Basic Feeding Guide Puppies and Adult Dogs

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Basic Feeding Guide
Puppies and Adult Dogs

How much should I feed my dog?

Daily basic feeding guide for puppies.
An individual puppy's requirements may differ from this chart.

The first 8 weeks	Puppies should not be separated from their mother before they are 8 weeks old. Puppies who leave their mothers sooner have a rougher time adjusting and a higher incidence of illnesses. I do not know if it is due to weakened immunity or mourning the premature loss of its family. Their mother's milk provides them with the nutrition and antibodies they need to become healthy dogs. At three to four weeks, puppies should begin eating some solid food. You can try mixing three parts food with one part water or puppy replacement milk . This will make the food easier for the puppy to digest. If your puppy begins eating a little solid food before they leave their mother they will have an easier time adjusting when you bring them home. One way to tell if a puppy is ready to come home with you is if it prefers human company over their mom or siblings.
6 to 8 weeks	Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Choose a puppy food that provides the appropriate balance of nutrients your puppy needs. Be sure they are getting the right amount of protein and calcium, and the proper amount of calories. Check the label to determine if you are feeding your puppy a balanced diet. Meat should be the first ingredient on the label.
After 8 weeks	Feed your puppy twice a day.
3 to 6 months	Your puppy will be teething. He may become a finicky eater or loose his appetite. Keep feeding him nutritious food twice a day. If he has an upset stomach for more then one or two days, take him to the veterinarian.
6 months to 1 year	Your puppy may look all grown up but he is still a puppy. He should still be fed puppy food for the added nutrition. Feed him the puppy food for the first year. In some larger breeds even into the second year. Ask your veterinarian when you should switch to adult food. Make sure the adult food you switch to is still a balanced diet with the first ingredient being meat.
8 to 9 months	Feeding can be reduced to once a day.
2 years	Smaller breeds can start on adult food when they are a year old. Larger breeds should stay on puppy food until they are fully mature which is usually about 2 years of age. Ask your veterinarian when to switch your dog.

Good Basic Feeding Tips

Feed your puppy the same kind of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
When switching to a new food, gradually transition him to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your puppy may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
Feed your puppy at the same time every day.
Always have fresh drinking water available.
Keep food and water bowls clean.
Don't overfeed your puppy.
Follow the guidelines on the puppy food package for recommended feeding amounts.
Monitor your puppy's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
Don't be alarmed if your puppy's appetite changes. It is normal for your puppy to lose his appetite or experience digestive upset occasionally. If your puppy's upset stomach becomes severe or last longer than a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.

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The first ingredient in your puppy's food should be a "Meat".  Not a "Meat Meal" or Meat By-Product, but the real thing.  Puppies were not meant to primarily eat Corn and Wheat.  If the first ingredient in your dog food is a Corn, Wheat,  Meat-MEAL or Meat-By-Product  Steer clear.  The first ingredient represents what the dog food is most made out of.  By-Products are the left overs, such as the Eyes, Hooves, Skin and Feet (unless the dog food specifically stats otherwise.)   

Typical Breed	Weight As An Adult Dog	Dry Food	Dry Food Mixed With Can Food
Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle	Up to 10 pounds	1/3 to 1 cup	1/4 can + up to 3/4 cup
Miniature Poodle, Scottish Terrier	10-25 pounds	1 to 2 1/4 cups	½ can + ½ to 1½ cups
Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Springer Spaniel	25-50 pounds	2 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups	1 can + 1 to 2½ cups
Collie, Boxer, Labrador, Golden Retriever	50-75 pounds	3 3/4 to 5 cups	1½ cans + 1 3/4 to 3 cups
Great Dane, Malamute,              St. Bernard, Mastiff	Over 75 pounds	5-8 cups	2 cans + 2½ to 5 1/4 cups

Good Basic Feeding Tips

Most dogs should be fed once a day at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a bathroom schedule. However, some dogs, especially the larger breeds, need to be fed more then once a day. Ask your vet how many times a day you should feed your dog.
Feed your dog the same type and brand of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
When switching to a new food gradually transition him to a new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your dog may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
Keep fresh Drinking water available at all times. Change the water at least once day, more for dogs who drool.
Keep food and water bowls clean.
Don't overfeed your dog.
Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
  
Monitor your dog's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
Some dogs can do well on self-feeders. If your dog is overweight, or if he is going to the bathroom inside the house, you may want to get him on a feeding schedule.
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The first ingredient in your dog's food should be a "Meat".  Not a "Meat Meal" or Meat By-Product, but the real thing.  Dogs were not meant to primarily eat Corn and Wheat.  If the first ingredient in your dog food is a Corn, Wheat,  Meat-MEAL or Meat-By-Product  Steer clear.  The first ingredient represents what the dog food is most made out of.  By-Products are the left overs, such as the Eyes, Hooves, Skin and Feet (unless the dog food specifically states otherwise.)