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Basic
Feeding Guide
Puppies and
Adult Dogs
How much should I feed my dog?
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Daily basic feeding guide for
puppies.
An individual puppy's requirements may differ from this chart. |
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The first 8 weeks |
Puppies should not be separated from their mother
before they are 8 weeks old. Puppies who leave their mothers sooner have a
rougher time adjusting and a higher incidence of illnesses. I do not know if it
is due to weakened immunity or mourning the premature loss of its family.
Their mother's milk provides them with the nutrition and antibodies they need to
become healthy dogs. At three to four weeks, puppies should begin eating some
solid food. You can try mixing three parts food with one part water or puppy
replacement milk . This will make the food easier for the puppy to digest. If
your puppy begins eating a little solid food before they leave their mother they
will have an easier time adjusting when you bring them home. One way to tell if
a puppy is ready to come home with you is if it prefers human company over their
mom or siblings. |
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6 to 8 weeks |
Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day. Puppies have
different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Choose a puppy food that provides
the appropriate balance of nutrients your puppy needs. Be sure they are getting
the right amount of protein and calcium, and the proper amount of calories.
Check the label to determine if you are feeding your puppy a balanced diet. Meat
should be the first ingredient on the label. |
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After 8 weeks |
Feed your puppy twice a day. |
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3 to 6 months |
Your puppy will be teething. He may become a
finicky eater or loose his appetite. Keep feeding him nutritious food twice a
day. If he has an upset stomach for more then one or two days, take him to the
veterinarian. |
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6 months to 1 year |
Your puppy may look all grown up but he is still
a puppy. He should still be fed puppy food for the added nutrition. Feed him the
puppy food for the first year. In some larger breeds even into the second year.
Ask your veterinarian when you should switch to adult food. Make sure the adult
food you switch to is still a balanced diet with the first ingredient being
meat. |
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8 to 9 months |
Feeding can be reduced to once a day. |
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2 years |
Smaller breeds can start on adult food when they
are a year old. Larger breeds should stay on puppy food until they are fully
mature which is usually about 2 years of age. Ask your veterinarian when to
switch your dog. |
Good Basic Feeding Tips
- Feed your puppy the same kind of food every day.
Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can
cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
- When switching to a new food, gradually
transition him to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly
phase the old food out. Your puppy may experience diarrhea if his food is
suddenly changed.
- Feed your puppy at the same time every day.
- Always have fresh drinking water available.
- Keep food and water bowls clean.
- Don't overfeed your puppy.
- Follow the guidelines on the puppy food package
for recommended feeding amounts.
- Monitor your puppy's weight and activity level,
and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
- Don't be alarmed if your puppy's appetite
changes. It is normal for your puppy to lose his appetite or experience
digestive upset occasionally. If your puppy's upset stomach becomes severe or
last longer than a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
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| The first ingredient in your
puppy's food should be a "Meat". Not a "Meat Meal" or
Meat By-Product, but the real thing. Puppies were not meant to primarily
eat Corn and Wheat. If the first ingredient in your dog food is a Corn,
Wheat, Meat-MEAL or Meat-By-Product Steer clear. The first
ingredient represents what the dog food is most made out of. By-Products
are the left overs, such as the Eyes, Hooves, Skin and Feet (unless the dog food
specifically stats otherwise.) |
Daily basic feeding guide for
adult dogs.
An individual dog's requirements may differ from this chart. The feeding
directions are based on using an 8 oz. measuring cup. Puppies can be fed up to 1
1/2 times the highest amount listed in their
category.
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Typical Breed |
Weight
As An Adult Dog |
Dry Food |
Dry Food Mixed
With Can Food |
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Chihuahua,
Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle |
Up to 10 pounds |
1/3 to 1 cup |
1/4 can + up to 3/4 cup |
| Miniature Poodle, Scottish Terrier |
10-25 pounds |
1 to 2 1/4 cups |
½ can + ½ to 1½
cups |
| Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Springer Spaniel |
25-50 pounds |
2 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups |
1 can + 1 to 2½
cups |
| Collie, Boxer,
Labrador, Golden Retriever |
50-75 pounds |
3 3/4 to 5 cups |
1½ cans + 1 3/4 to
3 cups |
| Great Dane, Malamute,
St. Bernard, Mastiff |
Over 75 pounds |
5-8 cups |
2 cans + 2½ to 5
1/4 cups |
Good Basic Feeding Tips
- Most dogs should be fed once a
day at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a
bathroom schedule. However, some dogs, especially the larger breeds, need to be
fed more then once a day. Ask your vet how many times a day you should feed your
dog.
- Feed your dog the same type and brand of food
every day. Unlike humans, a dog digestive system cannot handle changes in food.
It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
- When switching to a new food gradually transition
him to a new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the
old food out. Your dog may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
- If you are mixing water to dry food you should
mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
- Keep fresh Drinking water available at all times.
Change the water at least once day, more for dogs who drool.
- Keep food and water bowls clean.
- Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for
recommended feeding amounts.
- Monitor your dog's weight and activity level, and
make feeding adjustments as necessary.
- Some dogs can do well on
self-feeders. If your dog is overweight, or if he is going to the bathroom
inside the house, you may want to get him on a feeding schedule.
.
| The first ingredient in your
dog's food should be a "Meat". Not a "Meat Meal" or
Meat By-Product, but the real thing. Dogs were not meant to primarily eat
Corn and Wheat. If the first ingredient in your dog food is a Corn,
Wheat, Meat-MEAL or Meat-By-Product Steer clear. The first
ingredient represents what the dog food is most made out of. By-Products
are the left overs, such as the Eyes, Hooves, Skin and Feet (unless the dog food
specifically states otherwise.) |
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