Many people ask me: What puppy/dog food I should use? First off, quality and ingredients matter, just like in humans. Also, it’s important to measure the quantity they eat, the same as humans.
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into the various puppy foods out there. The number one I would recommend is Life’s Abundance, which is why I’ve partnered with them and sell their products. Their food is clean and healthy, and gives your puppy the best all-around diet. It has all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to help them grow, have healthy skin and coat, and most importantly gives them a healthy gut (digestive system). You can buy it here: Life’s Abundance
Here’s my recommendation on How to feed:
- Feed your puppy 3 times a day while they are little. Start with 1⁄4 of a cup at each meal. Then you can see if they need a little more or a little less. Don’t give them too much, some will keep eating until they make themselves sick. (some dog foods with have the amount on the back of the bag, if they say 1 cup a day, then split that into 1/3rds)
- The nice with Life’s Abundance is you can feed them the same puppy food forever. If you do change their food, and keep the same brand it’s not a big transition and doesn’t upset their stomach.
- Do not just switch puppy foods all at once. If you are going to switch foods, do it slowly. Mix in a little of the new food each feeding and gradually do more of the new food. If you do it too fast, it will upset their stomach and make them sick.
- Don’t give them too many treats, or they might not be hungry when it is time to eat the food with nutrition.
- When you feed them make sure and put your hand in and out of their food bowl while they are eating. Take out a few pieces of food, put in a few pieces of food. They need to get used to hands by their food while they are eating. If you have children have them do this as well so your puppy gets used to kids/people in their space while eating. When they have a treat or chew stick let them chew on it a few minutes while you are holding onto it. Also take it away after a few minutes, pet your puppy and give lots of praise. Then give it back. Do this often. They need to know that you are in control of their food/treats and make sure it is always a positive experience. And if they show good behavior, they get their treat back. This will help prevent food aggression.