FEEDING A PUPPY - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FEEDING A YOUNG DOG

A healthy diet for your puppy is an investment in its future. A proper diet supports physical and mental development, and also strengthens immunity. By providing a balanced, high-quality diet, you provide your pet with the best start to adult life. We understand the concerns of novice caregivers, which is why we have prepared the most important tips to help your pet grow up healthily!
WHY PROPER PUPPY FEEDING IS IMPORTANT
The importance of a proper diet in the first months of life
Every puppy owner wants their pet to grow up healthily and happily. A key element in this process is proper nutrition, which plays a fundamental role in the first months of a pet's life. This is when the young organism develops most intensively, and the diet has a direct impact on its bones, muscles and immune system.
In the first weeks of life, a puppy needs a diet rich in nutrients that support its dynamic development. Protein is essential for building muscle, calcium supports bone growth, and vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system. A proper diet from the first days of life can determine the dog's future health.
Poorly selected food can have serious consequences. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, digestive problems or weakened immunity. That is why it is so important to choose food that is adapted to the needs of the growing body.
Differences in nutritional needs between a puppy and an adult dog
Did you know that…
in the first phase of life, a puppy may need up to twice as much energy per kilogram of body weight as an adult dog! What a little glutton! 😊
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their need for calories, protein, calcium, and other nutrients is much greater. This is due to their rapid growth and development, which requires more energy and building blocks.
Your little pet also needs more frequent meals than adult dogs. A young dog's small stomach cannot hold large amounts of food, so it is recommended to feed several smaller meals a day. This allows your little one's body to absorb nutrients better and use them more efficiently. Feeding your puppy several times a day in smaller portions helps avoid overloading the digestive system and reduces the risk of unwanted symptoms:
Avoiding regurgitation and vomiting : Small portions are easier to digest, reducing the risk of regurgitation and vomiting.
Preventing bloating : Bloating is often the result of an excess build-up of gas in the digestive tract. Regular, smaller meals help maintain proper digestion.
Reduce the risk of gastric torsion : Gastric torsion is a serious risk, especially for large and giant breeds. Regular meals help maintain the right level of fluids and gases in the stomach.
TYPES OF PUPPY FOOD – WHAT TO CHOOSE?
Choosing the right puppy food is one of the most important tasks that every dog owner faces. Proper nutrition is crucial for the health and proper development of our four-legged friends. In this article, we will look at the different types of food available on the market and suggest what to look for when choosing them.
Dry food for puppies
Dry food is one of the most popular choices among dog owners. It has many advantages that make it an attractive option.
Advantages of dry food :
One of the biggest advantages of dry food is its economy. Compared to wet food, dry food is usually cheaper per kilogram. This means you can save a lot of money without sacrificing the quality of your pet's nutrition. For many dog owners, this is an important factor, especially if they have more than one pet.
Dry food is also more caloric, which means it fills your dog up for longer. This means your pet won't feel hungry between meals, and you won't have to feed them often. This is an ideal solution for active dogs who need a constant dose of energy for daily play and walks.
Another advantage of dry food is its durability. It can be stored for a long time without worrying about it spoiling quickly. This is especially important for people who buy food in larger quantities. Additionally, dry food is easy to store and does not require special conditions, which makes it a convenient option for every dog owner.
Disadvantages of Dry Food : The main disadvantage of dry food is its lower moisture content. Compared to wet food, dry food contains less water, which can be a problem for dogs that do not drink enough fluids.
The importance of quality : When choosing dry food, it is worth paying attention to its quality. Market foods often contain fewer artificial additives that give the food color, artificial flavors and flavors, including sugar, while premium foods offer better nutritional value and higher quality ingredients. It is worth investing in better food to provide your puppy with everything it needs for healthy growth.
Wet food for puppies
Wet food is another popular option, especially for pickier puppies.
Features of wet food : Wet food is often more palatable than dry food, which makes it appealing to picky eaters. It also contains more water, which can be beneficial for dogs that don't drink enough. A factor that affects the palatability of wet food is its aroma. Due to the higher water content, wet food releases more intense smells that are extremely attractive to the sensitive sense of smell of animals. The aroma of fresh meat or vegetables is incomparable to the smell of dry food, which makes wet food more tempting for our pets.
When to choose wet food : Wet food may be a better choice for puppies who have trouble chewing, such as when teething. Its soft texture is easier for young dogs to eat.
Mixed feeding – is it worth it?
Mixed feeding, combining dry and wet food, is a strategy that many caregivers choose to use.
Combining foods : Combining different types of food can help to encourage diversity in your puppy's diet, which can be beneficial to their health. However, it is important to maintain the correct proportions so as not to cause overweight or nutritional deficiencies.
Mixed feeding models : An example of a mixed feeding model would be to feed dry food as the main meal and add wet food as a variety or reward. Another option is to feed wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening.
Note : It is important to avoid mistakes such as overfeeding your pet, so, as with everything in life, the right proportion and moderation are the golden mean.
FREQUENCY AND SIZE OF BABY'S MEALS
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to adjust their diet to their age, size and breed.
Meal frequency by age
At the beginning of a puppy's life, their digestive system is still immature, which requires frequent but smaller meals. So how do you set up a feeding schedule?
Up to 3 months of age : Puppies should be fed 4-5 times a day. Their small stomachs cannot handle large amounts of food at once, so more frequent meals are necessary.
From 3 to 6 months of age : The number of meals can be reduced to 4 times a day. During this period, puppies grow intensively, so their diet should be rich in protein and other nutrients such as: fats, carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus, vitamins A, D, E and K.
From 6 months to 1 year : As your puppy approaches adulthood, you can transition to feeding 3 times a day. It is important to monitor your dog's development and adjust the amount of food to suit his needs.
It is also worth remembering that small breed dogs may require more frequent meals than large breed dogs due to their faster metabolism.
Portions - how to calculate the right amount of food
The right amount of food for your puppy depends not only on their age, but also on their weight, activity level, and breed. So how do you calculate how much food your pup should be getting?
Using the charts on the package : Most dog food manufacturers provide charts on the package to help you determine the daily amount of food based on your dog's weight and age. These charts are a great place to start, but remember that they are only guidelines.
Monitoring your puppy's weight and body condition : Regularly weighing your puppy and monitoring his physical condition will help you adjust his food portion. If you notice that your dog is gaining weight too quickly or is too thin, you may need to adjust the amount of food.
NUTRITIONAL INGREDIENTS ESSENTIAL FOR START
Protein, fat, carbohydrates – what and how much
Protein is the foundation of a puppy's growth and development, playing a key role in building muscle, repairing tissue, and producing enzymes and hormones. It is recommended that a puppy's diet consist of around 20% protein. Protein sources can include meat, fish, and eggs.
Fats provide energy, aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and promote skin and coat health. For puppies, fats should make up about 12-18% of their diet. It is important to provide both saturated and unsaturated fats, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. They should make up the rest of the diet, around 20-35%. Puppies benefit from carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits, which also provide fiber to aid digestion.
The differences between small and large breeds of dogs are significant. Large breed puppies require a diet with a lower calorie content per kilogram of body weight to avoid growing too quickly, which can lead to joint problems. Small breed puppies, on the other hand, need more calories per kilogram of body weight because of their higher metabolism.
Vitamins and minerals essential for development
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the healthy growth and development of your puppy. Calcium and phosphorus are essential for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency can lead to rickets, while excess can lead to bone problems, especially in large breeds. Phosphorus, in the right proportions with calcium, supports healthy bone development.
Vitamin D helps with calcium and phosphorus absorption, and its deficiency can lead to weak bones. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and vision, while vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to a number of health problems, such as a weakened immune system, skin problems, and developmental delays. That's why it's important for your puppy's diet to be well-balanced and provide all the necessary nutrients.
SWITCHING YOUR PUPPY TO A NEW FOOD – STEP BY STEP
Introducing a new food to your puppy is a major step in their development. It’s crucial that this process goes smoothly, minimizing the risk of health problems. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you make this transition effectively and safely.
When and how to introduce new products
Transitioning a puppy from mother's milk to solid food is a process that requires patience and attention. This usually begins around 3-4 weeks of age, when the puppy begins to show interest in adult dog food.
Tips:
The process of transitioning from mother's milk to solid food: At first, you can start by mixing special puppy food with water to create a paste that is easier to consume. Gradually, over a few weeks, reduce the amount of water until the puppy is ready for solid food.
Feed change schedule (e.g. over 7-10 days):
Day 1-2: 25% new food, 75% old food.
Day 3-4: 50% new food, 50% old food.
Day 5-6: 75% new food, 25% old food.
Day 7: 100% new food.
How to recognize that the food is not good for your dog
When changing food, it is important to observe the puppy's reactions. Some dogs may not tolerate certain ingredients, which can lead to health problems.
Tips:
Signs of intolerance or allergy: Look out for unwanted signs such as diarrhea, itching, loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive scratching. These may indicate an intolerance or allergy to the new food.
When to consult a veterinarian: If you notice symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Remember that every puppy is different and may react differently to new products. The key is patience and careful observation. This will help ensure your pet has a healthy start to adulthood.
ERRORS IN A CHILD'S FEEDING AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Feeding "at home" without consultation
When we decide to feed our puppy home-cooked meals, it often seems like the best way to provide them with healthy nutrition. However, cooking for your dog without the proper knowledge can do more harm than good.
First of all, failure to consult a veterinarian or animal dietitian can lead to nutritional deficiencies. A dog, like a human, needs a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. Composing meals on your own without the right knowledge can result in a lack of key vitamins and minerals, which will affect your pet's health in the long run.
It is also worth remembering the ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, avocados, and chocolate are just a few examples of products that can be toxic to our four-legged friends. Even small amounts can lead to serious health problems, such as poisoning or organ damage.
Therefore, before we decide to feed our baby "at home", it is worth consulting an expert who will help us develop an appropriate nutritional plan.
Overfeeding and growing too fast
Overfeeding a puppy is one of the most common mistakes made by owners. Many of us think that overfeeding is a sign of love and care, but in reality it can lead to a number of health problems.
Excessive food contributes to rapid weight gain, which can lead to obesity at a young age. Obesity in puppies is especially dangerous because their bodies are still in the development phase. Excess weight puts a strain on the joints, which can lead to damage and problems with movement in the future.
It’s important to weigh your puppy regularly to monitor their development and make sure they’re gaining weight at a healthy rate. It’s also a good idea to follow the food manufacturer’s recommendations for portion sizes, adjusting them based on their age, weight, and activity level.
WHICH FOOD IS BEST FOR A LITTLE BELLY?
Choosing the right puppy food is a key step in ensuring your puppy grows up healthy. There are many options available on the market, but how do you choose the best one? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
What should you consider when purchasing?
When choosing premium food, it is worth paying attention to several key aspects.
Ingredients: Pay attention to what is in the ingredients of the food. Avoid products with artificial preservatives, dyes or fillers. Look for foods that have high-quality protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals.
Manufacturer declarations: It is important that the manufacturer clearly declares that the food is intended for puppies.
Reviews: Read reviews from other Dog Owners. You can often find valuable information about the effectiveness and quality of a given food.
The differences between economy and premium products are often visible to the naked eye. Premium foods usually contain better quality ingredients that are more digestible and nutritious for puppies. Economy products may be cheaper, but they often contain less valuable ingredients, which can affect the health and development of the puppy.
Recommended foods – suggestions
Below are some recommended foods from Animal Island that may be perfect for your puppy.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT DIET FOR YOUR PUPPY?
Every dog is different, so it's important to tailor their diet to their individual needs. Our nutrition consultant, Anna Derkacz , will help you choose the right food, taking into account your pet's breed, size, age, and activity level.
Consultation with an expert
A consultation with our advisor is a great way to make sure your puppy is getting everything he needs.
Choosing the right food for your puppy is an investment in their health and well-being. With Animal Island food, your pet will get everything they need for proper development. Consult our advisor and give your puppy the best start in life!