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Feeding your puppy

Puppies need food made for growth, several small meals a day and steady rather than rapid growth.

The right food

Choose a complete food made for puppies, and one for large-breed puppies if your dog will be big: its calcium and energy content is adjusted to protect growing joints. Keep the breeder's food at first, and if you want to switch, do it gradually over about a week.

How much and how often

Young puppies usually eat three or four meals a day, going down to two by around six months. The amounts on the bag are a starting point; adjust them so the puppy stays lean, with a visible waist and ribs you can easily feel.

Growth and extras

Do not add calcium or vitamin supplements to a complete puppy food, as too much calcium can harm the growing bones of large breeds. Weigh the puppy regularly and log it in the app; a curve that suddenly flattens or shoots up is worth discussing with your vet.

Test yourself: Feeding a puppy

How many meals does a young puppy usually need?
  1. One a day
  2. Three or four a day
  3. Ten a day

Correct answer: Three or four a day

Young puppies usually eat three or four meals a day, going down to two by about six months.

Why choose a large-breed puppy food for a big puppy?
  1. Its calcium and energy content protects growing joints
  2. It has more flavour
  3. It makes the puppy grow faster

Correct answer: Its calcium and energy content protects growing joints

Large breeds should grow steadily, not fast; their food is adjusted for that.

Should you add calcium to a complete puppy food?
  1. Yes, always
  2. Only in summer
  3. No, too much calcium can harm growing bones

Correct answer: No, too much calcium can harm growing bones

A complete food is already balanced; extra calcium can do harm, especially in large breeds.

How do you know the amount is right?
  1. The puppy is lean, with a waist and ribs you can feel
  2. The bowl is always empty
  3. The puppy always begs for more

Correct answer: The puppy is lean, with a waist and ribs you can feel

The bag is only a starting point; adjust by body condition and follow the weight curve.

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