How to Choose the Right Puppy Diet
Choosing the best food for your puppy or dog can be a tough task for any pet parent!
And if you have just brought a puppy home (who you’re swooning over!), you are probably aware that a nutrition-rich diet is a key to him/her growing into a healthy dog.
Every new pet parent goes through this initial stage where they are unclear on choosing the right diet for their puppy.
So, we at Poochles, have got your back and shared a few tips on frequently asked topics, like What is the right food for your new puppy? Or How to potty train them.
Important Discussion Points In This Guide
- Homemade Dog Food VS Commercial Kibbles
- Essential Nutrients for a Puppy’s Diet
- Tips to Feed your New Puppy
Homemade Dog Food VS Commercial Kibbles
As joyful as it is to bring a new member into your family, it does come with a great number of responsibilities. And one of the many questions that pet parents have is What should I feed my new puppy?
The right food at the right stage of their life will lead your pup to grow up to be strong, and healthy, making you a proud pet parent!
The diets you can opt for your puppy or dog are:
- Homemade Food
- Commercial Kibbles
" A puppy's food and diet plays a huge role in their growth and development"
Home Cooked Food for Dogs
Few pet parents choose a homemade puppy diet as it adds a buck to their saving jar and gives them the liberty to fully customize it.
A homemade option is also great when your pooch has allergies and other specific health needs that need to be taken care of.
While home cooked food for dogs is a good option, it also requires a whole lot of commitment. You need to be able to make nutritious food regularly while keeping in mind that there are foods that your dog should never eat.
Commercial Food for Dogs
Whereas, commercial dietary options require way less commitment as there are various high-quality kibbles available in the market packed with nutrients essential for your puppy’s development. There are even a selection of dry/wet puppy food, that are breed specific.
However, the availability of countless options can also be overwhelming to new pet parents.
But no matter what type of diet you choose for your puppy’s food, there are certain nutrients that you should always look for while feeding them(or adult dogs, for that matter)
Shop Best Puppy Dog Food
Essential Nutrients for a Puppy’s Diet
Since raw diets are generally not recommended for puppies (8-16 weeks), you could look for commercial kibbles or homemade dietary options that contain nutrients like:
Protein
An essential for your puppy’s diet, the amino acids found in protein helps in the development of muscles and tissues and keeps their skin and hair healthy.
Calcium
Helps in keeping your puppy’s teeth and bone strong. It also ensures that your pup’s heart and digestion functions stay healthy.
Carbohydrates
Carbs provide stamina and a great source of energy to dogs. They also help with metabolism, keeping your dog active and cheerful.
Fat
An important part of a dog’s diet that satisfies their energy needs and provides nutrients like Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids, which help to keep your puppy's hair healthy and soft.
Vitamins and Minerals
A balance of vitamins and minerals (like Vitamin E and Selenium) build your pooch's immune system up, so they don't have any sick days!
Other than the nutritional part, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow while feeding your new puppy.
Feeding Your New Puppy
For instance, if your puppy is an orphan or has been separated from their mother,
- It is best to bottle feed your puppy for the first month. Make sure to do this with proper guidance from a Vet (who will also suggest the best canine milk substitute for your pup).
- As moody as a puppy can be, do try and establish a specific meal-time immediately, based on their life stage and breed. For more on this topic, do check out our blog!
However, with all that being said, as a pet parent, always consult your Vet regarding your dog’s diet requirements as each pooch is unique!
Let us know if these tips have helped ease your pet parenting process, we would love to hear from you!
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