Starting Your Puppy on a Healthy Diet
Tuesday, 22 November 2011 16:59
Just like children, growing puppies require a healthy diet with the proper nutrition. With so many options on the shelves, it can be confusing choosing between quality dog food and filler, so here is a guide to help you create a balanced diet for your puppy.
Basics
Starting at your local pet store, you can find dry, canned and semi-moist food. Then there’s natural, organic, holistic and super-premium to choose from. In many cases, experts tend to agree that you get what you pay for. However that does not necessarily mean that just because a brand is labeled ‘all-natural’ or premium, that your puppy will perform better. It’s important to read the label and choose your puppy food based on ingredients.
Deciphering the Label
First off, check the puppy food label to ensure that it meets standards for complete and balanced nutrition set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO.) The food should also indicate the life stage for which it is intended for, these typically include: growth, adult maintenance, gestation, senior, and all life stages. Choosing a brand intended for growth, or puppies will help you narrow down your options. Designated ‘growth’ or puppy food is formulated to include the nutrients that a growing puppy needs.
High-quality ingredients and natural preservatives are beneficial as well. Choose a brand that uses USDA human grade food products. Your puppy food should contain whole meats as opposed to meat byproducts, and all fats listed should also list the source of fat (for example, beef fat.) If the animal fat is unlisted, it usually means it is a low quality fat that your puppy will not digest as easily.
You will also want to choose a puppy food that contains natural preservatives, not chemical preservatives, which can be harmful to a puppy’s health. If you are more familiar with your pet’s preferences, you can also take your puppy’s flavor preferences, lifestyle, and medical conditions into account.
One Brand Does Not Fit All
What works for one puppy may not perform well for another, so it’s important to try a variety of options to find what works best. Use the food for 6-8 weeks and observe how it affects your puppy. Telltale signs of a good brand equal a shiny coat and an overall healthy looking pet. You may find your puppy does not digest a certain brand well or he gets sick from certain ingredients. Be sure to check with your veterinarian or an expert if you have any questions and to ensure that you are providing your new puppy with the quality diet he needs to properly grow and develop.
