Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it also comes with a steep learning curve—especially when it comes to feeding. A puppy’s diet is crucial for their growth, energy, and development. However, many new pet parents unknowingly make feeding mistakes that can impact their puppy’s health.
Understanding common pitfalls can help you set your puppy up for success. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequent feeding mistakes new puppy parents often make—and how you can avoid them.
Feeding the Wrong Type of Food
One of the most common mistakes is feeding adult dog food to a puppy. Puppies require more calories, protein, and fat than adult dogs because they are growing rapidly. Adult dog food simply doesn’t provide the right nutritional balance for their development. Always choose a puppy-specific formula approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures the food meets your puppy’s nutritional needs.
Switching Foods Too Quickly
Changing your puppy’s food too fast can upset their stomach. Sudden changes often lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or refusal to eat. If you need to switch brands or types, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days. Mix the new food in slowly, increasing the amount a little each day while decreasing the old food. This gives your puppy’s digestive system time to adjust.
Free Feeding Instead of Scheduled Meals
Leaving food out all day might seem convenient, but it can lead to overeating and unhealthy weight gain. Free feeding also makes it harder to monitor your puppy’s appetite, which is often an early sign of health issues. Instead, set regular feeding times—typically 3 to 4 times a day for younger puppies—and remove the bowl after 15–20 minutes.
Feeding Human Food or Table Scraps
Many pet parents like to share food with their puppies, but not all human foods are safe. Foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, garlic, and cooked bones can be toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of salty, fatty, or spicy foods can cause gastrointestinal issues. Plus, feeding from the table encourages begging, which can be a hard habit to break later.
Giving Too Many Treats
Training treats are great, but they should only make up about 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake. Overdoing it can quickly lead to weight gain or cause your puppy to skip their regular meals. Look for healthy, low-calorie treat options, and use tiny pieces during training. You can also use part of your puppy’s regular kibble as training rewards.
Not Providing Enough Fresh Water
Some new puppy owners forget how essential water is. Puppies are active and need plenty of hydration throughout the day. Always keep fresh water available, and make sure the bowl is clean. If your puppy is eating dry kibble, proper hydration is even more critical.
Using the Wrong Bowl Size or Type
It might sound minor, but the type of bowl you use can make a difference. Bowls that are too deep or too tall can be hard for small puppies to eat from. On the flip side, shallow bowls may cause fast eaters to gulp their food. If your puppy eats too fast, consider a slow feeder bowl to reduce the risk of choking or bloating.
Feeding Based on Guesswork
Many new puppy parents either overfeed or underfeed because they guess the portions. Always refer to the feeding guide on the food packaging, but remember that it’s just a starting point. Factors like breed, size, age, and activity level will affect your puppy’s exact needs. For personalized guidance, consult your vet to ensure your puppy is getting the right amount.
Not Adjusting Portions as the Puppy Grows
What works for your 8-week-old puppy won’t work at 16 weeks. Puppies grow fast, and their feeding amounts need to change over time. Failing to adjust their portions can result in malnourishment or obesity. Track your puppy’s weight and body condition every few weeks and update their feeding routine accordingly.
Skipping Veterinary Advice
While it’s tempting to rely on online advice or pet store recommendations, your vet knows your puppy’s specific health needs. Skipping that input can lead to nutritional deficiencies or unaddressed allergies. Schedule regular vet visits and discuss your feeding plan during each appointment.
Conclusion
Feeding mistakes new puppy parents often make are easy to avoid once you understand your puppy’s needs. Choosing the right food, sticking to a consistent schedule, avoiding table scraps, and consulting your vet will help you raise a healthy and happy puppy. Paying attention to how and what you feed your puppy early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of good habits and wellbeing. Petsdogpuppy