Things to Know About Your Puppy’s Diet and Nutrition
Just like human beings, your puppy’s body also yearns for a well-balanced diet to grow and become energetic. If you’re a pet lover and own a puppy, you need to take care of it properly. Seek ways to include nutritious food in their daily diet specially made for a puppy.
Typically the healthy diet of a puppy must include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. In addition to a nutritious diet, puppies also need plenty of exercises, indoors and outdoors, to stay strong. Here is more insight on the importance of puppy nutrition and diet:
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Develop Good Eating Habits
Your puppy must have good eating habits to help him grow into a healthy adult dog. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), puppies should be fed only three meals per day until they are 16 weeks old and can later be transitioned to two meals per day.
Besides the timings, it is advisable to offer your puppy high-quality food formulated for young dogs instead of adult dogs. This type of food has the right balance of nutrients that helps your puppy grow and develop properly. You might also want to consider keeping your puppy’s food in different places around the house or in other areas of the yard so that your pet does not become bored with eating in one place all the time.
Puppy Nutrition and Diet is Different from Adult Dogs
Some dogs become underweight because they do not get enough nutrition from their food. Other dogs are obese because they consume too many calories and do not get enough exercise. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) claims that the nutritional needs are different from an adult dog. A puppy needs more protein, fat, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and zinc to help them grow. They also need a higher percentage of caloric intake from carbohydrates than an adult dog.
Nutritional Needs for Growing Large-Breed Dogs
Large-breed dogs have unique nutritional needs because they overgrow and are more susceptible to hip dysplasia, heart disease, and other ailments. The NIH recommends that breeders closely monitor large-breed puppies’ diets and growth so they can adjust the nutrient levels of food accordingly.
In addition to a balanced diet, your pet should also get plenty of exercise to help them grow properly and avoid joint ailments.
Puppy’s Diet and Nutrition: Avoid Too Many Treats
Remember, too many treats and rewards can lead to an overweight or obese puppy. If you’re in the habit of constantly rewarding your puppy with a tasty treat, then begin correcting this habit. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that owners not give their puppy more than 10% of their daily diet in the form of treats. It means your puppy probably should not get any more than two treats per day.
Thus, make your puppy consume a balanced diet that includes foods full of vitamins, minerals, and protein. In addition, your puppy also needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and strong. So, remember to take them out or play indoor games to make them active.
