How should I feed a dog that has just arrived home after one

Bringing a new dog home is an exciting experience, filled with wagging tails and joyful barks. After a long day of exploring and adjusting, it's crucial to ensure your furry friend is well taken care of. Here’s how to feed your newly-adopted pup and some solid advice to help them settle in comfortably.

Understanding Your Dog’s Needs

Dogs, like humans, require a balanced diet to stay healthy. The first step is understanding your dog’s specific needs based on their age, size, and breed. Puppies have different nutritional requirements compared to adult dogs, and senior dogs may need a special diet to accommodate age-related health issues.

Choosing the Right Food

Selecting the right food is paramount. Look for high-quality, commercially prepared dog food that is appropriate for your dog’s life stage. For a dog that has just arrived home, it’s often best to stick with the same food they were eating at the shelter or breeder’s house to avoid stomach upset. Gradually transition to a new food if necessary, mixing it with the old food over a week to ease the change.

Portion Control

Feeding your dog the correct amount of food is essential to prevent obesity and other health problems. Check the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging, which are usually based on the dog’s weight. Remember, these are just guidelines; you may need to adjust the portions based on your dog’s activity level and metabolism.

Feeding Schedule

Establishing a feeding schedule is beneficial for your dog. It helps set a routine and makes it easier to monitor your dog’s eating habits and health. Adult dogs typically do well with two meals a day, spaced about 12 hours apart. Puppies may need to be fed more frequently, often three to four times a day.

Hydration