The nutrition of a puppy lays the foundation for a long, healthy life. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to thoroughly delve into this topic. This article aims to be a guide that highlights the key aspects of puppy nutrition, identifies dangerous foods, clarifies myths and mistakes, and presents healthy alternatives.
The nutrition of our four-legged companions is a complex topic that encompasses both scientific and everyday practical considerations. The domesticated descendants of wolves, our dogs, have adapted to a changed diet over the millennia of shared history with humans. Originally pure carnivores, dogs have evolved into carnivorous omnivores capable of processing both animal and plant-based foods. This evolution is reflected not only in their behavior but also in genetic adaptations and changes in metabolism.
For puppies, proper nutrition is particularly important. Their bodies are in a phase of growth and require a balanced ratio of nutrients to ensure optimal development. An imbalanced diet can lead to long-term health problems, especially regarding the development of joints.
The decision whether to feed your dog commercial food or prepare it yourself depends on various factors. Those who choose to prepare dog food themselves should first inform themselves about the necessary nutrients and, if necessary, have an individual feeding plan drawn up.
The variety of types of food offers a suitable option for every dog and owner. From dry food to wet food to BARF (biologically appropriate raw feeding), you can choose between different forms of nutrition, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Dry food, for example, is long-lasting and practical for on the go, but due to its low moisture content, dogs need to drink more. Wet food is preferred by many dogs and contains more moisture, but produces more waste. BARF is considered particularly species-appropriate but requires careful planning and adaptation to the individual needs of the dog.
While humans can enjoy a wide variety of foods, there are certain foods that can be harmful or even deadly to our four-legged friends. This is due to fundamental differences in metabolism between humans and dogs. Dogs lack certain enzymes necessary to process certain ingredients in our food. This inability to break down certain substances can lead to poisoning and severe health damage.
It is important to emphasize that this list is not exhaustive. Before giving your puppy anything to eat that is not specifically intended for them, you should inform yourself about the ingredients and their compatibility.
There are many myths and misunderstandings regarding the nutrition of puppies. A common misconception is that a puppy can be fed from the table. While it may be tempting to give your puppy leftovers, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a preference for "human food," which can cause long-term health problems.
Another myth is that puppies need milk. In fact, many puppies cannot properly digest lactose, leading to gastrointestinal problems.
One of the most common mistakes in puppy nutrition is excessive energy intake, meaning, they are simply given too much food. This concerns not only the amount of food put in the bowl daily but also additional snacks and rewards they receive – whether in puppy school, as a reward, or even out of the desire to spare furniture and shoes. Excessive food intake can lead to puppies growing too quickly. This is often not visibly noticeable externally, as most puppies do not become fat, but simply grow faster and are too big or too heavy for their age. Puppies often appear slim or even skinny, making it difficult to assess the correct weight. The final weight of a dog is genetically determined and is hardly influenced by feeding. However, what can be influenced is the speed of growth. To be sure, it is advisable to monitor the puppy's weight development using a growth curve.
The second most common mistake is inadequate supply of important nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, which occurs particularly with homemade rations or inappropriate use of mineral supplements in conjunction with commercial food. An imbalance of these nutrients can affect the development of bones and the entire skeletal system.
For young puppies, especially between 8 and 16 weeks of age, it is important to be fed not just once or twice a day, but regularly. Several small meals support growth by putting less strain on the stomach. It is best to distribute the food into three to four portions throughout the day. As the puppy gets older, around six months of age, the feeding schedule can gradually be transitioned to two meals per day.
Instead of feeding puppies dangerous foods, consider safe and healthy alternatives for your puppy. These include carrots, apples (without seeds), cooked chicken or chicken hearts, and cucumber.
These snacks are not only safe but also provide additional nutrients and help with dental care.
Bellfor Junior Food for Puppies and growing dogs meets all these criteria. It is an excellent choice for a balanced diet tailored to the specific needs of your growing puppy and can provide a solid foundation for a long, healthy, and happy life.
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