The purpose of a puppy's diet is to provide him with all the nutrients he needs to grow & remain active. All food contains a mix of protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals & vitamins. |  |
1. Protein- Protein is important for growth & to repair damaged tissue, especially muscle. This is why it is needed in higher amounts in the diets of growing pups & very active adult dogs.
2. Carbohydrates/Fats
-Carbohydrates & fats are the body's main energy source. Fats provide more energy than carbohydrates & are essential in small amounts for a healthy skin & coat.
3. Minerals & vitamins are important in the diet in small amounts. Puppies & nursing bitches especially require plenty of calcium & phosphorus in their diet. It is possible, however to get too much of these & it is dangerous to over supplement an already balanced diet.
As your pup grows into adulthood, his requirements for each of these nutrients will change.
There are a variety of diets available today –
Dry Diets –
1. Dry complete diets have a number of advantages for dogs & dogs & their owners.
2. They are hygienic.
3. Easy to feed,
4. Possible to buy in bulk for convenience & economy.
5. Contains every nutrient the dog needs in a carefully balanced formula. Most manufacturers produce a complete range of puppy, junior & adult foods, so there will be one to suit your dog’ s needs throughout his life.
6. The presentation of the food in a dry biscuit form helps keep the dog’s teeth clean.
7. Tinned meats are usually high in protein & are designed to be fed alongside a dry mixer as the carbohydrate source.
Soft and moist food
It is increasing in popularity. Moist chunks are enjoyable for your dog to eat, meaning he's likely to eat all his food and get all the needed nutrition.
Canned foods
They are the most palatable for your dog. However, due to their high water content, they contain less nutrition per pound of food, so you will need to feed your dog a higher volume. Also watch for dental issues - soft foods don't scrape the teeth like dry diets.
Home diets
1. A home prepared diet, but please remember the importance of providing the correct nutritional balance.
2. Home diets should be verified with the vets.
3. Too much meat in a puppy’s diet can lead to irreversible bone diseases.
The following are few pointers that should be kept in mind –
Feeding times
Meal times are, of necessity, very important to dogs in the wild. Although domestic dogs can be more certain of where the next meal is coming form than their ancestors, instincts are still very strong & your pup will interpret some important messages about his position in your ‘pack’ from the way you control meal times.
There is truth in the old adage about ‘the hand that feeds’ – your puppy will bond strongly with whoever controls his food. Try & have everybody in the house become involved with feeding, perhaps by taking it in turns to put down the puppy’s meals. Even very young family members can be involved in feeding time, under careful parental supervision.
Wait for It
Once in a while, prepare the pup`s meal a few minutes early & leave it out of his reach while you eat your own meal. Don’ t tease him with it by making him wait too long or after his usual meal time, but do make sure he performs a few simple exercises before the meal goes down for him.
Leave It
Take time to teach your puppy to leave when he is told. Your pup must learn that he cannot have everything he wants. This exercise will also teach him not to snatch when he is offered something & will reinforce your position as pack leader.
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