Feeding Routine

When puppies are eight weeks old they can be fed canned, moist, or dry food. Four small meals a day are best for young puppies. When the puppy reaches four months of age the meals can be reduced to three a day, at nine months reduce to two a day, at twelve months you can reduce it to once a day ( for those owners who have a very busy schedule, except in special cases such as working dogs or pregnant dogs you may need to feed them twice daily). It is a good idea to feed your pet the same time daily and in the same place.

Below is a basic dietary chart. Your veterinarian my prescribe a different diet than listed below if he/she feels it is necessary.

Dog Diet Chart
Pets Weight Canned Food Semi-Moist Food Dry Food
lbs. 680g cans /day 250g packets /day per day
2 - 11 1/2 1/3 - 2/3 1/2 - 1 cup
13 - 22 1/2 - 1 2/3 - 1 1 -2 cups
24 - 55 1 - 2 1 1/2 - 3 2 - 4 cups
57 - 110 2 - 3 1/2 3 - 5 4 - 7 cups

How Much to Feed

The amount of food required daily varies according to factors such as growth, breed, maintenance, exercise, pregnancy, environment, and disease. Some animals require more food while others require less. A young, playful, and active dog would normally require more food than an old, mature, less active dog of the same breed. If your puppy, young adult, or older dog is healthy, in good condition with good skin and coat, active, alert, and not to fat or not to thin but:

  • Leaves some of it's food, then your are most likely feeding too much.
  • Eats all of it's food either slowly or quickly, but is still to thin, then you need to give more food.
  • Eats all of its food but looks fat, is slow to move, lazy, then maybe you are feeding to much.
  • Eats all of its food, is steadily growing and shows a normal weight gain, then you can assume you are feeding the correct amount.

Factors Effecting Nutritional Requirements

  • Age effects your pets need and tolerance of protein, minerals, and energy.
  • Disease often increases the need for nutrients and also may decrease the ability to absorb certain requirements.
  • Environment can affect energy needs. Extreme heat or cold, humidity, and also stress can create the need for a high energy diet.
  • Temperament can affect energy needs. The high strung pet will most likely need a high energy diet.
  • Reproduction requires increased amounts of protein, energy, vitamins and certain minerals.

Dietary Management

Different pets have different nutritional needs. The more closely you meet those needs within the diet, the better the chance of maintaining your pet's health. It is important you feed a diet with a correct amount, not excess amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Your veterinarian will help you to determine your pet's nutritional needs. Always consult with your veterinarian about any diet you decide to feed your pet.

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