How To Choose the Right Food for Your Puppy
There's a method, we swear!
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Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Credit: Eve Tetzlaff (Dyberry Creek Farms)
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
People use food as a way to show love. We care deeply about what we put into our bodies, so of course we want to put the same care and consideration into choosing what to feed our dogs. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide on which food is best for your puppy.
If you’re not sure where to get started, it’s always a good idea to ask your breeder what food they were feeding your dog before you got them — they may even send some food home with you. Also ask your veterinarian about what type of nutrition would be good for your puppy.
Expert Tip: Select food labeled AAFCO “All-Life Stages” or “Growth” because puppies have different nutrient requirements than adult dogs. Large and giant breeds may need a large-breed puppy or all-life stages formula to prevent musculo-skeletal problems.
Once you’ve decided on food, the next step is knowing how much and how often to feed your puppy. Small and toy breeds may need to be fed more often because they can be prone to hypoglycemia due to their small size.
Measure your puppy’s food and set a feeding schedule for their meals. This will help your pup maintain a healthy weight while growing and will help them with house training, too.
Further Reading
For help deciding on your puppy’s food:
For more information on puppy nutrition:
- Good Dog's Recommended Reading about Dog Nutrition
- Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Pet Foods
- Grain free dog food Q & A
- FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Books:
Rae Paoletta is a staff writer at Good Dog. She is a science journalist and editor who has worked at Gizmodo, Inverse, NBC News and National Geographic. She's the proud mom of a pup named Queso.