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  • Puppies should not be separated from their mother before they are 8 weeks old

    • During their first 8 weeks, they still have to drink their mother's milk which is full of nutrients for the puppy, just like how we humans have to be with our mother when we were newborns.

    • ​Puppies that leave their mothers before 8 weeks will have a rougher time adjusting and have a higher incidence of illnesses.

      • Unsure if it is due to weakened immunity or mourning the premature loss of their family.

      • Their mother's milk provides them with the nutrition and antibodies they need to become healthy dogs.

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  • At 3-4 weeks, puppies should begin eating some solid food.

    • You can try mixing three parts food with one part water or puppy replacement milk.

      • This will make the food easier for the puppy to digest.

      • If your puppy begins eating a little solid food before it leave its mother it will have an easier time adjusting when you bring it home.

      • One way to tell if a puppy is ready to come home with you is if it prefers human company over its mom or siblings.

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  • 6 to 8 weeks, feed your puppy 3-4 times a day.

    • Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

    • Choose puppy food that provides the appropriate balance of nutrients your puppy needs.

    • Be sure it is getting the right amount of protein and calcium, and the proper amount of calories!

      • Check the label to determine if you are feeding your puppy a balanced diet.

      • A specified meat should be the first ingredient on the label. After 8 weeks, feed your puppy twice a day.

8 Weeks Old

Below is a daily basic feeding guide for puppies and adult dogs. An individual dog's requirements may differ from this chart. It is best to consult with your vet about the specific needs of your pet.

For dogs that are a year old and over, feeding should be twice a day.

In most breeds feeding should be twice a day.

FOOD TIPS

On average, a dog’s diet consists of 50% vegetable, 40% meat and 10% grain. 4% of their diet should also consist of fiber.
A grown dog needs 18% protein on a dry matter basis while puppies need 22%. 

Also, when it comes to water, a dog drinks about ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Dogs that eat dry food will need a little bit more water than dogs who eat wet food.

Puppies also need about ½ a cup every two hours. If your puppy is young, then make sure you monitor them as well. Older dogs can monitor themselves, so just make sure that you have a clean water source for your dog at all times. Make sure to also bring water with you whenever you take your dog out for a walk or exercise. It is important to keep your dog from dehydration. A quick check of your dog's gum to see if they are slippery and wet can tell you if he or she is well hydrated or not.

 

Dull and sticky gums suggest dehydration.

PROS:​

  • More protein

  • More moisture which is good for hydration and the urinary tract

  • Many dogs find it more palatable

  • Long shelf life when unopened

CONS

  • Some dogs gain weight more easily on canned food

  • Short shelf life when opened; requires refrigeration   

WET FOOD

PROS:

  • Easy to store and measure out

  • Benefits your dog's teeth and gums

  • Helps ensure firm stools

  • Lower cost per serving

CONS:

  • According to the Animal Protection Institute, some dry foods are sprayed with animal fat, an unnecessary and unhealthy ingredient

  • Tends to be high in gluten

DRY FOOD

There a couple of things you need to look at when you are choosing food for your dog. You need to check the food labels to see if there is too much of any unwanted ingredient such as an over access of fat or too much corn, soy and wheat since the latter group are things that are hard for dogs to digest. Check to see if the food has natural and/or organic ingredients and avoid any sort of preservatives and addictives. Instead, look to see if the food your are choosing contain Vitamin E and C because they are natural and healthy preservatives. 

Choosing the Right Food
3-6 Months Old

  • Your puppy will be teething!

    • He may become a finicky eater or lose his appetite.

    • Keep feeding him nutritious food twice a day.

      • If he has an upset stomach for more than one or two days, take him to the veterinarian!

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  • 6 months to 1 year: APPEARANCE DECEPTION!

    • ​Your puppy may look all grown up but he is still a puppy.

      • He should still be fed a high quality food for the added nutrition.

        • NOTE: In some very high quality foods the company does not make a separate food for puppies because the food is of such a high quality that it provides for both puppy and adult equally.

          • For example, a real human grade chicken is what it is for all ages. If you are feeding a puppy food ask your veterinarian when you should switch to adult food. Make sure the adult food you switch to is still a balanced high quality diet with the first ingredient being a specified meat that is not a by-product.

There are two main types of food: DRY and WET food

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Both of them have their pros and cons. You need to decide for yourself which you prefer and also find out which type is best for your dog.

 

For example, puppies and elderly dogs do better with wet food. 

A DANGER TO DOGS

Plants/Food that could kill

  • AVOCADO: All parts are toxic to dogs

  • CHOCOLATE: Contains Theobromine, a cardiac stimulant which can be fatal to dogs

  • FRUIT PITS & SEEDS: Most contain cyanide

  • GARLIC: Contains Thiosulphate, though a small amount, so a lot would have to be ingested to be toxic. Keep in mind, it builds up in the system!

  • ALCOHOL: Causes intoxication, liver failure, coma, seizures and death

  • GRAPES & RAISINS: Affects a dog's kidneys

  • MACADAMIA NUTS: Affects the nervous system

  • WALNUTS: High phosphorous content causes bladder stones

  • MUSHROOMS: Affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart

  • NUTMEG: Can cause seizures and can damage the central nervous system

  • ONIONS: Contains same toxin as garlic, though in much larger amounts

  • SUGAR-FREE FOODS: The xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs

  • TOMATOES, POTATOES, & RHUBARB: Parts of these contain oxalates, which can be toxic to dogs (cooked potatoes are okay and are actually quite healthy)  

  • Aloe Vera

  • Caladium

  • Chrysanthemum

  • Dumbcane

  • Elephant's Ear

  • Emerald Fern

  • Hyacinth

  • Philodendron

  • Weeping Fig

  • Yew

  • Azaleas

  • Daffodils

  • Foxglove

  • Ivy

  • Morning Glory

  • Nightshade

  • Oak

  • Green Potato

  • Rhododendrum

  • Wisteria

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