Did you know that, for your little bundle of excitement, fresh meat is more than just a culinary feast? From three months old, it is a tasty and nutritious boost to their rapid growth. Let’s dive into the world of puppy food and look at the reasons why and how you can introduce fresh meat into your young dog’s diet.
Puppies need a lot of energy to grow because of this their food contains more calories than that of adult dogs. In addition, they have a higher need for protein to develop their tissue and muscles, more fats for brain and nervous system development and essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus to build strong bones and teeth. They, therefore, have radically different nutritional needs to adult dogs. Listed below are some of the differences:
Energy
Puppies need a lot of energy to help them grow, therefore, puppy food generally contains more calories than dog food designed for adult dogs.
Protein
Protein is important for the growth and development of tissue and muscles, because of this, puppy food often contains higher protein levels than adult dog food.
Fats
Fats not only provide energy but are extremely important for the development of your puppy’s brain and nervous system.
Minerals and vitamins
Some of the indispensable nutrients for puppies are calcium and phosphorus, your puppy needs these to build strong bones and teeth.
Smaller chunks
The metal chunks for a puppy should be smaller than the chunks you would give to an adult dog, this makes them easier to chew and ultimately easier to digest.
Introducing fresh meat? It’s like learning to walk – start slowly. Gradual introduction to their diet helps to prevent digestive problems. A little taste here, a little bite there and if those tiny stomachs approve, slowly ramp it up!
Is your puppy becoming an adolescent? Then their menu should grow with them. Depending on the breed, you should switch to big boy or big girl food between 9 and 24 months. This keeps the nutritional balance in perfect harmony with their age.
A final word of wisdom: always check with your vet before changing your puppy’s eating habits.