your own research
It is advisable to do your own research on the best food for puppies. An excellent dog owner carries out extensive research on dog care, including nutrition. If you can, try to get informed on the ingredients in dog foods that you buy and how will they affect your puppy’s growth and development.
Tip #3: Learn about your dog’s taste
When trying new puppy foods, it usually takes a pup at least a few days to get adjusted to it. In this period of time, you have to keep an eye on him to determine if he likes it or not. Knowing if your pet likes puppy dog food is not hard! If your puppy doesn't seem to like the taste of a particular puppy food brand, he might not eat enough. Nevertheless, give it some time, and if it turns into a pattern, it may be time to try a different one. Changing diets takes time. If after 1-2 weeks your puppy is still hesitant to eat the food you provide, try something else.
Tip #4: Monitor your puppy's health
If your puppy likes the diet you provide for him, you will be able to tell from his overall health and activity. Generally, puppies are supposed to be very active; if there's a lack of enthusiasm, something is wrong. There may be many causes, but you can’t rule out nutrition. If you want to know if your puppy’s health is fine, look for the following signs: puppies should have clear eyes, soft and shiny fur; also the nose must be wet. Take this into account when switching puppy food. If your pet doesn't look well after the switch, it could easily mean that you didn’t choose the best puppy food for him.
Tip #5: Deciding between dry or wet puppy food
There is an ongoing argument to determine if dry hard kibble or soft canned wet puppy food is better for pups. Fortunately, many vets have carried out research on this topic and they have determined that wet dog food is the best puppy food you can buy. Try to feed this type of food during the first year. Afterwards, once his teeth are strong, you can make the switch to dry food if you wish or mix it up.
Final considerations
Before you bring your puppy home, make sure to ask what he is used to eating. A sudden change in diet can cause diarrhoea and this is very serious in dogs at such a young age. When he is home, avoid upsetting the puppy’s tummy at all cost! If you want to change diets, you need to make the transition easier and slowly. You can begin by mixing the old with the new in a 50-50 mix. Then, gradually reduce the old over the first week.
