45-day puppy feeding schedule chart

Puppies are delicate creatures that require a lot of love, attention, and proper care to grow into healthy, happy dogs. Feeding a newborn puppy is a significant responsibility, and it's crucial to stick to a schedule to ensure they're getting the right nutrients at the right times. Here's a detailed guide on how to create a feeding schedule for a 45-day-old puppy, complete with some valuable tips to keep in mind.

Feeding Frequency

At 45 days old, puppies should be eating four to five times a day. This helps to ensure they're getting enough calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth. It's important to keep the feeding times consistent each day, as puppies thrive on routine.

Types of Food

By 45 days, you should have already started introducing your puppy to solid food. Start with a high-quality puppy formula that's been specially designed to meet their nutritional needs. You can moisten the dry kibble with warm water to make it easier for the puppy to eat. Some breeders recommend adding a little bit of puppy milk replacement formula to the food to make it more palatable.

Portion Sizes

The amount of food you feed your puppy will depend on their breed, size, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to feed them about 1 to 1.5 cups of dry food per day, divided into their scheduled meals. It's important not to overfeed your puppy, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Feeding Schedule

Your 45-day-old puppy's feeding schedule might look something like this:

- 6:00 AM: Feed your puppy a small meal of moistened dry kibble or wet puppy food.

- 9:00 AM: Offer a second feeding of the same size.

- 12:00 PM: A third feeding should be provided.

- 3:00 PM: The fourth feeding of the day.

- 6:00 PM: The final feeding of the day, ensuring the portion size is the same as the others.

Remember to always have fresh water available for your puppy throughout the day.

Feeding Tips

- Monitor their eating habits: Keep an eye on how much your puppy is eating at each meal. If they're leaving food behind or not eating as much as they should, it could be a sign of illness or stress.

- Avoid free-feeding: It's tempting to leave food out all day for your puppy to eat at their leisure, but this can lead to overeating and weight gain.

- Clean their eating area: Make sure to clean your puppy's bowl after each meal to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

- Treats in moderation: While treats can be a great way to train and bond with your puppy, they should be given in moderation and should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake.

- Regular vet check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy is growing and developing as they should.

Feeding a 45-day-old puppy requires careful attention to their dietary needs and overall health. By following this schedule and keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to raising a healthy, happy dog. Remember, each puppy is unique, so it's essential to adjust their feeding schedule and portion sizes as needed based on their individual growth and development.