Ultimate Puppy Feeding Guide: Nutritious Tips for Healt

Section 1: Important Considerations for Feeding Puppies from January to March

1. Food

Newborn puppies should have their puppy food softened before feeding, as their teeth are not fully developed at this stage. They struggle to chew through kibble properly, which can lead to digestion issues. It's advisable to supplement with formula milk, ensuring it's either skimmed milk or a petspecific goat milk formula.

After two months, puppies can be fed solid kibble directly without the need for softening. You can safely introduce vegetables and grains like carrots, green leafy vegetables, and corn into their diet.

Feeding Schedule: Four to five meals daily, with each serving being four to five kibbles.

2. Vaccination

January to March is the time for puppies to receive vaccinations. Avoid letting them play with other dogs until after their shots are administered. Do not bathe them for 35 days after vaccination.

Tips: Ensure adequate calcium intake, expose them to sunlight, and avoid bathing immediately after vaccination.

Section 2: Important Considerations for Feeding Puppies from 3 to 6 Months

1. Food

At this age, puppies can be fed appropriate puppy food directly. If homemade meals are prepared, pay attention to a balanced vegetarian diet and vitamin intake. Puppies will start teething, so they may drool and chew on hard objects. Provide them with specialized chew toys, but avoid overly hard ones to prevent dental damage.

Feeding Schedule: Three meals a day.

Tips: Avoid feeding bones, excessive meat, ensure calcium supplementation, and perform internal deworming.

Section 3: Important Considerations for Feeding Dogs from 6 to 12 Months

1. Food

Adult dogs in this stage can increase their meat intake, but it's crucial to also include vitamins and trace minerals in their diet. This period is a peak for height development, so calcium supplementation is vital to prevent developmental issues like bow legs or bone deformities.

Feeding Schedule: Two meals a day.

Tips: Supplement calcium, ensure sunlight exposure for better absorption, and avoid feeding bones.

2. Calcium Supplementation

Large dogs require additional calcium from birth to 12 months, as they grow exponentially in just one year, which is ten times faster than humans. The demand for calcium during growth is significantly higher than in humans. The choice of calcium supplement is also crucial, as an incorrect choice can lead to insufficient calcium, affecting development and potentially causing irreversible damage.

3. Proper Calcium Intake:

Administer a small amount of calcium salt into the dog's drinking water or directly into their mouth. For dogs under 10KG, use 12ml (about 1ml) three to five times a week. For dogs over 10KG, use 23ml three to five times a week.

Exposure to more sunlight helps in the absorption and conversion of calcium.

4. Misconceptions about Calcium Supplementation:

① Traditional calcium tablets are not ideal as they are difficult to absorb and can harm a puppy's gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing inflammation or even obstruction.

② Feeding bones is not recommended as bones are high in dense calcium that is not easily absorbed, and bone broth or bone powder have a low calcium absorption rate, failing to meet the puppy's growth and development needs.

Section 4: Daily Care Tips

1. Avoid letting your dog run on hard surfaces for extended periods; opt for grassy areas for play.

2. Show your puppy love and affection, such as hugging and petting, to foster a close bond.

3. Always carry water when going out to prevent dehydration.

4. Train your dog to avoid guarding their food, but be mindful of your tone to prevent fear.

5. Limit your dog's climbing of stairs to prevent spinal deformation.

For more information on puppy care, check out our article "What to Consider When Raising a Puppy."