Just take a stroll into your local pet store and you’ll be soon overwhelmed with the massive variety on offer when it comes to food for your puppy.
There raw food, not to be confused with fresh food - and this is different to frozen food, which is different from air dried! Once you’ve got that sorted, are you going with or without grains? And so many flavours; chicken, duck, lamb, salmon, rabbit and crocodile!
It’s easy to get sucked into overwhelm when it comes to your puppies' nutrition. Let me give you some tips on making sure your pup is on the best track for health and growth.
When it comes to feeding your new puppy, understanding their nutritional needs is crucial. Puppies require a well-balanced diet that provides them with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. This includes a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
It's important to provide your puppy with a diet that is specifically formulated for their age and size. Ensure that the food you feed is specifically formulated for puppies (not ‘all life stages’). Also, if you have a large breed dog, be sure that you choose a food which is labeled ‘Large Breed Puppy’ to support their slower, more sustained growth pattern.
On the other hand, smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, grow very quickly and need high fat diets to fuel their energy.
When selecting dog food for your new puppy, it's important to look for high-quality ingredients. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. Instead, choose dog food that is made with real, whole ingredients.
Some key ingredients to look for include lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These ingredients provide essential nutrients and are more easily digestible for puppies.
When looking for high quality and fresh ingredients, I always recommend trying to source Australian-Made, where-ever possible. Most pet food on our shelves is imported from overseas, and traveled a long way to get here. There are plenty of fantastic Aussie foods made locally, such as Delicate Care dog kibble varieties and Prime100 fresh rolls.
By choosing dog food with high-quality ingredients, you are providing your puppy with the best possible nutrition to support their growth and overall health.
Any commercially produced puppy diet will fulfill the essential nutritional requirements. There is no nutritional benefit between raw foods and kibble, it's just a bit of a trend. My advice? Stick to a commercially produced puppy diet as it's complete and balanced. Enhance it with various fresh foods like blueberries for antioxidants, a touch of egg for anti-inflammatory effects, and tuna for omega oils promoting a healthy brain and coat. These are my top tips for having the healthiest pup on the block!
Finally, it's worth mentioning that some foods which are safe for humans are toxic to dogs, so it’s also important to know which foods you should NOT feed your puppy:
Avocado
Cooked bones
Walnuts & macadamias
Onions & garlic
Grapes, raisins & currants
Fatty foods eg sausages and mince
Caffeine
Xylitol (found in sugar-free chewing gum, lollies and peanut butter etc)
Chocolate
Please read my other articles 5 Common Foods to Never Feed Your Dog and Holiday Foods That Can Harm Your Dog for more information.
While these guidelines can help you choose the best dog food for your new puppy, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for personalised recommendations.
A veterinarian can assess your puppy's specific needs and provide guidance on the best dog food options for them. They can also help monitor your puppy's growth and make any necessary adjustments to their diet.
Remember, every puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By working with a veterinarian, you can ensure that your puppy receives the individualised care and nutrition they need.
Once your new pup has settled in, how about scheduling an appointment with us? We'll give your furry friend a thorough nose-to-tail health check and share some fantastic advice on the best food and wellness tips. Let's ensure your new pup kicks off life with the absolute best!