One of the most debated topics in the field of animal nutrition is whether to opt for the classic ready-to-eat dog food or for a home feeding of the puppy dog with the correct doses.
The second solution can be, if you have the specific information to deal with it, a good idea to better select the quality of the products and keep the diet of our faithful friend under control. Even when it comes to a puppy.
It is good, however, that home-made food for puppies is as varied as possibleto avoid any nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, contact a veterinarian before changing your four-legged friend’s diet.
What to feed a puppy dog?
Depending on age, a puppy will eat different foods. Until the first month of life, it is important that the puppy dog feeds only on its mother’s milk; if he doesn’t have a mother, he can use a so-called “maternized” milk sold in pet stores or pharmacies.
After the first month, his teeth will come out and it will be possible to feed him soft or shredded food such as puree.
Between two and six months, as soon as he has stopped taking milk, our puppy will start eating solid food. Typically, three times a day. After six months he will have to eat two meals a day, like an adult.
What to feed the dog instead of croquettes?
Protein
A home-cooked meal for a dog should contain protein in the form of white or red meat. It is the protein food most commonly used in the home nutrition of puppy dogs and can be administered from various sources: bovine, equine, sheep and goat, poultry.
The meat can be replaced once or twice a week from fish, eggs or low-fat cheese.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are also useful vegetable origin in the form of vegetables, cereals, dry bread, pasta or rice.
Puffed rice? A sometimes controversial key: we say yes, but in moderation. Obviously you must always hear the opinion of your trusted veterinary doctor, who knows the specific case.
What should not be contained in the home diet of the puppy dog
They should be absolutely avoided:
- sauces;
- ragout;
- condiments;
- pepe;
- sale;
- fried;
- braised;
- roasts.
In other words, the leftovers from our table, because they are rich in spices and condiments that are harmful to the dog. Best to avoid:
- the bones (the sharp or coarse ones. They can create gastric lesions);
- fermented and seasoned cheeses;
- sweets;
- candies;
- chocolate, highly dangerous for dogs.
The recommended doses for home feeding of puppies
Various factors affect the dog’s nutritional needs such as:
- the age;
- the race;
- the sex;
- the Constitution;
- climatic conditions;
- the level of daily physical activity.
In the puppy we can consider a total weight equal to 3/4% of its body weight.
Example of how much homemade food to give the puppy
For example, for a 5 kg puppy we are talking about a quantity of food that varies from 150 to 200 g in total, to be divided into two different times of the day. Half must be composed of proteins, therefore about 75/100 grams, while the remaining part must be composed of carbohydrates (half of the proteins), fruit and vegetables to complete.
Of course this is just one generic example: as we said previously, to have the right doses for home feeding of the puppy dog you absolutely must consult with your trusted veterinary doctor.
The meat to choose for the puppy
The meat should be chosen not excessively lean, of different origins and should be blanched in boiling water with the exception of pork which should be cooked. Offal, having a low nutritional value, should not be given more than once a week and should always be blanched in boiling water.
Fish is the alternative to meat: it needs to be cleaned and boiled and the amount required for a puppy is equivalent to that of meat.
Egg? Once or twice a week, raw yolk, cooked egg white.
Pasta and dairy products
Milk, in small regular quantities, is a good food for a growing dog. Only fresh cheeses.
Carbohydrates are an essential component of the meal, accompanied by meat or fish. Pasta and rice should be served well cooked. Puffed cereals are, on the other hand, served with the addition of water. Bread stimulates salivation and strengthens the gums and should preferably be given stale in quantities equivalent to meat.
Vegetables and fruit
The vegetables are the last part of the dish (10-15% of the ration): they are served cooked.
Particularly indicated are carrots, green beans, courgettes and squash which offer the correct amount of fiber e you mineral salts.
Fruit with little sugar, such as apples, is fine.
L‘water must always be available and often renewed.
If you lack imagination in cooking, there are several recipes aimed at puppies: from rice with salmon, to meat pie, to chicken risotto.
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Article reviewed by:
Francesco Reina
Veterinary assistant