How to Properly Feed a Puppy into Adulthood

@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram

 

   To ensure that a puppy goes into adulthood healthy, you need to watch its food. Between the time when your puppy is six months to a year old, you need to start switching up the food. Previously, you might be giving it high protein and calories that will develop its physical and mental capabilities. However, as they get older, they don’t need their meals to have weight gain as a primary goal. 

Three meals per day is too much

     As your puppy begins to shift to adulthood, you will have to avoid calorie-rich and protein-dense food as it may make your growing puppy overweight. As a puppy needs energy, three meals a day are optimal, yet when it progresses, you need to dial down the number of meals so that the puppy remains healthy.

Wean your puppy after six to eight weeks

      Getting your puppy shifted from its mother’s milk to solid foods is necessary as, after some time, the puppy’s nutritional requirements won’t be fulfilled by the mother’s milk alone. Ideally, the puppy is nursed by the mother till six weeks and then weaned to food with those calories that will help the puppy transition to adulthood.

      There will be a slight chance that the mother won’t nurse the puppy during the first few weeks. To keep the puppy healthy, you may have to purchase an additional supplement that you can ask about to your vet and feed with a bottle.

After three months – what is the next step?

       As your puppy begins to pick up health, you will have to reduce the feedings. The puppy, after some time, will begin to lose the pudginess, and you will notice a considerable difference in its size and appetite. Ensure that you switch up the food gradually to avoid straining the stomach and intestines as you feed a puppy into adulthood.

      There has to be a feeding schedule that you follow and give the meals at the same time each day as you feed a puppy into adulthood. It will help train the dog and remind the puppy that it’s time for food whilst also keeping the puppy’s digestion in check.

We have a list of food recommendations. One we recommend can be found here.

The 7th month and your next move

     It depends on your dog’s breed, as large breeds can take up to 2 years to mature, while medium-size breeds may take up to a year. A dog weighing more than 80 pounds will take its time to develop and reach adulthood fully. Ensure that you give food that is healthy and fulfills the dog’s energy and nutrition level.

     As your puppy goes through its various stages of growth, you will need to consult your vet on how to properly feed a puppy into adulthood to ensure that the puppy is developing according to its requirements. 

 

Check out some of our pups!

Here’s a video with some recommendations on how much to feed your pup: