(with Expert Advice from AKC expert Lisa Peterson)

New puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, just as baby humans do. Since their digestive systems are still maturing, they also need to stay on a consistent diet. Feeding your puppy properly can help him settle in to his new home more easily.

Before you bring your new puppy home, make sure you know what he has been eating so that you can buy the same food. If you can’t find that food in your local stores, be sure to ask the breeder for a three to four day supply so that you can gradually mix it with the puppy food you are going to be using. This way, there is no abrupt change in diet.

If you do change the puppy’s food and he develops diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately to be sure it is really the change in food that has caused the diarrhea. (If his diarrhea is bloody, he could have a medical problem, such as coccidia.) If it is the change of diet, your veterinarian will probably recommend feeding him rice with broth or chicken baby food mixed with it until he returns to normal and then gradually reintroducing the puppy chow.

So, is that commercial puppy food ok for your dog? According to AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson, “The BARF diet is hard to administer because the owner is left to decide if the dogs are getting the proper ingredients. A good commercial food has all the necessary nutrients. Ask your veterinarian or breeder for a recommendation. If the dog’s coat is glossy and healthy, the food is good.”

Once you decide on the proper diet for your new puppy, you will need to decide how many times a day to serve his meals. Ms. Peterson says, “Puppies have smaller tummies and a higher metabolism. They need to eat three to four times a day until they are six months and then two times a day until they are one year.”

After your puppy is one year of age, you can switch to one meal a day. However, I know I’d have a hard time eating once a day, so you may want to feed your dog most of his meal in the morning and offer the remainder of the meal in the evening.

Ms. Peterson mentions another important feeding concern for owners of smaller dogs. “Toy dogs can suffer from hypoglycemia.” This means that small dogs should eat several small meals throughout the day to avoid low blood sugar problems.

Now that you know how to provide basic care for your new puppy, you are ready for the final lesson of the course, which includes some great quick tips about new puppy ownership from our experts.

Until then, don’t forget to give your puppy plenty of hugs and kisses,
Katelyn

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