Puppy Feeding Advice

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Nutrition for puppies

Puppies generally begin eating moistened dry puppy food at around 3- 4 weeks after birth and are completely weaned by 6-8 weeks. Because they grow rapidly during the first months, puppies’ nutritional needs differ greatly from those of adult dogs. All puppies need higher levels of protein, fat and calcium than adults. Puppies also need DHA, an omega 3, to support brain development.

Small breed puppies (up to 10 kg as adults, e.g. Jack Russell Terrier) and Medium breed puppies (10- 25 kg as adults, e.g. Cocker Spaniel) have a higher metabolic rate and reach maturity quicker. Therefore, they need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus to support growth and development of bones, muscles. They should be fed on a puppy food until 12 months of age.

Large breed (25 - 40kg as adults, e.g. Labrador) and giant breed puppies (over 40 kg as adults, e.g. Rottweiler) are prone to developmental bone and joint problems. These problems are more likely to happen when puppies grow very fast, or are fed high calcium diets. Mild (unnoticeable) bone and joint disorders acquired during puppy hood can appear later in life as disabling and painful arthritis.

Feeding a large breed puppy to much (ie too many calories) will make it grow faster. Reducing the amount of calcium and fat (calories) in their diet (compared to a small breed puppy diets) allows large breed puppies to grow at a controlled, healthy rate, with less chance of bone or joint abnormalities occurring. A diet containing glucosamine will support healthy joints
Contrary to some beliefs, studies have clearly shown that high protein intake

during growth DOES NOT increase the risk of bone problems or increase behavioural problems.

Large breed puppies should be fed on a puppy food until 12 months of age. Giant breed puppies take longer to reach their full size, and should stay on puppy food until 24 months of age.

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