"Both small and large breed dogs will start to become obese even at this age if they are overfed," says Shmalberg. Overweight puppies, especially large breeds, have a predisposition toward orthopedic (or bone) problems, so although an overweight puppy might be considered cute, it's a health risk." "Dogs will grow quickly between 4 and 6 months, but can also become overweight if overfed. Start weaning to a twice-daily feeding schedule if possible, or switch to grazing if your puppy is able to self-regulate. The first months are full of rapid growth, so make absolutely sure your pup is getting enough to eat. After that? Well, your puppy won’t be so much a puppy anymore. How Often to Feed a Puppyįor quick reference, here’s how your first year-and-half of feeding should go. ![]() To note: Never rely on recommendations like "1 cup" across the board - much like a size 10 differs from clothing brand to clothing brand, 1 cup of one brand of dog food will be completely different than 1 cup of another. Step 2: Take their estimated adult weight and match it to the type of food you’re feeding them. Step 1: Determine your dog’s predicted adult weight.įor small dog breeds, the weight difference between male and female isn’t quite as pronounced. "To promote normal growth, most puppies need to be fed the same number of calories, and food, from about 4 months of age to 12 months of age," says Dr. Most people worry that they need to change their puppy's calorie and food amount every day because they're constantly growing. Too few of these can cause deficiencies - though too many can cause lifelong complications. Young dogs need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus when compared to adult dogs. “Brain, organ, and bone development occurs rapidly in puppies and sets up the foundation for normal function and health throughout a dog's life," says Shmalberg. But the truth is, food formulated for puppies is actually quite different than food formulated for older dogs. When it comes to feeding, it’s tempting to tell yourself a puppy is a puppy. ) The Importance of Proper Puppy Nutrition ![]() ![]() (Pssst, spoiler: If you're just here for your dog's daily caloric needs, skip to the calculator or puppy feeding chart. New puppy in the house? Congrats! Our very own team of Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists & PhD animal nutritionists are here to provide insights and guidance on exactly how, when and what to feed your puppy.
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