3rd October 2023

Getting puppy nutrition on point from the get-go matters. Here are our top 5 tips to help…

1. When to introduce puppy food

In their first 2-3 weeks, puppies are completely dependent on milk. During this stage they are at risk of dehydration, hypothermia, and hypoglycaemia, as well as viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. So correct nutrition of your puppies really begins by making sure that bitches are properly nourished leading into lactation. Providing a palatable, high-energy diet during the last 4 weeks of gestation (at a minimum) is recommended.

Food can start to be introduced to your pups as early as 2½ weeks of age and, by 4 weeks at the latest. This is when their energy requirements begin to increase and milk production decreases.

2. Aim for optimal energy intake

Because they are growing, puppies have higher energy needs than adult dogs at maintenance. Pups already undergo fairly rapid growth – reaching their mature size around 12 months of age – so it’s important that this process isn’t sped up further by providing too much energy in the diet. Oversupplying energy can cause rapid or ‘maximal’ growth (where the puppy grows too fast), which increases the risk of skeletal deformities and a shortened life expectancy.

Whilst they shouldn’t consume too much energy, nor should they receive too little. It is just as important to support your pups’ growth with an adequate supply of dietary energy, because a diet that’s too low in energy can result in sub-optimal growth.

How do you find a balance?

To prevent overfeeding, puppies can be portion fed 2-3 times a day (rather than allowing free choice feeding). This ensures they get the nutrients they need without providing excess energy.

3. Protein quality matters!

Protein provides amino acids, which are needed to make proteins in your pups’ bodies (so they can make things like muscle and hormones). High-quality protein ingredients (meat is considered the best source) supply your pup with digestible, essential amino acids. On the flipside, numerous studies have shown that insufficient protein in puppy diets can negatively affect growth and development.

When choosing a puppy food, look for one that lists meat as the first ingredient AND specifies the source of meat.

4. Provide fat in their diet

Fat (or oil) is essential in the diet of growing puppies. It’s a great source of energy, provides essential fatty acids, and helps your pup digest fat-soluble vitamins.

Omegas 3 and 6 are important in brain development, and this is especially relevant for working dogs who require good mental alertness. Omegas 3 and 6 also play roles in promoting skin and coat condition, regulating inflammation and immune function. A diet that contains over 10% fat is recommended.

5. Vitamins & minerals

They’re only needed in small amounts, but giving your pup the vitamins and minerals they need, is super important for promoting healthy development, overall health and longevity! The correct amounts of calcium and phosphorus (in the right ratio) to support bone and joint development is essential. So too is providing optimal levels of iron, copper, vitamin A and vitamin E.

Giving your pups a ‘complete and balanced’ puppy food is an easy way of ensuring their vitamin and mineral requirements are met.

CopRice – Nutrition that stacks up.

Got questions? Need advice on the right diet for your pups? The Team at CopRice would love to help! Give us a call on 1800 029 901.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer. You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.