What nutrition should a puppy have?

Puppies are largely carnivores but will also eat some plant-based foods. The basis of your puppy’s diet should be a high quality balanced premium commercial puppy food that is appropriate for their life stage and health status. Puppies should be offered food at least 4 times per day to begin with, gradually reducing the number of meals as they grow. It is important not to underfeed or overfeed puppies. Research indicates that overfeeding puppies can predispose them to muscle and bone problems. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times but do not offer your puppy milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Cooked meat such as boiled chicken or lamb may be offered occasionally, but ensure there are no cooked bones, onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present. A small amount of finely-cut vegetable matter may be offered, such as cooked pumpkin or carrots. Your vet will be able to advise you on how much and what to feed your puppy.

Carbohydrates play an essential role in enhancing body function in dogs and cats. Sugars and starch that are used in ROYAL CANIN diets, are useful and easily digestible form of energy for growing puppies. Dietary fats serve as the most concentrated source of energy in a balanced diet, and lend palatability and texture to puppy’s foods. Protein plays a vital role in healthy puppy development by forming and renewing tissue, muscle and the skeleton. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the puppy's body in sufficient amounts for healthy functioning and development, and therefore must be present in food. There are two types of minerals required for healthy development. Macro-elements such as calcium, phosphorous and potassium enable a number of key functions in the puppy’s body, including healthy bone growth, transmission of nerve impulses and muscle metabolism. Vitamins are needed for a wide range of biological and developmental functions including: Immune and cognitive function Cell function and repair Reducing inflammation Fat metabolism Blood clotting Brain and liver function. A puppy is less able to store water soluble vitamins such as vitamin B, in particular thiamin, and riboflavin in its body and therefore it is critical that these vitamins are part of their regular daily diet.