| For most dogs, puppy hood lasts for about the | | | | Puppy hood is the most crucial time in your dog's |
| first year of life. During this time, the puppy needs | | | | development. Bad habits now can affect his health |
| higher levels of minerals like calcium and | | | | down the road. |
| phosphorus, protein, vitamins, and energy | | | | Always feed your pup a "meal." As stated earlier, |
| (Calories) than it will as an adult. Foods fed to | | | | pups will eat continuously if left alone. It is much |
| young, growing dogs should contain these higher | | | | better to put down a large amount of food, but |
| levels of nutrients. | | | | only for a limited time, usually 20 - 30 minutes. |
| Pet foods in this group will usually be labeled as | | | | Let the pup eat all he wants in that time, and |
| "puppy food" or "canine growth" to distinguish | | | | then take the food away until the next meal. This |
| them from foods designed for more senior dogs. | | | | will also discourage finicky eaters, as they will learn |
| However, you should always keep in mind that | | | | to eat when the food is available. |
| overfeeding can be harmful to your pet. Develop | | | | If your puppy starts to become overweight, |
| a feeding schedule for your breed of dog and | | | | simply shorten his mealtime, or reduce the |
| stick to it. Puppies will tend to eat everything in | | | | number of meals each day, as determined by |
| sight because of higher activity levels. | | | | your vet. Overweight puppies tend to become |
| Consult your veterinarian for a good brand of dog | | | | overweight adult dogs with greatly increased |
| food and an appropriate feeding schedule. Avoiding | | | | health problems, and usually a shorter life span. |
| giving table food, table scraps, or treats and | | | | Good nutrition and good eating habits are your |
| snacks, these will only unbalance his diet and | | | | responsibility, so please give them your best |
| cause poor digestion and over time, obesity. | | | | attention. |