What nutrients should I give my puppy?

Your puppy needs a balanced diet, which is found in many store-bought dog foods or can be prepared at home with the advice of your vet. A balanced diet gives your buddy energy, keeps their brain and body humming, and helps them grow. The key nutrients are: Proteins, proteins help build your puppy's tissues. Fats, fats help keep their skin and hair healthy, they also help your puppy develop a healthy brain and healthy vision. Carbohydrates, carbs help give your puppy energy. Vitamins and minerals, complete and balanced puppy foods have the right amounts of vitamins and minerals. Water, although canned puppy food contains up to 78% water and can provide some of your puppy's water needs, it's not enough. Your puppy will get all the nutrients they need from puppy food with labels that say Complete and balanced nutrition, Meets the nutritional requirements of puppies established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), or Complete and balanced nutrition for puppies based on AAFCO feeding trials.

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. 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. Tinned sardines in spring water, tinned tuna and tinned salmon may also be offered as a treat occasionally. A small amount of finely-cut vegetable matter may be offered, such as cooked pumpkin or carrots. Fresh drinking water must be available at all times but do not offer your puppy milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets. Calcium powder supplements should not be given unless directed by a veterinarian.