Feeding a small puppy properly is essential for their growth and development. Choosing high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds is crucial, as it provides the necessary protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Avoid low-quality brands with fillers and artificial ingredients. Puppies require a consistent feeding schedule based on their age: four meals per day from 6 to 12 weeks, three meals per day from 3 to 6 months, and two meals per day from 6 to 12 months. Maintaining regular feeding times helps with digestion and energy regulation. Portion control is also important, so it’s best to follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging while adjusting based on your puppy’s weight, activity level, and breed to prevent overfeeding and obesity.
Fresh, clean water should always be available, and it should be changed regularly to ensure hygiene. Certain foods, such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and table scraps, should be avoided, as they can be toxic or cause digestive issues. When introducing new foods, it is essential to do so gradually over five to seven days by mixing them with the current diet to prevent stomach upset. Monitoring your puppy’s weight and overall condition is key to ensuring proper growth, and any significant weight changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Treats should only make up about 10% of the puppy’s daily calorie intake, and healthy options like small bits of cooked chicken or carrots are preferable. Additionally, some puppies have dietary sensitivities or allergies, so it’s important to watch for symptoms such as itching or digestive problems and consult a vet if needed. When the puppy reaches around 9 to 12 months of age, transitioning to adult dog food should be done gradually over a week to avoid digestive discomfort. Following these best practices will help ensure your puppy grows into a healthy and happy adult dog.
- Ask the breeder for 4 – 5 days worth of the food the puppy has been eating.
- Choose a food labelled as “Growth” or “Puppy” so that the youngster gets the right balance of calcium and protein for growth.
- Feed your puppy on a consistent schedule.
- Don’t give the puppy lots of extra treats or food.
- Feed your beagle puppy 1.5 -2 cups of nutrient rich food spread over 3 meals per day when they are 12 weeks.
- Focus on preparing food with quality proteins, calories, and other nutrients and take into consideration his activity level. A less active dog needs less food2.
- Put separate bowls for food and water, preferably made of stainless steel, as they are the easiest to clean and also durable3.