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Puppy nutrition is a top priority for any new dog owner. A puppy's diet should be rich in protein from animal sources like chicken or beef.
Puppies need a constant supply of energy to fuel their rapid growth and development. They require a minimum of 22% protein in their diet.
Fresh water should always be available to your puppy. Dehydration can occur quickly in young dogs.
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Feeding Guide
Feeding your puppy is a crucial part of their development, and it's essential to get it right. Puppies require a larger portion size of pet food than adult dogs, and this changes as they grow older – a dog may eat 40 oz. a day as a puppy and 30 oz. of adult dog food later in life.
To calculate feeding quantities, you'll need to consider factors like estimated weight at maturity, age, activity level, and any health issues. Your veterinarian is the best source of advice on this, so be sure to consult with them.
A different take: Will Puppy Food Hurt Older Dogs
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Puppies should eat small meals multiple times a day until they become adults, which eases digestion and helps them maintain steady energy levels. They usually transition to solid food at around 3-4 weeks of age, and most puppies are weaned and enjoying a solid food diet by six weeks of age.
Here's a rough guide to help you get started:
Vet-Approved Feeding Guide
As you're planning to bring home a new furry friend, it's essential to understand their nutritional needs. Puppies require a larger portion size of pet food than their adult counterparts, as they're growing dogs. This means they need more calories to support their development.
Feeding quantities actually reduce as they grow older - the same dog may eat 40 oz. a day as a puppy and 30 oz. of adult dog food later in life. It's surprising, but it's all about feeding for the future, rather than their current size.
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When researching how much a puppy should eat, there are different factors to consider, including estimated weight at maturity, age, activity level, and health issues. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best feeding plan for your puppy.
To calculate feeding quantities manually, you'll need to consider your puppy's estimated adult weight, age, activity level, and health issues. This will help you determine the right amount of food for your puppy.
Here's a quick guide to help you get started:
Remember, these are general guidelines, and your veterinarian may recommend a different calorie intake based on your puppy's individual needs.
When to Feed Dogs
Feeding your dog at the right time is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Consistency is key, so stick to the same feeding times each day.
The ideal time to feed your dog is between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. This allows them to digest and eliminate before bedtime, reducing the risk of nighttime accidents.
Feeding your dog between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. also helps to establish a strong routine, which is essential for their education and development.
Should You Buy?
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Just Food For Dogs may be the match you've been searching for if you've been hesitant about switching to a fresh food diet because of costs or the lack of studies on fresh food diets.
The fresh food brand is affordable and has years of studies to prove digestibility and immune health support.
The choices are endless with a variety of protein choices, special diets, and even the option to customize your dog's diet.
You can have the fresh food delivered to your doorstep, pick it up at open-to-the-public kitchens, or grab a few packages by swinging by Petco or Petfood Express.
You can also order it off your Amazon app while binge watching your favorite shows on Netflix.
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Feeding Calculations
Calculating the right amount of food for your puppy can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, we've got you covered. It's essential to consider your puppy's estimated adult weight, as this will determine their daily calorie intake.
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To calculate your puppy's daily calorie needs, you can use a puppy feeding chart, which takes into account their age, activity level, and health issues, if any. The chart will give you an estimate of the calories your puppy needs per day.
Here's a simple 5-step process to calculate your puppy's feeding quantities:
1. Find your puppy's estimated adult weight.
2. Determine their daily calorie intake using the puppy feeding chart.
3. See the food label for "calories per serving" to calculate the quantity needed to meet daily calories.
4. Use the meal frequency chart to determine how many meals your puppy needs a day.
5. Divide the weight of food calculated in step 3 by the number of meals in step 4.
Remember, your puppy's activity level, body condition, and breed will also impact their calorie needs. For example, active dogs require more calories, while underweight puppies need more calories to gain weight.
Here's a quick rundown of the factors to consider:
- Estimated adult weight
- Age
- Activity level (active, sedentary, or somewhere in between)
- Health issues, if any
- Breed (large breed puppies have different requirements than smaller breeds)
By considering these factors and using a puppy feeding chart or calculator, you can ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food to support their growth and overall health.
Puppy Feeding Schedule
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Puppies need to eat frequently to keep their energy levels steady throughout the day. This is especially true for young puppies, who require a higher caloric intake.
Feeding them small meals multiple times a day until they become adults is a good idea, as this eases digestion. You can start by feeding your puppy 3-4 times a day, and gradually reduce the frequency as they grow older.
The amount of food your puppy needs will depend on their age, estimated weight at maturity, activity level, and any health issues they may have. It's a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule for your puppy.
As a general rule, puppies need to eat more food than adult dogs, with a larger portion size of around 40 oz. a day. This amount will decrease as they grow older, eventually reducing to around 30 oz. of adult dog food.
Additional reading: What Nutrients Do Dogs Need in Homemade Dog Food
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Here's a rough guide to help you estimate how much food your puppy needs:
Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and your veterinarian may recommend a different feeding schedule based on your puppy's individual needs.
Diet and Nutrition
Puppies can eat treats, but they should be given in moderation and made with whole-food ingredients for the healthiest option.
Treats should account for a maximum of 5% of your puppy's daily calories, so if your puppy eats 400 kcals per day, only 20 kcals should come from treats.
Soft bite-sized treats are recommended for young puppies with underdeveloped teeth.
Apples are a great snack for puppies, high in antioxidants and dietary fiber, but be sure to core them first.
Cranberries are another safe and healthy snack option for dogs, providing an excellent source of vitamins.
Feeding your puppy a fresh, proven healthy diet that's formulated specifically for very young dogs will provide them with the high-quality nutrients they need to support their overall health and long-term growth.
You should always ask your veterinarian for advice on assessing your puppy's body condition score, as puppies develop at different speeds.
Replacing 50% of your puppy's current food with a new food is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust this based on their individual needs.
A unique perspective: Puppies or Puppys
Transitioning to Solid Food
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Transitioning to solid food is a crucial step in your puppy's development. Puppies start eating solid food as early as three weeks old.
Breeders typically start by blending high-quality food with their mother's milk and a puppy milk replacer. This combination helps ease the transition to solid food.
For orphaned puppies, weaning begins around 3-4 weeks of age, and small amounts of high-quality soft food are added to their milk formula.
Check this out: Dog Food for High Energy Dogs
How to Transition
Transitioning to solid food is a big milestone for puppies. Breeders start puppies on a mix of solid food and mother's milk as early as three weeks.
For orphaned puppies, weaning begins around 3-4 weeks of age. Small amounts of high-quality soft food are added to supplement their milk formula, transitioning pups gradually to solid food by 5-6 weeks of age.
Puppies usually transition to solid food at around 3-4 weeks of age. They start to need more calories than they can obtain from their mother's milk or milk replacer.
Using the same high-quality food that the mother is fed can aid the transition. This is blended with a puppy milk replacer and warm water.
Most puppies are weaned and enjoying a solid food diet by around six weeks of age.
Worth a look: How to Start Raw Food Diet for Dogs
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
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Feeding your puppy a fresh, proven healthy diet that's formulated specifically for puppies will provide them with the high-quality nutrients they need to support their overall health and long-term growth. This type of diet is especially important for puppies that develop at different speeds.
To ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food, replace 50% or 75% of their current food with the new food, as recommended by the manufacturer. It's also essential to follow the puppy feeding guidelines given on the food label.
A nutrient-rich and balanced diet, formulated for puppies to promote healthy growth, is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. This type of diet should provide the recommended number of daily calories for your puppy's estimated adult weight, activity level, and breed.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Dogs
Puppies need a balanced diet to support their growth and overall health. Feeding them a fresh, proven healthy diet formulated specifically for their age and size is key.
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Treats can be a part of a puppy's diet, but they should be given in moderation and chosen wisely. Always check with your veterinarian or trainer first to ensure you're making healthy choices.
Soft, bite-sized treats are best for young puppies with underdeveloped teeth. Opt for treats made with whole-food ingredients and avoid those that market themselves as "healthy" but have unwholesome ingredients.
Consider your puppy's age, weight, allergies, physical condition, and activity level when choosing treats. Over-snacking can lead to obesity and other health issues, so be mindful of the calories.
Snacks should account for no more than 5% of your puppy's daily calories. If your puppy eats 400 kcals per day, then only 20 kcals should come from treats.
For more insights, see: Calories in Dog Treats
Weight Loss Tips
Maintaining a Healthy Weight is crucial for your puppy's overall well-being, and one of the most common issues is weight loss. To prevent this, it's essential to feed your puppy a nutrient-rich and balanced diet, formulated for puppies to promote healthy growth.
A unique perspective: Heart Healthy Food for Dogs
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Feeding the right amount of calories is also vital. Extremely active dogs will require a higher-calorie diet, so make sure to check the recommended daily calories for your puppy's estimated adult weight, activity level, and breed.
Following the puppy feeding guidelines given on the food label is also crucial. It's not just about feeding the right food, but also about feeding the right amount.
If your pup is still below average for their breed, then it's recommended to seek advice from your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
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Feeding Frequency and Quantity
Feeding your puppy the right amount of food at the right time is crucial for their growth and development. You can start by finding your puppy's estimated adult weight.
To determine how much food your puppy needs, you'll need to calculate their daily calorie intake using the puppy feeding chart. This chart takes into account your puppy's activity level, body condition, and breed.
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For example, active dogs require more calories than sedentary dogs, while underweight puppies need more calories than their heavier counterparts. Large breed puppies will have different requirements from smaller breeds.
Your puppy's meal frequency will depend on their current age and estimated age of maturity. Puppies require a higher caloric intake, so it's best to feed them small meals multiple times a day until they become adults.
Here's a rough guide to follow:
Remember to distribute these meals evenly between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to create a consistent routine for your puppy.
Research and Ingredients
Just Food for Dogs Puppy formula features a simple and wholesome ingredient list, including Wild Alaska Pacific cod, sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, broccoli, and safflower oil.
The nutrient content of Just Food for Dogs Puppy formula is estimated to be 39% protein, 11% fat, and 42% carbs on a dry matter basis.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutrient content on different bases:
What Kind of Research?
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Just Food For Dogs conducts rigorous research to ensure the quality and safety of their recipes. They exceed AAFCO standards by testing their recipes over a year in 30 dogs, not just six months in six dogs.
Their research has shown the benefits of their recipes in long-term feeding, promoting healthy functioning of the immune system. This is a significant advantage over traditional kibbles.
Just Food For Dogs refused to use caged laboratory animals in their feeding trials, instead working with two major universities to conduct robust, humane trials. This commitment to animal welfare is commendable.
Their research has led to groundbreaking findings, including the discovery that their six daily diets are up to 40% more digestible than kibbles in similar studies. This is a testament to the quality of their ingredients and preparation methods.
Discover more: Best Home Cooked Food for Dogs
Recipe Analysis
In this recipe, we have a variety of ingredients working together to provide a balanced meal for our furry friends. The main protein source is Wild Alaska pacific cod, which is a great option for dogs.
The recipe also includes sweet potatoes, potatoes, green beans, and broccoli as complex carbohydrate sources. These ingredients provide sustained energy and fiber for healthy digestion.
The fat content comes from safflower oil, which is a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids. This helps to support skin and coat health in dogs.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutrient content of this recipe:
These nutrient levels are estimated based on the dry matter content of the recipe. This means that the actual nutrient levels may vary depending on the moisture content of the ingredients.
Ingredients Analysis
Cod is a marine species of fish native to both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. It's the first ingredient in this dog food, sourced from clean, undecomposed whole fish and fish cuttings of commercial fish operations.
Sweet potatoes are a gluten-free source of complex carbohydrates in dog food and are naturally rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene. They're the second ingredient in this dog food.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Is Fish Food Harmful to Dogs
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Potatoes can be considered a gluten-free source of digestible carbohydrates, but they're of only modest nutritional value to a dog. They're the third ingredient in this dog food.
Green beans are a healthy vegetable notable for its vitamin, mineral, and natural fiber content. They're the fourth ingredient in this dog food.
Broccoli is a healthy green vegetable and a member of the kale family, rich in vitamin C and fiber and numerous other nutrients. It's also believed to provide anti-cancer benefits.
Safflower oil is nutritionally similar to sunflower oil and is high in omega-6 fatty acids, containing no omega-3's. It's notable for its resistance to heat damage during cooking.
Dicalcium phosphate is likely used here as a dietary calcium supplement, and it's the seventh ingredient in this dog food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is just dry food OK for puppies?
While dry food can be a suitable option for puppies, it's essential to introduce it gradually and under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure a smooth transition. Puppies typically need a combination of wet and dry food, especially during the first few months of life.
Is JustFoodForDogs FDA approved?
No, JustFoodForDogs is not FDA approved, but our canine daily diets are formulated to meet National Research Council (NRC) standards, which are recognized by the FDA as the most up-to-date authority on nutritional guidelines
Is JustFoodForDogs expensive?
No, JustFoodForDogs is not expensive. We're 30% more affordable than other fresh food brands, making whole food nutrition accessible to every dog.
Sources
- https://www.petfood.express/justfoodfordogs/
- https://www.justfoodfordogs.com/how-much-to-feed-a-puppy.html
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/pets/content/just-food-for-dogs-review
- https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/just-food-for-dogs/
- https://www.petguide.com/health/dog/just-food-for-dogs-freshly-made-dog-food-that-focuses-on-your-dogs-health/
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