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With so many choices, finding a good puppy food can seem outright daunting. Well, it’s about to get a little easier. Watch as Dr. Katy Nelson takes you through the ins and outs of puppy nutrition with information on everything from age appropriate dog food, to the importance of feeding schedules.
Hi, I'm Dr. Katy Nelson with IAMS. Today we're going to talk about dog nutrition, and what you should look for in your puppy's food. Just like infants, puppies require different levels of nutrients than older dogs. Physically, puppies grow fastest during the first six months. The right nutrition is critical to support this rapid growth. That said, your puppy should only receive premium puppy food until he reaches his adult height and weight. That's typically in the first year for small and medium breeds, and can be up to two years for large and giant breeds. One more thing to consider is that a puppy's energy requirements can be nearly twice that of an adult dog. And since their stomachs are smaller, they need more nutritionally dense food formulated just for puppies to help them meet their energy needs. There are three types of food: dry kibble, semi-moist—which comes in sealed packages—and moist or canned. Most veterinarians and trainers recommend dry kibble food, because of its fat content, and the fact that moist food can spoil. Dry kibble also helps with tartar control, which is particularly important for his developing teeth. When you're shopping for food, there are a couple of things you want to look for and keep in mind. Number one, look on the label for a statement that says, 'Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food Nutrient Profiles for growth.' Number two, read the ingredients list on the back of the package, and look for real meat as the first ingredient. Puppies grow the fastest during the first six months of life, and because growth rates differ among breed sizes, you need to feed a formula designed to address the needs of your puppy's breed and size. Ideally, puppy food should also contain animal based protein for strong muscles. The protein requirement for growing poppies is higher than that for adult dogs. High quality protein is critical for puppies to create new body tissue as they grow. Calcium for strong bones and teeth, iron for healthy blood, DHA for the brain, central nervous system, and vision. DHA is a key ingredient found naturally in mother's milk, and is important for a baby's neural development. Just like a baby, your puppy's ability to learn depends on healthy brain development. Prebiotics for healthy immune system, because 65% of your puppy's immune system is in his digestive tract, and high in calories for all the energy a puppy burns. The nutritional needs for puppies differ for different breeds sizes. Large breed puppies grow more quickly. Because of that, they actually need less calcium, so their bones don't grow too fast. Medium breed dogs need a careful balance of calories and nutrients to be sure that they don't gain excess weight, while small breed puppies need nutrient dense food in small bites, because their metabolism tends to be faster, and they have different energy needs than larger dogs. Another important thing to know is that what is good for humans is not necessarily good for animals. Because proper nutrition is critical for optimal development, and because human food doesn't offer the proper balance of nutrients puppies need, it is important to teach your whole family that feeding your puppy or your dog table scraps is a big no-no, and a major health hazard. Now let's talk about feeding schedules. Just like babies, puppies do best on a regular schedule. Schedules teach them that there are times to eat, times to play, and times to potty. Obviously, the feeding schedule will largely be dictated by your own personal schedule. But no matter what, it is critical that puppies younger than four months be fed multiple times per day. Depending on your puppy's breed size, at around six months, you can start to limit feedings to twice a day. Also, keep in mind that eating is soon followed by the urge to go to the bathroom. If you work away from your house and are unable to feed and walk your puppy as often as needed, think about hiring a dog walker, or ask a neighbor to help you keep your puppy on his schedule. For more information on house training, watch 'How to House Train Your Puppy.' Another important nutritional determinant is how much you're supposed to feed your developing puppy. Even though the back of the puppy food bags usually have suggested portion sizes based on weight, they are not always right for your puppy. So it's best to pay attention to your puppy's body and talk to your veterinarian. Remember, a fat puppy is not necessarily a healthy puppy. Just as childhood obesity can lead to adult health issues in humans, monitoring a puppy's weight is very important to ensure proper development. Treats are another food source to consider when determining portion size. It is important to limit treating to less than 10% of your puppy's daily caloric intake. When selecting treats, hard chew treats are ideal, because they improve dental health through gnawing. Also, try to save treating for training sessions to reward good behavior, but be careful not to overdo it. For more information on training, watch our video 'Puppy training basics.' The last part of puppy nutrition we are going to talk about is water. Puppies need fresh, clean water available at all times. Like us, it is their most important nutrient. You should change your puppy's water often, at least once a day. Providing fresh, clean water greatly reduces the risk of disease, and therefore keeps your pet happy and healthy. I'm Dr. Katy Nelson for IAMS, and I hope that you found this helpful as you welcome your new addition into your family.
As a pet parent, it's hard to hear your furry friend crying. It can be due to separation anxiety, fear, or illness and can be frustrating to deal with. This article will provide practical tips on stopping your pup from crying and help them feel more comfortable and secure. We will guide you through establishing a routine and using calming aids to help your puppy stop crying and live a happier, more peaceful life.
Crying in puppies can vary depending on their age. Older puppies may cry because they are experiencing separation anxiety, are bored, or need to go outside. Meanwhile, newborn puppies cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or need warmth. Pay attention to why your puppy cries, so you can provide it with the right care and comfort.
If you are wondering why your pup is crying and how to put a stop to it, the key is to understand the underlying reasons. By gaining this knowledge, you can take the appropriate steps to address the problem and silence the crying. Keep reading to learn more about stopping your pup's tears.
As delicate and helpless beings, newborn puppies rely on their mothers or caregivers to provide for their basic needs. When hungry, cold, or sick, they often cry out in distress, it is like their tiny voice is seeking help. It can be heart-wrenching to hear their cries as they struggle to communicate their needs.
At this stage, the puppies must receive proper care and attention for survival. This may involve giving them warm, nutritious milk from their mothers or finding a suitable substitute if the mother cannot feed them. Providing the puppies with the necessary care will ensure their health and well-being.
In certain situations, puppies may need to receive medication or other forms of treatment to help them recover from an illness or infection. This can be a delicate and complex process, requiring close monitoring and expert knowledge to ensure that puppies receive the appropriate level of care.
As puppies grow older, they often become more vocal when they need to go outside to play or relieve themselves. This can manifest in whining or barking at the door and scratching at it with their paws to grab someone's attention. While this behaviour is natural for puppies, it can be frustrating for their caregivers, particularly when they are trying to get some rest or focus on work.
As a pet parent, providing enough exercise and mental stimulation is important to keep your puppy happy and engaged. If your older puppy is crying or whining, it could signify that they are bored and need entertainment. They may start pacing or circling the room, looking for something to do. If you notice your puppy exhibiting these behaviours, consider taking them for a walk or providing them with a fun new toy to play with.
As puppies grow older, they may become restless and cry when they are tired or ready for bed. This is typical behaviour among puppies, but it can be disruptive for the pet parent. To help your pup settle down for the night, try implementing a bedtime routine and providing a comfortable, cosy bed for it to sleep in. This will not only help your puppy feel more at ease but also allow you to get a good night's rest.
As a responsible pet parent, it's crucial to identify the reasons behind your puppy's crying and take appropriate steps. Whether it's hunger, fear, or loneliness, addressing these underlying causes can create a happier and more comfortable environment for your furry friend. By understanding the root causes of your puppy's crying, you can also provide your canine companion with necessary support and affection to help them feel loved and at ease. Here are some common reasons why puppies may cry:
Suppose your puppy is crying and showing other symptoms of illness. In that case, it could be due to several reasons, ranging from a respiratory infection to a more severe condition such as parvo or distemper. Keep an eye on your puppy's behaviour and pay attention to any changes that may indicate a health problem, so you can act quickly and prevent any potential complications. It is crucial to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if the crying continues or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort or distress.
As puppies have small stomachs, they require more frequent meals than adult dogs. It's important to provide them with regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to ensure their well-being and happiness. If your puppy is crying and has not eaten in a while, it may be asking for food.
If your puppy is crying, it may be because they feel lonely and neglected. To prevent this, spend quality time with your pup daily. Engage in activities like playing, training, and bonding with them to create a strong, positive relationship and prevent feelings of loneliness.
Puppies overflow with energy and require significant stimulation to stay content and healthy. If your furry friend is crying and appears restless or fidgety, it could be because they are bored and need something to do. Provide your puppy with various toys, games, and activities to keep them entertained and focused.
Suppose your puppy is crying and appears frightened. In that case, it may be because of loud noise, a scary situation, or even a sudden change in their environment. To help calm them down, try speaking softly, offering a treat, or playing soothing music. If the fear continues, seeking the assistance of a professional trainer or behaviourist may be necessary to help your puppy overcome its anxiety.
If your puppy is used to being around other dogs or people and is suddenly left alone for long periods of time, they may become lonely and cry. To prevent this, consider providing your puppy with a companion like another dog or a stuffed animal. Additionally, ensure your puppy has regular opportunities to socialise and interact with others to prevent loneliness and unhappiness.
Consoling a crying puppy can be a challenging and emotional task. Still, making your furry friend feel safe and loved is essential. Here are a few tips to help comfort a crying puppy:
To successfully comfort a crying puppy, it is crucial to have patience and an understanding of what may be causing distress. Once the source of the crying is determined, providing the appropriate support and can help stop its tears and give the puppy a feeling of safety. If needed, seeking advice from a professional can also be beneficial in these situations.
