What you need to know about puppy food

What’s small, adorable, furry and definitely not ready to be treated as an adult? A puppy!

Raising a puppy is different from raising an adult dog in many ways. One of the most important things is what kind of food you feed your puppy.

Puppies are not just smaller versions of adult dogs. Instead, growing puppies have distinct nutritional needs (which vary to some extent by breed) and should be fed a food specifically formulated for them.

Here’s what to keep in mind and how to do it when buying food for your puppy. Hills® Supported by nutritionists and scientists.

What’s so different about puppies?

The biggest difference between puppies and adult dogs is the most obvious. That means the puppy is still growing. They are also more energetic and often expend serious energy all day long flying around the house, exploring and playing.

A suitable diet for puppies to provide everything their growing bones and muscles need is: formulated It provides adequate amounts of macronutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as minerals such as calcium and copper that are essential for growth.

Additionally, growing puppies may require higher levels of certain amino acids, such as arginine.

Keep in mind that your puppy’s digestive system (along with everything else) is still developing.

Foods containing probiotics can be taxing on the immature digestive tract, so ask your veterinarian about leech foods that contain ActivBiome+ prebiotic blend. These are special ingredients that promote the natural and healthy growth of beneficial microorganisms in your gut, helping to support a healthy digestive system and immunity.

What to keep in mind when choosing a good puppy food

Notice how big the puppy grows when he becomes an adult

Puppies expected to weigh more than 55 pounds as adults will benefit from foods formulated for large breed dogs.

These foods are designed to promote proper growth rates and reduce the risk of developmental bone disease by providing controlled levels of calories, calcium, and phosphorus.

Look for the Adequate Nutritional Capacity (AAFCO) statement.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a nonprofit organization comprised of members from state, federal, and international regulatory agencies that regulate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of animal products.

AAFCO’s long-standing purpose has been to serve as a forum for feed regulatory authorities to develop fair and impartial standards, definitions, and policies for feed law enforcement. To promote uniformity of laws, regulations and enforcement policies.¹

Foods that carry AAFCO’s Nutritional Adequacy Statement on their labels meet the criteria of being complete and balanced for all life stages and sizes, or for a specific life stage and/or size range. This food is formulated to meet AAFCO-certified nutritional profiles or meets these standards by completing appropriate AAFCO-certified animal feeding testing.

All foods formulated for a specific life stage must have an AAFCO nutritional suitability statement indicating the pet’s life stage (pregnancy/lactation, growth, maintenance, or all life stages).

If the food is clearly labeled as a “treat” or “supplement” and the food is identified as such, the label may simply state, “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.” can.

Find foods backed by research

High-quality puppy food is formulated by a veterinarian or a Ph.D. nutritionist to provide complete, balanced nutrition in one place.

Companies like Hills follow rigorous development and testing procedures to ensure their food products meet and exceed AAFCO recommendations.

Find special benefits

In recent years, researchers have focused on ingredients that can further support puppy development.

Some of the most exciting research has been done on omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).²

DHA is an important nutrient for puppy brain development and has been shown to support healthy eye development and improved immunity.

Start a new puppy food

Bringing a puppy home for the first time is a big moment and involves many decisions. Depending on where your puppy comes from, you may already have some samples of puppy food. Or maybe you’re standing in front of a shelf of options and don’t know where to start.

First thing you need to know: Don’t switch your puppy’s food all at once.

Puppies have less developed digestive systems than adult dogs, which makes them more susceptible to stomach upset. As a result, the floor can become a mess.

Instead, it’s best to find out what your puppy was eating before you came home and continue to feed him the same food. This is a good time to talk to your veterinarian about the type of food your puppy needs to grow.

When the time comes migrate foodrun slowly according to the following schedule.

• Days 1-2: 25% new food. 75% old food
• Days 3-4: 50% new food. 50% old food
• Days 5-6: 75% new food. 25% old food
• From day 7: 100% new food

During this transition period, keep an eye on your puppy for signs of gastrointestinal illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If this happens or you have any concerns during your puppy’s dietary transition, consult your veterinarian.

tips for success

Proper feeding begins the first day you transition your puppy to a new food. However, there are some good tips to keep in mind over the coming months.

1. Feed your puppy the right amount. Just as humans grow, the “appropriate amount” of food for puppies changes as they grow. To find out how much is enough, consult your veterinarian and refer to the feeding guide on the food package.
2. Consistency is key. Puppies tend to eat smaller meals more frequently. Ask your veterinarian what will work for your puppy. A typical schedule includes three to four measured meals each day. It is not recommended to fill the bowl with food and leave it for your puppy to graze all day.
3. Follow your puppy’s cues. Especially at first, observe whether your puppy likes his food and whether he enjoys mealtime. Dogs have taste buds just like us, so if your pup doesn’t accept the food you initially give them, talk to your veterinarian about trying a different formula.

Don’t do this! What to avoid when feeding your puppy

If you’re providing a high-quality food that’s formulated for your puppy’s size and life stage, you’re already doing a lot of things right. But it’s worth keeping in mind that almost 60% of dogs in the United States are obese. 2023 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey From the Pet Obesity Prevention Association.³

Being overweight can cause health problems for dogs of all ages. Therefore, obesity prevention should be at the top of your list of things to keep in mind.

1. Don’t give too many extra treats or table scraps. Remember, every calorie counts. Transferring dog-safe food from your plate to a grateful pup or handing out dog treats can quickly cause your pup to gain extra weight. Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s total calories.
2. Don’t forget to measure your puppy’s food. This is the best way to avoid overfeeding your puppy. Follow the guidelines on the package and consult your veterinarian for the exact amount to feed.
3. Don’t forget to weigh yourself regularly. Weighing your puppy regularly can help you focus on your puppy’s weight gain and provide your veterinarian with valuable information about how fast your puppy is growing (and whether it’s growing too fast).