Puppy dogs go through several growth stages in the first few months of life, each of which has specific nutritional needs:

STAGES OF DOG GROWTH

Infant. Puppy dogs are born without the ability to see, hear or regulate body temperature. They are completely dependent on their mother for nourishment and care. During the first few days of life, pups attach to their mother’s mammary glands for milk. Breast milk is rich in essential nutrients and, in the first few hours thanks to colostrum, very important antibodies that help protect puppies from common diseases. It is therefore understandable that the mother’s nutrition plays an essential role at this stage, not only for her own well-being but also for that of the pups and their proper and robust growth. It is recommended to feed her a good “puppy” feed as it is richer in energy, essential nutrients such as protein and fat and accompany it with plenty of fresh water always available.

Weaning. Around 4-6 weeks of age, puppies begin to show interest in more solid food, and the weaning process can begin. In addition to breast milk, it is possible to offer them group meals, with healthy, balanced foods adapted to their growth needs as well as digestible and that do not neglect the well-being of the intestinal microbial flora: in fact, it is at this delicate stage that we witness the construction of what will be the subject’s microbiota even once they are adults, thus also conditioning their well-being or predisposing them to digestive or dermatological alterations. Starting with mousses and creams, by 8 weeks of age, puppies begin to eat solid food more consistently, eliminating breast milk altogether, so it is important to provide them with a balanced and complete diet.

Young. Between 2 and 6 months of age, depending on the breed, puppies continue to grow very rapidly, also increasing their mass by considerable proportions each week. During this stage, it is essential to provide them with a nutritious diet to support their growth and development: rich in high biological value protein and able to supply all nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus in balanced ratios for the growth and formation of the skeletal muscle system, which will have to support and bear their weight and exuberance, without damage. Usually around the sixth month of life, some smaller breeds may slow down their growth and gradually end their physical and physiological development with sexual maturity; for other medium and large breed dogs, on the other hand, growth may take up to a year/year and a half, and therefore it is advisable to pay close attention to feeding but also to the management of the puppy in the environment and during activities.

WHAT IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT ER A PUPPY?

All phases, however, need a balanced protein intake, provided by high biological value sources, such as those of animal origin, found in meat or fish. Protein is extremely important in the nutrition of puppy dogs, providing them with essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and development, healthy skin and coat, proper functioning of the immune system, and more. During the early stages of a puppy’s life, when growth is rapid, it is especially important to ensure that he or she receives sufficient amounts of high-quality protein. Ideally, a puppy diet should contain a percentage of protein appropriate to their needs, generally around 22-32% of the dry matter of the total food. It is important to choose foods specially formulated for puppies, as these will be balanced to meet their specific growth and developmental needs, by carefully reading the labels with the list of ingredients that are used.

Dr. Alessandra Calini

Veterinary Physician Nutritionist