Nutrition for Your Puppy

There’s nothing quite as euphoric as the moment you bring your eager and snugly furry bundle home. Whether you’ve bought a puppy from the pet store or adopted one from a shelter, all baby dogs require a nutritionally dense diet so that they can grow and flourish.

One of the most important things to be aware of, is that a lot of dog food you’ll find at the supermarket is subpar. Many companies add a large degree of wheat and corn based ingredients to their dog food formulas. This filler material only serves to add calories without the necessary nutritional value your dog needs. While canines have adapted to be able to eat a broad range of food, they are primarily carnivorous. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you choose food that is high in protein.

Puppies generally require more energy than older dogs, so it’s also important that they eat a formula that will be congruent with their needs. Look for a puppy formula that has plenty of phosphorous and calcium. These nutrients are essential to proper bone and organ development.

The type of food you need may also vary based on what breed of dog you own. For instance, larger dog breeds tend to be more prone to complications with their joints, and so the ratio of calcium and other nutrients in their diet needs to be specific to their needs. In a similar vein, smaller breeds actually need to eat more often than larger dogs so that their blood sugar doesn’t drop.

Before committing to any particular brand of dog food, it may also be a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice and general information regarding your dog’s breed and proper nutrition. Some pet owners even decide to make their own dog food and supplement with raw meat, in which case it’s especially important that you seek the advice of a vet.