Health Topics

Puppy Nutrition

While your puppy is growing, increased levels of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals are required in the diet. These special requirements are met in the "Growth Formula" foods that are available.

Your puppy should stay on puppy food until nine months of age if he or she is a smaller breed dog and up to eighteen months of age if he or she is a larger breed dog.

We recommend that your pup be given food at regular intervals, instead of being given continual access to it. Puppies less than twelve weeks of age should be fed three or four times daily, puppies between twelve weeks and six months of age should be fed three times daily, and dogs over six months of age should be fed twice daily. Put the food down for up to twenty minutes and allow the pup to eat as much as he or she wants, as long as he or she is not becoming overweight. The amount required for a pet per day will depend on his or her metabolic rate and activity level. An estimation of the required amount is given by the food companies.

Whenever you switch from one food to another, remember to do it gradually, by mixing the new food with the old for up to two weeks. This will help to prevent stomach or intestinal upset.

Table food and real bones are not recommended. If the puppy is on a good quality food, no vitamin or mineral supplementation is required. In fact, supplementation is the absence of need may actually be detrimental to your puppy. Please consult your veterinarian before adding anything to your puppy's diet. Fresh water should be available at all times.