Specific nutrition requirements

Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. They require more calories, protein, and certain nutrients to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Key nutrients include protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus (crucial for bone development), vitamins and minerals. 

Choosing a food that is specifically designed to meet the nutrient requirements of a puppy is very important. Our choice is Advance Dry Puppy Food and if you’ve purchased a puppy from us at Lifetime Pets, this is what they have been eating.

When you first bring your puppy home

The first few days and weeks after bringing your puppy home are crucial in setting the foundation for their diet and nutrition. On top of this, moving to a new home can be stressful for a pup, and along with stress can come digestive issues. To make this transition as smooth as possible and avoid any unnecessary upset for your new family member try the following:

1. Continue with familiar food: When you first bring your puppy home, continue feeding them the same food they were eating before the transition. This consistency helps prevent stomach upset. Check with your breeder to find out what they’ve been eating. 
2. If you would like to move them to a different brand or kind of food, gradually mix the new food with the old over the first few weeks, increasing the proportion of the new food daily.
3. Set up a feeding area: Designate a quiet, comfortable spot for your puppy’s feeding area. This helps them feel secure and helps to establish a routine.
4. Monitor their appetite: It’s normal for puppies to have a reduced appetite for the first few days as they adjust to their new environment. However, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day or shows signs of illness, consult your veterinarian.
5. Hydration is key: Ensure your puppy always has access to fresh, clean water. Puppies are more prone to dehydration, especially if they’re adjusting to new food.

How much should I feed my pup?

The amount of food your puppy needs depends on their breed, age, weight, and activity level. Generally, puppy food packages provide feeding guidelines based on weight and age, which can be a good starting point. However, it’s important to adjust portions based on your puppy’s individual needs. 

At Lifetime Pets we recommend puppies under 6 months of age be fed 3 times per day. Regularly monitor your puppy’s weight and body condition. If they are gaining too much weight, reduce the portions slightly. If they appear underweight or lack energy, increase the portions. Your pup can drop back to 2 meals a day from 6 months (or a little older for larger breeds) and an adult dog only needs to be fed once a day.

Generally speaking, puppies are quite good at determining their food requirements. Adult dogs however are often not! Don’t allow them to become overweight as this can lead to an unhealthy and ultimately unhappy dog. Spoil them with love, toys and walks instead of food.

‍Other foods

While commercial puppy food is formulated to meet all nutritional requirements, you might be tempted to give your puppy treats or table scraps. Here are some tips:

• Treats: Use them sparingly, and make sure they are puppy-safe. Avoid treats high in sugar or fat.
• Table Scraps: Be cautious with these. Many human foods are unsafe for dogs, such as chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts and grapes.
• Natural Foods: You can offer small amounts of fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and blueberries as occasional snacks.
• Avoid bones under the age of 1 year. Chicken necks are a good alternative till then and are great for their gut and teeth. Always avoid giving any dog cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious injuries. 

‍