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What Should I Feed My Puppy? | Tips and Ideas

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Summary: "Organic vs. store bought dog food or do I just need to have a variation in my new puppy's diet?" Or maybe you are asking, "I'd like to change the puppy's dog food because I really don't like the type that the breeder was using." What to do? We attempt to clarify the perplexity in this article.

We have heard this question many times throughout the decades of dog breeding we have been through. We cannot emphasize it enough that "consistency" is a very important part of your puppy’s diet. You should feed your puppy the same kind of puppy dog food every day. A puppy’s digestive system cannot handle changes in food. Puppy’s do NOT need a change in diet to be happy.
Many times, we have met first-time dog owners that have read some article about why they should feed their puppy a specific food. We try to tell them the importance of 'consistency' in their diet to no avail. And sure enough, we get a phone call shortly thereafter asking why their puppy has diarrhea.

If you are going to switch your puppy's dog food from what the breeder was using, then we'd recommend following these two suggestions:
  1. Give the puppy a break. He or she has just left its surroundings and is adjusting to a completely new environment and boss. Don't change the food on him or her for the first week or two of being with you.
  2. Make the change gradually. Mix portions of the old food that they are adjusted to with the new food phasing it out over several days or so.
Again, puppies can experience diarrhea if their food is changed abruptly.

We strongly suggest that you get your puppy into a regular routine. That includes eating at the same time every day. Your puppy should have fresh drinking water always available. A good recommendation is to follow the guidelines on the packaged puppy dog food for feeding amount. Remember, your puppy is growing tremendously fast and requires proper nutrition just as any living thing does.

When looking for puppy food carefully read the label and choose a puppy food that has the first ingredient listed as meat. The first ingredient listed is what the food is mostly made out of. There are several fine choices available.

As far as organic puppy dog food products, there are many out there and just as many people who wouldn’t feed their pets anything but organic and natural foods. You are the one who has to decide what is best for yourself and for your pets. The choices are many. Study it out and make the best decision you can. Breeders in your area and local Veterinarians can be a good avenue for trusted advice.

Amazon has Organix Adult Canine Formula Dry Dog Food. "Made with certified organic, free range chicken as the #1 ingredient for great taste and outstanding digestibility. Organix dog food complys with all USDA National Organic Program requirements, which means that each and every ingredient in Organix -- including those that aren't organic -- are reviewed and approved by an organic certifying agency that enforces all USDA requirements that apply to organic human food."

Amazon also offers the highly recommended Chef Michael's Dry Dog Food. It is described on Amazon's website as "a chef inspired, dog desired meal. Whenever Chef Michael cooked at home, Bailey would dance in anticipation at his feet, her tail madly wagging. So Chef Michael decided to create a line of hearty meals inspired by Bailey's favorite flavors, starting with the real meat dogs really want. Now, Chef Michael's(TM) Canine Creations let you cater to your dog's own desire every day. A delightful crunchy blend of filet mignon garnished with potatoes and green beans. This delectable dish is full of meaty goodness that will make your dog's mouth water. Nothing delights your dog like the ultimate steak flavor. Your dog will lose herself in the tenderness and mealtime pleasure, savoring the robust flavor that satisfies even the most hearty appetite. Finally you can give your dog the mouthwatering goodness of a prime buffet but in a healthy way."



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July 22, 2009 - 10:00am — zeuspals

Feeding my dogs

I have a female Chihuahua and a male, she weighes about 6.0 lbs and he tops the scales at 2.8 lbs., My female is a rescue dog but the male I bought as a play mate for her, any way I just wanted to say I have never given my dogs store bought dog food, I have been making thier food for them, I did this only with my Vets approval and I give them a vitamin, every day. There are some very good choices on line, and also so fun dog treats you can make, all the food that I fix is salt free and all natrual, it's nothing I wouldn't eat,they have regular check ups and my dogs are doing great. My Vet says they are some of the healthest dogs he's seen, and if more people would reconsider what they put in thier dogs stomach's we might have less cancer in our little loved ones. I enjoy the process of making thier food and it cost's no more then buying the dog food that my Vet sells. Making your dogs food may not be for every one but, I do wish more people would at least read about it and maybe see how much better it would be for thier dogs. Just a thought.