Selecting the best puppy food can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are new to owning a dog. There are so many brands out there and everyone seems to have a different opinion on what might be best for your dog. So, where do you begin? Here are some tips on choosing the best nutritional puppy food.

First off, you should remember that puppies actually require a different range and distribution of nutrients than older dogs. In fact, during their first six months, puppies grow at the fastest rate, which is why it is so crucial to give them the best available food as soon as they are weaned. Typically, you will need to give your puppy premium puppy food until an adult weight and height is achieved. This is usually around 1 year for smaller dogs and 2 years for the larger breeds.

Types of puppy food

There are three types of dog food available on the market: dry kibble, moist or canned food, and semi-moist foods that come in sealed packages. Most veterinarians and dog trainers will advise you that your puppy should eat mainly dry kibble. Dry kibble has an acceptable fat content for puppies, helps with tarter control on the developing teeth, and spoils less easily. However, depending on your dog’s needs, you may need to use both moist and dry food.

Both dry and moist foods come in puppy-specific formulas. If your puppy hasn’t been weaned for too long, canned food may be the better option. As the puppy grows, you can start mixing the moist food with dry kibble, eventually leading to a full dry kibble diet. It is important to keep in mind that dry kibble is also better for potty training.

Feeding patterns lead to behavior patterns

You can often tell if you are feeding your puppy properly by the way he or she behaves. A shiny coat, a contented attitude and well-formed stools, are all indications that your puppy is eating the right diet. Remember, a happy and healthy dog is also energetic and playful.

It is extremely important to avoid overfeeding your puppy, but it is just as crucial not to underfeed the dog. Puppies, unlike full-grown dogs, will actually need about four meals each day. But be careful because feeding too much can cause stomach issues! Keep your vet’s recommendations in mind when doling out the food portions each day.

Choosing puppy food

While you will need to get a food formulated just for puppies, it is also important to consider the breed of your dog when choosing the food. Larger dog breeds will always require higher levels of nutrients that prevent bone issues and other health problems later in life. Discuss nutrition with your veterinarian if you aren’t sure about the levels of protein your puppy might need.

An easy way to determine what levels of proteins and ingredients are in a particular puppy food is to simply read the label. If you need more protein, look for protein meal, not just plain protein – this is better for your dog. It is also a good idea to avoid puppy foods that list “by-products” in their ingredients. By-products are cheap fillers that may cause health implications later on.