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Nutrition is an important part of pet care, and food is one of the basic needs of a dog. So, we cannot go wrong when it comes to feeding our fur babies. And how would anyone mess it up? As humans, we are used to satisfying the nutritional needs of ourselves. How difficult could it possibly be to do the same for a dog? Well, thanks to the endless varieties of dog food available in the market, choosing the right kind of puppy food has become a challenge. But fret not! With this comprehensive feeding guide, you can plan a healthy and balanced diet for your new-born puppy. It also covers questions like what, when, and how often to feed a puppy.
Complete and balanced nutrition is critical for the healthy growth of your puppy. In fact, according to Dr. Saza Curaming, “A puppy grows about 12x faster than a human child. That’s why the first year of a dog’s life is a critical stage and this will dictate its further development. It is at this stage where you must constantly monitor its nutrition and feeding regimen.” So, let’s look at the food guide for the first year of a newborn pup:
As compared to adult dogs, puppies need a higher protein intake. It helps with muscle development and tissue repair. Hence, it is imperative to include protein-rich foods in their diet. While iron helps create red blood cells, calcium strengthens bones and teeth. As your puppy grows, it will start learning new things. And to ensure that your pooch can see and conceive new things, it needs DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid that supports healthy vision and brain development. You must also include prebiotics in its diet as your pet cannot have a healthy gut without it!
Give your dog the food that’s specifically formulated for its breed and age. Since small breed dogs have a tiny mouth, they require smaller kibbles. Moreover, large breed dogs have a slower metabolism; hence, they require fewer calories per kilogram of their bodyweight when compared to a small or medium breed dog.
IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Starter Mother and Baby Dog is loaded with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is scientifically formulated to raise your pup’s training potential and brain development. With IAMS™, you make sure that your little pooch receives a balanced and complete meal. This dog food is perfect for newbie mother dogs as well. It ensures production of quality milk for healthy growth of the puppy.
Now that you know the nutritional requirements of a dog, let us check out the food items that are harmful for your pooch:
A fat puppy might not necessarily mean a healthy pet. The way childhood obesity often leads to medical complications in humans, an overweight puppy can also grow up to have health problems. So, make sure you monitor your furry friend’s calorie intake. This includes keeping an eye on the amount of treats you give your pup each day! Remember that treats are not the only way of rewarding a dog. You can make it feel loved and appreciated with praises, pats, and belly rubs as well.
While choosing a food for your puppy, go for the one that is specially made for your pet. Today, dog food brands have different food for different age groups and breeds. So, choose the one that fits your pet’s age, breed, and needs. In case you are having a hard time choosing the right puppy food, you can also consult your vet regarding the same.
You should feed complete and balanced puppy food to your puppy every day. Choose between dry and wet puppy food or mix the two.
Check out the below table to understand how much food you should feed your puppy:
| Age | Feedings |
| 6 to 12 weeks | 4 |
| 3 to 6 months | 3 |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 |
Chicken, beef, fish, fruits, and vegetables are a few healthy ingredients in dog food. However, the best food for puppies would always be rich in protein. So, go for dog foods with chicken, beef, or fish as main ingredients.
In the realm of pet care and canine health, certain nutrients often take center stage, and one such nutrient is vitamin E for dogs. While it might get as much attention as the other vitamins, the impact of vitamin E on your dog's well-being is significant. From bolstering their immune system to promoting a lustrous coat, this nutrient plays a crucial role in keeping your furry friend in top-notch condition. Join us as we delve into the world of vitamin E for dogs, exploring its multifaceted benefits and uncovering the sources that can contribute to your pup's overall vitality.
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, is a vital player in the health of both humans and our four-legged friends. Grouped into tocopherols and tocotrienols, this nutrient operates as a stalwart defender against free radicals, those troublemakers causing oxidative stress in the body. In simpler terms, it is a guardian of cells. Vitamin E for dogs supports immune function, maintaining skin health, and even contributing to good vision. The catch is that dogs cannot generate vitamin E in their systems, so it is on us, the providers of kibble and treats, to ensure they get their dose.
Absolutely, dogs can and should have vitamin E as part of their dietary intake. Since our furry friends cannot produce this essential nutrient internally, it becomes crucial to incorporate it into their meals. Dog foods often include vitamin E, but if you are preparing homemade meals or noticing a lack in their diet, supplementation may be necessary. This vitamin is not only a defender against oxidative stress but also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system. While moderation is key in all things, ensuring your canine companion gets an appropriate amount of vitamin E can significantly contribute to their overall health and well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the right balance for your specific dog's needs.
Without a doubt, vitamin E is exceptionally beneficial for dogs. Its antioxidant properties play a pivotal role in protecting their cells from damage caused by free radicals, contributing to the prevention of various health issues. This nutrient is particularly crucial for bolstering their immune system, promoting skin health, and ensuring a shiny coat. Dogs experiencing deficiencies in vitamin E may exhibit symptoms such as dull coats, muscle weakness, and impaired vision. Incorporating an adequate amount of vitamin E into your dog's diet can be a proactive step in maintaining their overall health and vitality. However, as with any nutritional component, it is important to strike the right balance, and consulting with your veterinarian is advisable to tailor your dog's diet to their specific needs.
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for dogs. From fortifying cellular defenses to enhancing skin and coat brilliance, it offers countless benefits. So, let us understand the crucial role of vitamin E for puppies and dogs in their well-being:
Vitamin E acts as a stalwart defender, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells over time. By doing so, it helps maintain the structural integrity of cells and supports overall cellular health in your dog.
A robust immune system is crucial for your dog's well-being. Vitamin E enhances the production of immune cells, fortifying your dog's defense mechanisms and aiding in the prevention of infections and illnesses.
Vitamin E for a dog’s skin is nothing short of magic, contributing to the maintenance of healthy skin. It helps alleviate dryness and irritation, making it particularly beneficial for dogs prone to skin allergies or dermatological issues.
The link between a shiny coat and good health is well-established. Vitamin E for puppies and dogs plays a huge role in promoting skin health and hydration directly contributes to the vibrant, glossy appearance of your dog's coat.
In the realm of ocular health, vitamin E plays a role in maintaining good vision in dogs. Its antioxidant properties extend to the eyes, helping to protect against age-related degeneration.
Supporting the health of muscles and nerves, vitamin E for dogs benefits your baby’s overall mobility and vitality. This is particularly important for active dogs and those engaged in regular physical activities.
For breeding dogs, vitamin E is essential for reproductive health. It aids in fertility and ensures the healthy development of embryos, supporting a smooth reproductive process in females.
In conditions like arthritis, where inflammation is a concern, vitamin E's anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial. It may help manage inflammation and alleviate discomfort in dogs with joint issues.
Incorporating vitamin E into your dog's diet offers a holistic approach to their health, addressing various aspects from the cellular level to visible markers like coat condition. As always, consulting with your veterinarian ensures a tailored and effective approach based on your dog's unique needs.
As we curate the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition for our furry companions, let's explore a canine culinary journey featuring vitamin E-rich ingredients. From eggs to safflower oil, each element not only tantalizes your dog's taste buds but also delivers the essential goodness of vitamin E, contributing to their overall well-being in delightful bites.
In the nutritional narrative for our canine friends, vitamin E emerges as a hero, weaving a tale of immune resilience, skin radiance, and overall vitality. Its antioxidant prowess safeguards cells, ensuring a robust foundation for your dog's well-being. As you curate their meals, let vitamin E take the center stage, offering not just nourishment but a key ingredient in the recipe for a thriving, tail-wagging companion.
