Nutritional Needs for Growing Puppies

Being a pet parent, one of the biggest tasks to accomplish is giving your dog the perfect nutritious diet, especially when they're growing. And yet, many pet parents make the common mistake of not paying as much attention to their pet's diet.

In the growing stages, your puppy needs so much more than just healthy food. Your pup's diet should be tailored to their individual needs. If you are a pet parent still stuck on a generic diet plan for your growing puppy, it's time to pause and reconsider.

Why is proper nutrition important?

A diet with proper nutrition in the growing stages will not only help your puppy grow healthy but will also give them long-term benefits. Keep reading to know the most crucial benefits of a properly balanced diet.

Body toning & conditioning:

Proper nutrition at an early stage plays the most important role in defining the right body structure for a dog for the rest of their life. Your dog would have toned muscles and body shape in the long run only when their dietary needs are fulfilled in the growing stages.

Skin & fur health:

Abnormal shedding, fur growth and skin diseases are common problems that pet parents have to deal with- because of a wrong diet plan. Giving your pet the right diet when they are growing will ensure healthy fur growth when they are mature.

The right fur growth is especially important for dogs with double-coating like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors.

Immunity development:

The right food at the right age works best to develop long-term immunity in dogs or any living being for that matter. Vitamins and minerals from a nutritious diet at an early age will develop strong and long-lasting immunity, metabolism, as well as functioning efficiency in your pet. This may not be possible if you focus on your pet's diet when they're mature.

Number of feedings per day based on your pup's age

Setting a routine is important for a puppy so he learns when to expect food from an early stage. It helps them form a structure and predictability in their lives. A routine helps setting digestion and appetite for your puppy and they will be less likely to overeat or eat at unexpected times. It can also help with their potty training.

However, just feeding at set times is not enough. It is important that their diet consists of all the nutritional elements required for their growth- proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. Moreover, their calorie intake should also be monitored. Excess calorie intake can lead to rapid growth, which comes with risk of obesity later in life. This can also cause several skeletal problems. On the other hand, calorie intake lesser than required can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune system, and reduced muscle development.

Is there anything breed-specific?

Tired of seeing infinite food brands convincing you to buy their breed-specific food products for your pet? Let's help you make a firm decision here. Breed-specific food is not harmful but surely a waste of money in some cases. The breed of a dog can guide you with what is suitable and what's not. But if your pet is on a balanced diet and growing healthy, it's not necessary to include breed-specific food.

• 2 to 3 months old: 4 meals a day
• 3 to 6 months: 3 meals a day
• 6 to 12 months (up to 24 months for the largest breeds): 2 meals a day

For instance, a diet high in calcium could be bad for a Golden Retriever puppy. So, you would want to balance their diet with food low in calcium rather than food specific to their breed. But how to find what nutrition to include more and what to eliminate from the pet's diet based on their breed? Don't worry, Kuddle has got your back! Keep reading to find the perfect solution.

How do you choose your pet's nutrition?

If you have a dog in the growing stages, it's time to rethink the food you provide them and switch to a more specific diet plan that caters to your pet's individual needs and body demands.

Worried about where to begin your homework? Do not panic because you are at the right place. At Kuddle's online platform, you can generate a customized diet plan for your pet depending on their age, breed, and weight with just a few clicks. And guess what? It's absolutely free. As a pet parent, you can completely trust this diet plan as it's created in consultation with experienced pet nutritionists.

So, why wait? Join our Kuddle community and ensure the best diet and life for your beloved furry friend.