Planning your puppy’s diet
Puppies are exciting and entertaining pets. While it is often tempting to provide your puppy with excessive food and treats, and to take joy in his consumption, it is important to regulate your puppy’s eating habits. Remember that puppies often lack in self-control and naturally rely on a mother figure to guide them through their early stages of life. As your puppy’s owner, it is your responsibility to watch over your puppy’s eating habits and take control of his food situation.
Always establish an eating schedule for your puppy. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on the quantity of food you should feed your puppy at any given stage in his life. Remember that puppies grow quickly, and their nutritional needs may change just as quickly. Remain in contact with your veterinarian for guidance through these periods of growth. Using the veterinarian recommended quantity of food, decide how and when you are going to feed your puppy. Often times, it is most appropriate and convenient to feed your puppy two or three times a day. Feed him once in the morning for breakfast, once in the evening for dinner, and if you choose, once in the afternoon for lunch. Try to keep your schedule as consistent as possible, feeding your puppy at the same times each day.
Never leave a full bowl of food for your puppy throughout the day. He may overeat, putting himself for risk of obesity, bloating, digestive complications, and overall discomfort. Overeating can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea, making life unpleasant for your puppy and your household. A lack of eating schedule also makes training difficult. You might not know when your puppy has eaten, so you cannot judge when he will have to go outside to do his business. House training becomes slow and delayed, and your puppy will probably have many accidents in the house.
Remember to take care in setting and keeping a feeding schedule for your puppy. With the proper diet and schedule, you will find your puppy happier, healthier, and more responsive to training.
