Bringing a new puppy into your home is a joyous occasion, and the foundation for their well-being starts with proper nutrition. In this extensive puppy feeding guide, we'll navigate the intricacies of nourishing your canine companion through every stage of their early development, from the delicate newborn phase to the robust days of adulthood.

The initial five weeks of a puppy's life are critical for their growth and development. During this period, milk replacers like Drools Absolute Milk and Pet Ag Esbilac serve as indispensable substitutes for mother's milk. These carefully formulated powders, when reconstructed, emulate the essential nutrients found in maternal milk.

Feeding guidelines, clearly outlined on product packaging, suggest an approximate 30ml of reconstructed milk replacer for every 150g of the puppy's body weight. This stage is particularly vital in cases where early weaning is necessary or when puppies are orphaned. While the ideal scenario is for puppies to stay with their mothers until around six weeks, these milk replacers offer a lifeline when circumstances deviate from this norm.

Regular weighing of the pups becomes a crucial routine during this phase. In the initial weeks, they require feeding six times a day, with a gradual reduction to four times a day by the fourth week, mirroring their rapid growth.

As the calendar turns towards the 5-6 week mark, the gradual transition from mother's milk or milk replacers to solid food becomes paramount.

 Commercial Puppy Starter foods, tailored for weaned pups up to three months old, play a pivotal role in this stage. Brands such as Pedigree, Drools, and Purepet offer budget-friendly options for this transitional period.

Transitioning to solid food demands a delicate approach to prevent digestive disturbances. A suggested strategy involves mixing 10% of the new diet with 90% of the old one, progressively adjusting the ratio over 1-2 weeks. This measured introduction minimizes the likelihood of diarrhea or other digestive issues. Commercial dog treats are best avoided during this stage, maintaining a focus on the gradual integration of the new diet.

Upon reaching four months of age, the introduction of a home-cooked diet becomes a viable option. Pet parents can experiment with small quantities of home-cooked meals, initially excluding meat and eggs. This stage serves as a crucial period for monitoring potential food intolerances or allergies, which may manifest as a pink or red face or immediate vomiting after a meal.

Consistency in feeding schedules remains paramount, with fixed meal times at regular intervals. While home-cooked diets offer a personalized touch, it's crucial to supplement them with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. An exclusively home-cooked diet might fall short in meeting the nutritional demands of a rapidly growing puppy.

• Newborn Pups: The demanding schedule of feeding six times a day gradually evolves into a four-times-a-day routine by the fourth week.

  
  

• 6 Weeks Onwards: The transition to dry kibble marks a new phase, maintaining a four-times-a-day feeding schedule.

  
  

• 12 Weeks: Feeding frequency reduces to thrice daily, providing a choice between continuing with puppy food or transitioning to junior food.

  
  
• 6 Months Onwards: As puppies mature, feeding twice daily becomes the norm, with adjustments based on individual needs. Consider transitioning to adult kibble at the appropriate time.

Determining the appropriate quantity of food is a critical aspect of a puppy's healthy growth. A general guideline suggests a total daily intake of 2-3% of the body weight, divided into multiple meals. For instance, a 10 kg dog requires 200-300 gms daily. Beginning with 3% of the body weight provides a baseline, allowing for ongoing adjustments based on body condition. This flexible approach allows for personalized feeding tailored to individual needs.

When it comes to selecting the ideal puppy food brand, your decision profoundly influences your furry friend's overall health and development. Consider these options catering to various preferences and budgets:

1. Budget-Friendly Options:

• Pedigree: Known for its affordability, Pedigree meets basic nutritional requirements.

  
  

• Drools: A cost-effective choice without compromising essential nutrients.

  
  
• Purepet: Budget-friendly with a focus on providing balanced nutrition.

2. Mid-Range Choices:

• Royal Canin: Strikes a balance between quality and affordability, offering breed-specific formulas.

  
  
• Farmina N&D: Known for high-quality ingredients and nutritional value, especially in their grain-free options.

3. Premium Selections:

• Acana: Prioritizes high-quality, regionally sourced ingredients, promoting overall health.

  
  

• Arden Grange: Offers premium nutrition with a focus on optimal digestibility and palatability.

  
  
• Orijen: Renowned for its biologically appropriate formulas, emphasizing a variety of fresh, whole animal ingredients.

Understanding your budget constraints and the nutritional needs of your puppy will guide you in making the right choice. Whether opting for budget-friendly, mid-range, or premium brands, each selection aims to contribute to your puppy's growth and well-being.

Pedigree puppy food can be a suitable option for some puppies, but it is not the best choice for all. While it is nutritionally balanced and meets the AAFCO requirements for puppy food, it contains a significant amount of fillers and by-products. These ingredients are not essential for a puppy's diet and can even be harmful in large amounts. If you are considering feeding your puppy Pedigree, talk to your veterinarian to see if it is the right choice for your pup.

Yes, you can give Pedigree with water. In fact, it is recommended to soften kibble with water before feeding it to puppies, especially for small breeds. This will make it easier for them to digest and prevent them from choking. However, do not add too much water, as this can make the kibble mushy and difficult to eat.

The ideal puppy food is one that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals that puppies need for healthy growth and development. It should also be palatable and easy for puppies to digest. Some good options for puppy food include Royal Canin Puppy, Purina Pro Plan Puppy, and Hill's Science Diet Puppy.

Yes, eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients that are beneficial for puppies. However, it is important to cook them thoroughly before feeding them to your puppy, as raw eggs can contain harmful bacteria. You can give your puppy eggs in moderation, either scrambled, boiled, or cooked as an omelet.

Yes, puppies can eat bananas in moderation. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber, and they can also help to settle an upset stomach. However, they are also high in sugar, so it is important to give them to your puppy in moderation. You can give your puppy a small piece of banana as a treat or add it to their food.