Puppies have different developmental priorities and slightly varying nutritional needs at different growth stages. Targeted feeding can make nutrient supply more precise.
1. Lactation Period (0-2 Months): Breast Milk as the Main Source, Supplementary Goat Milk Powder if Necessary
Breast milk is the best food for puppies, as it contains rich antibodies and nutrients that help puppies resist diseases and grow rapidly. If the mother dog has insufficient milk or the puppies lose maternal care, it is necessary to choose “puppy-specific goat milk powder” (milk powder has a high lactose content, which easily causes diarrhea in puppies). Brew it with warm water before feeding, and avoid feeding overly hot or cold milk.
2. Weaning Period (2-3 Months): Transition to Puppy Food, Emphasizing Digestibility
Puppies around 2 months old can start trying to wean. Soak puppy food in warm water or goat milk powder until soft before feeding, and avoid directly feeding dry and hard dog food (which may damage the intestines and stomach). The key focus during this stage is to ensure adequate intake of protein and calcium to support the initial development of bones and muscles.
3. Rapid Growth Period (3-8 Months): Strengthen Nutrition and Control Weight
This is the stage where puppies grow the fastest; bones, muscles, and organs all develop rapidly, and the demand for energy and nutrients reaches its peak. It is necessary to choose puppy food with high nutritional density, while paying attention to weight control—if large and medium-sized breed puppies grow too fast, they are prone to joint problems. The feeding amount can be adjusted under the guidance of a veterinarian to avoid excessive weight.
4. Maturation Period (8-12 Months): Gradual Transition to Adapt to Adult Development
After 8 months old, the growth rate of puppies slows down and they gradually enter the maturation period. The feeding amount can start to be reduced gradually to avoid obesity caused by nutritional excess. At the same time, adjust the transition rhythm according to the size of the dog breed (small dogs can switch to adult food after 12 months, while large and medium-sized dogs can extend it to 15-18 months).