Dog owners are increasingly paying attention to the quality of the food they give their pets. This is the right approach, and it is worth establishing this principle from the beginning of every dog's life. A healthy, balanced diet and the amount of food given have a significant impact on the proper growth and development of a puppy.
It is worth adding that this is already very important during the prenatal period, before birth. The quality of the food given to the mother affects the proper functioning of the puppy's body. A female dog that is well-nourished during pregnancy has a much better chance of giving birth to healthy, happy puppies.
The best food – mother's milk
Right after birth – as with all mammals – the best food for a puppy is the mother's milk. In the first hours after birth, it has the highest value because it contains the most nutrients and antibodies, which are especially important for puppies. Thanks to the antibodies in colostrum – the milk secreted immediately after birth – the young receive passive immunity. Their immune system is not yet functioning properly, so the passive immunity from the mother is crucial for their health. It is important to ensure that the puppy drinks the colostrum. In all mammals, colostrum has a similar composition. If it is not possible to obtain it from the mother (e.g., the puppy was rejected by the female or the mother's health condition does not allow it), colostrum from another species can be given. There is also the option of placing the puppy with another female dog who has just given birth. Breeders often choose this option.
Milk replacer preparations for puppies
If a puppy cannot drink its own or a foster mother's milk, it should be fed special milk replacer preparations. Ready-made mixes are available on the market, which are mixed with the appropriate amount of warm water. This milk should be about 35-38 degrees Celsius. It must not be cold.
WARNING! Puppies should not be given milk from other animals, e.g., cow's milk. Unlike colostrum, milk has a species-specific composition. Cow's milk contains more lactose than a female dog's milk. Feeding it to a puppy can lead to diarrhea, which is very dangerous at an early stage of life.
If feeding a puppy with a milk replacer, it is worth buying a bottle with a special nipple. Feeding with a syringe requires great skill and can lead to the puppy choking, which can result in aspiration pneumonia. It is also important to remember to feed the puppy in its natural position – lying on its stomach. The dog should not be placed on its back. This can also lead to choking on the food.
Regardless of the food source, it is important to monitor the weight gain of puppies. They should gain 5-10% of their birth weight daily. The size of the daily gain depends on the breed size, but the weight should always increase. Weight loss is a signal to visit a veterinarian.
Weaning the dog off milk. When to introduce solid food?
At about 4 weeks of age, in addition to milk, the puppy can start receiving its first portions of solid food. This can be, for example, a high-meat canned dog food mashed with water. It is important to introduce new food gradually and observe the dog's reaction to assess whether the food is suitable.
The size of the food pieces should also be adjusted to the size of the dog. Puppies should not be given large chunks of food. However, adult dog food can be given successfully, just mashed. If the dog is to be fed a BARF diet eventually, at this stage of life, the first portions of raw meat can already be given, e.g., finely chopped beef with added omega-3 oil. Beef is especially recommended for puppies by many nutritionists because of its zinc content, which is involved in regulating many processes in the body. It also has a good effect on skin condition.
As the puppy grows, the amount of solid food in the diet should be gradually increased. The pace at which milk is completely eliminated from the dog's diet is usually about 5-6 weeks. After that, puppies eat only solid food.
It is important to remember that when starting to give food, water should also be provided to the dog. The basis of the diet should be the food we want to feed the dog in the future. Let's ensure good quality food without unnecessary additives in the ingredients. The BARF diet, which involves creating mixes of raw meat and supplements according to the dog's individual needs, is also a good solution. However, it requires the owner to gain knowledge and invest time and effort. Feeding only raw meat is not a proper way of nutrition because it does not constitute a balanced meal. Consequently, it will lead to deficiencies and health problems.
Supplements for puppies
It is also worth mentioning supplements. A healthy puppy fed good quality food will not need them. Various preparations, vitamin mixes, and nutritional additives are currently available on the market, but improper administration can only harm the dog. A common mistake is giving dogs – especially large breeds – extra calcium to prevent rickets. The effect is usually the opposite of what is intended. Too much calcium intake leads to developmental disorders of the skeletal system. Therefore, it is important not to give supplements to the dog without a clear need, and in case of doubt, always consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.
Snacks, treats, and chews
Food does not have to be only an element that satisfies hunger. It can also support the fulfillment of natural canine instincts and behavior. Puppies have a particularly strong need to chew and bite, which can be satisfied by giving appropriate snacks. An example is dried meat. It is worth paying attention to the hardness and size of the additions. The best are semi-moist and not too hard to chew. Every new type of snack should be introduced gradually and with caution. Do not forget to control the amount of "treats" eaten during the day to avoid overfeeding the puppy.
Warning signs in puppy nutrition
The puppy period is a time when the dog's body is particularly sensitive to changes. Therefore, when introducing new elements to the diet, always monitor the pet's reaction. Diarrhea may be a sign that one of the food ingredients was introduced too quickly. It may also indicate something more serious. If diarrhea does not subside, it may indicate an internal parasite infestation or food allergy. Diarrhea is a symptom that accompanies many diseases, so if it is not a one-time situation, it is always worth visiting a veterinarian to properly diagnose the problem.
Feeding puppies is an important element in their proper development and should not be underestimated. A proper diet provides the dog with all the necessary ingredients for growth. From the first days of life (and even earlier), it is worth ensuring that the dog receives healthy, balanced meals.
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