Important Nutritional Requirements of Puppies

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You did it! You finally found the most ultra-cute, four-legged puppy ever, and you’ve added it to the family. You got all of the supplies that you need to make this puppy feel at home; the food, the dog bed, the adorable matching dog food and water bowl set, and a sweet plush lovey for him to play with.

A few weeks into your beautiful, budding relationship you run into a friend at the store who is a pet nutritionist. She notices the generic bag of puppy food in your shopping cart and warns you of the unhealthy ingredients in most store-bought dog food.

When you get home you take a deeper look at the ingredients on the back of the dog food you just purchased, your friend was right. If these ingredients aren’t good for your new companion, then what are the basic NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF PUPPIES ?

 

1.Protein & Dietary Fats

What does protein do for my puppy?

Protein is a macronutrient that provides ample energy for your sweet pup. Since they can’t produce the necessary amount of amino acids needed, it’s vital that you supply your puppy with protein.

Other benefits of protein:

• It promotes strong bones
• It helps to give your hound a thick fur coat• It makes their nails more durable
• It gives them strong muscles

 

Where can I get protein for my puppy?

Just like a human, your puppy can get its protein from eggs, fish, lean meat, and legumes. Keep in mind that your puppy needs twice as much protein as a full-grown dog.What do dietary fats do for my puppy?Dietary fats are a good source of energy just like protein. Giving your puppy fats in moderation is best, as too much can cause health issues.

What does this macronutrient do for your puppy?

• Helps their body absorb fat-soluble vitamins
• Protects their organs
• Keeps their body temperature regulated
• Encourages a healthy nervous system

 

What type of fats should I give my puppy?

Remember not to give your pet too many fats, as it can cause issues in the digestive system. The following oils supply fatty acids.

• Fish oil
• Olive oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Sunflower oil

 

2.Water

It is pertinent that your puppy always has access to water. Letting your four-legged friend go too long without water can cause dehydration. Left untreated, dehydration can cause serious illnesses and even death. If you have a water bin outside for your puppy, you should make sure that it is always filled with clean water. Do not let your puppy drink puddled or stagnant water, it may be contaminated and cause your pup to get sick.

 

How much water should my puppy drink a day?

There is no one-size-fits-all response to this question, there are a few components that come into play when assessing your pups water intake.

1. Size
   If your puppy weighs 4 pounds, it is likely not going to drink as much water as a puppy that is 15 pounds. Your pup should be drinking at least half its weight in ounces. 4 pounds = 2 ounces, 15 pounds = 7.5 ounces.
2. Activity level
   If your puppy gets a lot of exercise, it is going to need to drink a lot of water. If you have a puppy that is laid back and likes to cuddle, it will drink less water.
3. Food type
   A puppy that eats dry dog food versus wet dog food will need more water during mealtimes to help counteract their mouth drying out.

 

3.Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins are organic supplements that are necessary for a homemade diet. If your companion eats commercial dog food, you don’t need to give them any additional vitamin supplements. Doing so can cause toxicity.

Minerals are needed to maintain your puppy’s metabolism. Since your puppy cannot produce these on their own, they get them from their food. Your puppy needs double the amount of calcium than adult dogs, especially if you have a large-breed puppy.What do vitamins and minerals do for my puppy?

 

Vitamins and minerals help support the body from almost every aspect.

• Bone health
• Antioxidant support
• Nerve transmission
• Help blood clot
• Boost the immune system

 

4.Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a big supplier in glucose, they are made of sugars and starches. These are lowest on the list of being nutritional requirements of puppies but, some carbohydrates can be helpful to them. Give your pup healthy carbohydrates from vegetables, fruits, and beans.

 

Conclusion

When deciding what breed of puppy you are going to bring home, it is important to consider their diet as well. Knowing the basic nutritional requirements of puppies is important when purchasing your puppy’s food, or ingredients for it. Remember, before you feed your puppy anything you should make sure it is okay with the vet to avoid sickness and digestive issues.

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