How to feed your dog in a healthy way?

Key information:

• Feed your puppy a complete and balanced dog food to ensure healthy weight gain.
• Excessive weight gain can be caused by switching to adult dog food too early.
• If you have a hard time feeling your puppy's ribs, he may be overweight.

Do you have a new puppy or are you a first-time owner? Congratulations! Now what? In addition to enjoying cuddles, play, and the challenges and rewards of puppy training, it's up to you to make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight gain helps ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood to full-fledged adulthood.

Healthy Diet and Exercise for Young Puppies

The first thing you should do after getting a new dog is to discuss the right diet for your dog with the breeder (if applicable) and your veterinarian. You can reach out to a qualified veterinarian quickly, easily and conveniently via online consultation via HAPPY PET NET.

Keep in mind that changing your puppy's food in the first few days can cause additional stress and digestive problems.

At this first visit, your veterinarian should help you learn the basics of healthy puppy nutrition and exercise, including:

1. Understanding how nutritional needs vary depending on age and breed size

The nutritional needs of young puppies are different from those of adult dogs. Large and giant breeds also have different requirements than small breeds. If you have a giant breed puppy, you should find a food formulated for giant breed puppies.

2. Don't overeat

There is no need to supplement a diet that is already labeled as complete and balanced. Owners should read and follow the feeding instructions on the food label based on their pet’s age and weight. Remember to feed smaller portions more frequently rather than giving too much at once. Depending on the breed and size of your pet, it is recommended to feed them three times a day from two to six months of age.

After that, you can move up to twice a day. Giant breed dogs, on the other hand, can be fed three times a day until about six to eight months. It's a good idea to remove food bowls 30 minutes after you put them in and make sure they always have fresh water.

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3. Don't overdo it with exercise

As a general rule, puppies should get 10 minutes of exercise per day for every month they are old. For example, 10 minutes at one month, 20 minutes at two months, etc. This time can be spread out throughout the day.

Puppies should not be allowed to run for long before their joints are fully fused. This often happens between 12 and 16 months for many breeds, although in giant breeds it may not happen until 18-20 months. Otherwise, this type of exercise can lead to stress and health problems with the joints and bones.

Recognize the signs of healthy weight gain

So, what are some physical signs that your puppy's weight gain is on the right track? According to various veterinarians, your pet's ribs should be easily felt and you should see a noticeable waistline when viewed from the side and above. In other words, if you have difficulty feeling your puppy's ribs or see a rounded belly, these are signs of overfeeding and being overweight.

These are general guidelines that vary by breed. For the best guidance, your veterinarian will be able to help you accurately estimate your puppy's weight. Some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to contributing to unhealthy weight gain in puppies include:

Switching to adult dog food too early

Growing puppies of small and medium breeds should be fed a puppy formula made by an established manufacturer until 12 months of age. Puppies of large and giant breeds should be maintained on a diet specifically formulated for large breed puppies until 12-18 months of age.

Lack of knowledge about how castration or sterilization reduces caloric needs

Once puppies have gone through these procedures, they don't need to eat as much. So you should plan on reducing your puppy's daily calorie intake. This helps keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Know when to visit a veterinarian

If your puppy is not eating well, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

Routine visits early on can help prevent additional weight gain, as your veterinarian can help you make adjustments to your puppy's diet and prevent the long-term consequences of being overweight or obese.

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