A nutritious diet is a must for puppies who are in their peak growth phase and need the right food to build strong bones, teeth, muscles and all the energy to jump. Puppies usually stop drinking their mother’s milk when they are 8 to 12 weeks old and gradually start eating solids. However, it is only between 4 to 6 months of age that their permanent teeth appear. It is important not to overfeed or underfeed your puppy. Initially, they should be fed 3-4 times, while after six months feeding 2 times is enough. (Also read: Do you have an overweight dog? Here are diet tips you should follow)
PUPPY NUTRITION
“Puppy nutrition is primarily about ensuring your pets are getting the right quality of food at the right time. It’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before introducing your puppies to a food, as every puppy is different and some may have specific dietary needs during their growth phase,” says Sakshi Bawa, founder of Mutt Of Course.
Bawa suggests 5 things one can feed their puppies in small amounts or as a snack:
• Carrots: A fantastic source of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, carrots also contain iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. It can be used as a healthy puppy teether and will help keep their teeth and gums clean.
• Apples: Remove the seeds and core of the apple before giving it to your pups. Apples contain vitamins A and C and are not toxic to dogs. However, check with your vet about how much apple you can give your pup.
• Cucumber: One of the best summer foods, cucumbers are low in calories and have few carbohydrates, fats, or oils. They contain vitamins C, B1, and K, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin, making them a great summer treat. You can freeze peeled cucumber slices and offer them to your pups as snacks.
• Watermelon: You would have seen plenty of videos of puppies and adult dogs eating slices of watermelon. Watermelon contains potassium, as well as vitamins A, B-6, and C, and is great for summers. However, be sure to completely remove the seeds from the watermelon before giving it to your pups.
• Green beans: Steamed, raw, cooked, or canned, green beans of all kinds are safe for dogs. In fact, vets recommend green beans as a healthy treat for puppies. The point to keep in mind when giving green beans is that they should be plain and not mixed with other ingredients like salt, spices, oils, onions, etc. Keep it simple.
All of the fruits and vegetables listed above are fine for puppies, but it’s still important to consult your vet before introducing your pup to a new diet, to be aware of any issues or food allergies.
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