We can only imagine how excited you and your family are to have a new four legged friend in the house, and we bet your new pup is just as excited! We know you want to do everything perfectly when it comes to your new furry friend, and the list of their needs is quite lengthy! But, whatever you do, do not fret, we are here to ease your stress levels and provide you with some very useful information. What your puppy is eating is one of the most important factors to ensure they are growing at a steady rate and receiving the necessary nutrients to live a long, healthy and last but not least, healthy life. Read on to find out what you should and definitely should not be feeding your pup!
What To Feed & Not To Feed Your New Puppy
The Basics
Before even beginning to decide between different brands and tastes, you need to check for the nutritional adequacy statement on the packaging. This label ensures the dog food meets nutrient profiles created by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Bottom line: For safety reasons, your dog should not be eating food without this label.
3x A Day
It is recommended for puppies to eat 3 times a day. Similarly to babies, they are growing at a steady rate, and therefore need the proper sustenance. Once your puppy reaches 6 months old, twice-a-day feedings are good.
Treats
Rewarding your pup with treats is the way to teach he/she good habits and manners. Although we want to treat our babies and make them happy, it is important not to overfeed your puppy treats. Regular food has more of the nutrients to ensure a balanced nutrition, while treats are usually full of fats and salts. Treats don’t provide complete nutrition, so they shouldn’t be readily used. Try rewarding your dog with a piece of their dry food instead of a treat…it’ll be healthier for them and cheaper for you!
Off Limits Foods
1. Xylitol
2. Avocado
3. Alcohol
4. Onions & Garlic
5. Coffee, Tea, and Other Caffeine
6. Grapes & Raisins
7. Milk & Other Dairy Products
8. Macadamia Nuts
9. Chocolate
10. Fat Trimmings and Bones
The most careful dog parents may find their dog has ingested something dangerous for their health. Keep your vet’s number, the closest emergency clinic and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s number (888) 426-4435 handy (the fridge is a great place). Time is imperative, so get help quickly if you think Fido may be in trouble.
Providing your pet with the necessary foods at a young age will ensure them with a long, healthy and happy life. We hope these tips helped, and we hope you and your puppy lived a fun-filled life with lots of dog smooches and cuddles!
