: Feeding your puppy

What if the breeder has been feeding different foods?

Although home-prepared diets can be formulated to meet a dog's nutritional requirements, it is quite a difficult procedure with deficiencies and imbalances occurring fairly commonly. Premium prepared foods provide more reliable balanced nutrition.

Changing over to a suitable commercially prepared food should be done gradually to avoid any stomach upsets. Each day replace about one fifth of the old diet with the new one. Mix well and offer to the puppy. By the fifth day you will have successfully switched over.

If you notice any loose motions during this period, be aware that it is probably due to the change process rather than the ingredients in the new diet. If loose motions persist you may need to talk to your veterinarian. This may be due to parasites, stress, dietary change or some other problem requiring treatment.

You may decide whether to use dry or canned food depending on your preference. Many owners use a combination of both, but you will need to adjust the quantities to avoid unintentionally overfeeding.