This entry was posted on 2014-07-18 by Schalk.

1.  What food and How much:

The first thing to consider is that the nutritional needs of a puppy is different to that of an adult dog. Their speedy growth needs be fueled by nutrients.

Your puppy must be fed food that is just made for puppies. Other products that are labeled “all stages of life” will also be fine for your young companion.

Here is the amount of food your puppy should be fed every day:

•    2-3 months old: 4 meals a day
•    3-6 months: 3 meals a day
•    6-12 months (up to 24 months for the largest breeds): 2 meals a day

Once your puppy has reached 3-4 weeks you can start weaning it of its mothers milk or substitute milk. This should be a slow process that should preferably take a few weeks.

To make it easier for your little puppy to get used to solid food, experts suggest that you wet the food with some warm water. This will create a sort of porridge making it easier for your puppy to swallow.

Puppy’s love to play with their food and therefore need to be encouraged to eat it.  A good way to deal with this is by simply dipping your finger in the food and then offering it to your puppy.

2.  Why a balanced diet is so important:

A balanced diet is very important for your little friend as it keeps his brain alert, gives him energy and entitles his body to develop and grow.

To make sure you buy food that contains a balanced diet look for these words on the packaging:

•    Growth
•    Growth and Maintenance
•    Complete and balanced nutrition

You can also click here to see all the pet food brands in South Africa that are PFI approved.

The key nutrients your puppy needs is:

•    Vitamins and minerals:  Expert’s warn that Vitamin and Mineral supplements are not healthy for your puppy and in some cases even dangerous.
•    Carbohydrates:  This is what helps give your puppy energy.
•    Water: There is quite a large amount of water in the canned puppy food but this isn’t enough, make sure there is always clean drinking water available for your puppy.
•    Proteins:  This is what helps your puppy’s body build tissue.
•    Fats: Fats help keep your puppies hair, skin, vision and brain healthy.

3.  Human food and treats:

Giving your puppy a treat now and again wont cause any harm. But experts advise that treats and any human food shouldn’t be more then 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Giving your puppy to much food and treats can cause obesity.

Foods you should never give your puppy:

•    Grapes/raisins
•    Avocados
•    Garlic
•    Onions
•    Bread dough
•    Alcohol
•    Drinks with caffeine in them
•    Avocados
•    Chocolate

Click here to see what puppy food we sell now.