In addition to ensuring balanced nutrition, scientific feeding methods are equally important. The following 4 principles can help pet owners avoid feeding pitfalls and allow puppies to grow healthily.
1. Choose “Puppy-Specific Food” and Reject “Adult Dog Food” and “Human Food”
Puppy-specific food is precisely formulated according to the growth characteristics of puppies, which can meet their special needs for nutrients such as protein, calcium, and fat. In contrast, adult dog food has insufficient nutritional density and cannot support the rapid growth of puppies. At the same time, human food (such as onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and high-salt, high-oil meals) is toxic to puppies, or may increase the burden on their intestines, stomach, and kidneys, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, and other problems. Feeding such food must be strictly prohibited.
When purchasing puppy food, you can check the ingredient list and nutrition label. Prioritize products where “animal protein” is listed first, contain no artificial additives, and comply with national pet food standards.
2. Feed Small, Frequent Meals and Control Feeding Amount
Puppies’ gastrointestinal functions are not yet fully developed. Feeding too much at one time can easily cause indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, the principle of “small, frequent meals” should be followed: puppies under 3 months old should be fed 4-5 times a day; those aged 3-6 months, 3-4 times a day; those aged 6-12 months, 2-3 times a day; and after 12 months old, they can gradually transition to 2 meals a day like adult dogs.
The feeding amount must strictly follow the recommendations on the dog food package (marked according to the puppy’s weight and age), and avoid feeding based on feeling. If the puppy still shows hunger after eating, the feeding amount can be appropriately increased by 5%-10%; if loose stools or diarrhea occur, it indicates overfeeding, and the amount needs to be reduced.
3. Ensure Adequate and Clean Drinking Water
Water is the foundation for maintaining puppies’ life activities, which can promote metabolism and aid digestion. Pet owners need to prepare a dedicated water bowl for puppies, replace it with fresh boiled and cooled water every day, and ensure they can drink water at any time. Especially in summer or after puppies exercise, water should be replenished in a timely manner to avoid dehydration.
4. Gradually Change Food to Avoid Gastrointestinal Discomfort
If it is necessary to change the puppy’s food (such as transitioning from breast milk to puppy food, or changing to a different brand of dog food), the “7-day transition method” should be followed: Days 1-2: 80% old food + 20% new food; Days 3-4: 60% old food + 40% new food; Days 5-6: 40% old food + 60% new food; Day 7: Completely switch to new food. Gradual food change allows the puppy’s gastrointestinal tract to adapt gradually, avoiding stress-induced diarrhea.