Last Updated on September 20, 2023
The most beautiful feeling is welcoming a new puppy into your home. It is a beautiful addition to your family. The tiny bundle of fur will soon grow into your best friend and the reason for joy in your home.
However, it is not only about excitement or happiness; it also carries a great responsibility. Just like us, puppies require much care and attention to stay healthy. So, to see your furry friend healthy and energetic, you must take care of several things.
You must create a proper routine for them, play with them, spend quality time with them, and train them to behave well. Besides all a healthy and balanced diet for your four-legged buddy should be your top priority. Your puppy’s food should be able to satisfy his daily macro and micronutrient requirements. The best approach is to offer him natural food, which has several advantages.
Natural food is free of additives, preservatives, and harsh chemicals, which improves your puppy’s overall well-being, especially digestion and dental health. Natural food, on the other hand, provides the necessary fuel for their functioning, improving the efficiency of your cute little friend.
Let’s look at the best natural foods for puppies and what you must look for while choosing.
Nutritional Needs of Puppies
When it comes to the needs of puppies, they differ slightly from adult dogs. During their growing stage, their diet is vital in supporting their development. It is important to ensure that they get the key nutrients. Here are some important nutrients that should be included in your pet’s diet;
Protein
Protein is essential for puppies as it forms the foundation of their muscles and tissues. Their bodies require an amount of protein during growth. The specific protein requirements may vary depending on each puppy’s breed and individual needs.
Certain breeds, like greyhounds, are known for their sleek physique. If their protein needs aren’t met adequately, it can impact their functioning. Nevertheless, protein is crucial for all puppies regardless of breed. By the way, you might want to check out this trendy greyhound harness designed specifically for your greyhound puppy.
While there are available puppy foods rich in protein, it is recommended to incorporate natural food sources into their diet for better outcomes. Here are some examples of foods that are high in protein and suitable for your puppy;
Vegetarian Sources: Kidney beans, Lentils, and Soy products.
Non- Vegetarian Sources: Lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey.
Carbohydrates
Puppies are generally charming and adorable, but they are much cuter when actively responding to you. It is better to say that they look nice while being energetic and active all day. So, carbohydrates are crucial in keeping your puppy active throughout the day as they fuel your tiny friend’s body. Sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats, peas, lentils, and whole wheat are all-natural carbs sources.
Fats
Fats are necessary for your tiny furry friend’s skin to be clean and his coat to develop properly. Therefore, your puppy needs omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in his diet. Let’s look at their natural sources:
Vegetarian Sources: Avocado, almonds, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, flaxseeds, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Non-Vegetarian Sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, poultry skin, and fish oil.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Your puppy’s food should have balanced calcium and phosphorus for ideal bone development. However, keep in mind that these minerals should be used in a controlled way with no overdosage. Let’s look at some natural sources of these minerals.
Calcium: yogurt, cheese, kale, collard greens, plant-based milk, and small bones (for non-vegetarian options).
Phosphorus: Lean meats, chicken, fish, dairy products, whole grains, and legumes.
Things to Avoid
When discussing what should be included in your furry friend’s diet, we also need to discuss what should be avoided. Here is a list of items to avoid for the sake of your pups’ general health.
- Keep an eye out for food that contains colors, flavors, and preservatives. These additives can potentially make puppies sick.
- Avoid foods with fillers, like corn and soy, as they don’t offer nutrition for puppies.
- Puppies should not consume amounts of salt and sugar as it can be harmful to their health.
- Foods rich in nutrients, such as chicken, turkey, and vegetables, are better for puppies.
- Simple meals with fewer ingredients are often considered good options.
If you’re unsure, seek help from an expert about puppy food. Puppies grow stronger and happier when they eat nutritious meals. So, choose foods that are excellent for them!
Things to Remember
There are some important things to remember for your puppy’s overall well-being which are as follows:
Moving to Real Food
When your puppy is ready for solid food, it’s best to do it slowly. Start by mixing a tiny bit of the new food with their old milk or formula. Over a week or two, add more of the new food and less of the old one. This helps avoid tummy troubles.
Making Food at Home:
Sometimes, people make food for their puppies at home. It’s a good idea if you want to be in charge of what they eat. But it can be tricky to make sure they get everything they need.
Talk to the Vet
Even though picking good puppy food is important, talking to the vet is smart too. Puppies come in different sizes and health needs. Your vet can help you choose the right food and plan for your puppy. They know best!
Wrapping It Up
So, taking care of your new puppy is a big and exciting responsibility! Just like you need the right foods to stay strong and healthy, your puppy needs the best foods too. Natural foods are great because they don’t have things like fake colors and chemicals. Don’t forget little dogs need protein to build muscles, carbohydrates, energy, and fats to keep their coats shiny.
It’s best to avoid foods with excess salt and sugar since those aren’t good for puppies. Instead, opt for foods that contain meat and simple ingredients. You know what? If you’re unsure, it’s an idea to consult with a veterinarian or someone knowledgeable about nutrition. They can guide you in choosing the food for your puppy.
Puppies feel good when you feed them with tasty food like humans. They are man’s best friends. So, always consider these suggestions and give your puppy the right food. Keep giving them the healthy and right food of their choice and you will have a cute friend for your whole life.
