What should they eat to meet their nutritional needs and ensure comprehensive development, both physically and mentally? Choosing food for pets is a way for owners to care for and express their love toward their dogs. However, once the food is selected, the owner might wonder: How much food is enough?
What Kind of Nutrition Should a Puppy’s Diet Include?
In the early stages of life, a puppy’s diet must provide adequate nutrition. The health of a dog later in life is heavily influenced by its diet. Food not only supplies energy but also supports the synthesis of cells and maintains daily activities. A proper diet helps prevent issues related to digestion, bones, and other health problems.
Nutritional Formulas for Puppies
To meet these needs, food must follow precise nutritional formulas—not too much or too little. Proper amounts of nutrients are key to healthy development. Nutritional requirements vary by breed. For example, a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard have a weight ratio of 1:100, so their dietary needs are vastly different.
Nutrition also depends on factors such as activity level, age, breed, and food sensitivity. Even breeds with similar characteristics, like Golden Retrievers and Labradors, may require different diets.
Daily Caloric Needs for Puppies
Calories (kcal) measure the energy from food. Every mammal, including dogs, needs energy to survive. A helpful concept is the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), which indicates the minimum energy a dog requires at rest.
- For dogs under 2 kg:
RMR = 70 × (weight in kg ^ 0.75) - For dogs over 2 kg:
RMR = 70 + (weight in kg × 30)
This formula provides only the basic caloric requirement. Adjustments are needed based on activity level to calculate the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER):
MER = RMR × A
Where A varies according to activity level:
- Low activity: A = 1.2
- Moderate activity: A = 1.4
- High-energy working dogs: A = 2 to 3
- Nursing dogs: A = 3
- Growing puppies: A = 1.5 to 2.5
Feeding Schedule for Puppies
- Under 8 weeks: Puppies should stay with their mother and nurse. From week 4, introduce soft food by soaking dry food in water.
- 3 months: Feed 3–4 times a day with softened food.
- 4 months to 1 year: Transition to 2 meals per day. Gradually shift from 3 to 2 meals by adjusting portions over a week.
Meal Frequency by Age
- Under 2 months: 6 meals/day (every 3.5 hours)
- 2–4 months: 5 meals/day (every 4 hours)
- 4–6 months: 4 meals/day
- 6–10 months: 3 meals/day
- Over 10 months: 2 meals/day (like adult dogs)
Seasonal Diet Adjustments
The diet must change with the seasons to maintain your dog’s health and energy.
- Spring: Reduce food intake by 10% compared to winter. Avoid excessive snacks to prevent obesity.
- Summer: Ensure constant hydration. Offer light meals with fewer fats and supplement with proteins. Avoid sugary fruits like watermelon or peaches, as they can cause digestion issues.
- Fall: Increase protein to prepare for winter. Be mindful of sudden weather changes, as dogs are more prone to illness.
- Winter: Provide more fats and vitamin B to support energy needs, but avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Home-Cooked vs. Packaged Food
Dry food is a convenient option as it provides balanced nutrition without preparation hassle. However, if you prefer home-cooked meals, ensure the portions are appropriate. For young puppies (3–6 weeks), you can offer free feeding but monitor portions to prevent waste. As they grow, establish a meal routine.
Foods to Avoid
According to veterinarians, the digestive systems of puppies aged 2–6 months are still developing and sensitive. Avoid feeding them:
- Too hot or too cold food
- Oily, fatty, or overly sweet food
- Processed meats (sausages, smoked meats, etc.)
- Undercooked foods (like raw eggs, fish, or animal fat)
These foods can cause digestive problems, liver issues, or heart disease.
Conclusion
The right diet for puppies depends on factors such as breed, age, activity level, and season. Feed them the correct portions to avoid obesity or malnutrition. Regularly review your puppy’s diet to ensure it meets their developmental needs and supports a healthy, long life.
