160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Puppy Questions
Dear Dr. Berg,
I have a new puppy and I am wondering just how many times a day to feed him? I try to follow the instructions on
the bag, but it seems like he won't eat all that the bag says he should eat.
I am constantly amazed at the wide variety of dog foods and dog treats that are produced these days, and some of
the commercials on television are priceless. We love our pets and we love to pamper them with food. My dog, Nikki,
has me trained rather well, I think..
The best way to feed a puppy is actually simpler than most of us make it, and my answer may surprise you.
First, be sure that you are feeding a PUPPY food and not DOG food. Puppy food is higher in vitamins and minerals,
and is denser in calories to help support the rapid growth you will see in the next few months.
The easiest form of puppy food to feed is dry food. Using dry food, all that you need to do is to offer it to your
puppy as much as they want to eat for about 20 minutes, and to do this 3 times daily (4 times if your puppy is
under 8 weeks).
Most people look at me in amazement when I first suggest this….."He'll turn into a Goodyear Blimp!" And,
true, the first day you do this, you pup may eat 3 or 4 bowels and a meal, and go to bed with a delirious smile
on his face. But he will soon learn that this change in your behavior is going to last, that he'll get all he wants
each time, and that he doesn't need to eat more that he needs. He'll be happy and satisfied, and you'll be happy
knowing that he's getting all that he needs.
An added benefit of doing the feeding this way is that toilet training will be easier. By taking your puppy out
right after these regular mealtimes, you will also be training your puppy's system to need to eliminate on a regular
basis. Puppies just like kids, LOVE routine because then they know what is going to happen next.
Most of the time, your puppy's weight will be exactly right. They tend to eat as much as needed and no more. Ask
your veterinarian to assess your pet's weight and diet each time you are in for a physical.
Some people use canned food because, in general, it is tastier to our pets. This is just fine, but you cannot feed
canned food free choice. If canned food is fed at one or w meals, and the third meal is free-choice dry, you will
know that your dog has had the opportunity to fully satisfy his needs.
In our household, I give Nikki, our Akita, a small amount of soft food mixed in with her dry at her twice daily
feeding. She loves me for it and I feel really good inside. I sometimes wonder if I do it for her, or if I do it
for me.
In the end, it's the over-all health of your the dog that will tell you if you're doing a good job or not with
your pet's diet. An active dog, shinny coat, and glossy teeth are signs that you're doing things right. Don't hesitate
to discuss your pet's diet your veterinarian when you take your pup in for check-ups.
Back to the Puppy Page
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