Welcome back to our final blog in our Puppy Series: common puppy feeding mistakes!
Raising a puppy is full of joyful moments! First wags, wobbly zoomies, and sloppy kisses. But when it comes to feeding, many well-meaning puppy parents accidentally get it wrong. And those early nutrition mistakes can impact your puppy’s growth, digestion, and even future behavior.
ICYMI: Boosting Canine Health: Fruits, Vegetables and Supplements, Oh My!
Let’s explore the five most common puppy feeding mistakes and how to avoid them, because your furry little one deserves the best start possible!
🍼 Mistake #1: Feeding Adult Dog Food Too Early
Puppies require food specifically designed for their needs. Adult dog food doesn’t have the right balance of nutrients (especially protein, fat, and calcium) for growing bones and organs.
What a puppy parent should do:
- Look for food labeled “complete and balanced” for growth or “for all life stages.”
- The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) stamp means it meets essential nutritional requirements.
- Puppy food should be fed until your dog is fully grown, which varies by breed and its potential adult weight.
- Small breeds (under 25 pounds): 9–12 months
- Medium breeds (between 25-50 pounds): 12-14 months
- Large/giant breeds (over 50 pounds): 14-24 months
(Source: PetMD: When Should You Switch from Puppy to Adult Dog Food?)
⏰Mistake #2: Puppy Feeding Mistakes: Free-Feeding
Leaving food out all day might seem convenient, but it can:
- Lead to overeating or picky eating habits.
- Make it hard to track your puppy’s appetite or digestive issues.
- Disrupt crucial potty training schedules.
Try this instead:
- Stick to 3–4 small meals a day, spaced evenly throughout the day.
- Pick up the bowl after 15–20 minutes if it hasn’t been eaten.
- Slowly transition to 2 meals a day by 6 months.
(Source: VCA: Feeding Growing Puppies)
🦴Mistake #3: Feeding Bones, Table Scraps or Unsafe Treats
We’ve all been tempted to share a bite of dinner, but some human foods are dangerous for puppies. In addition, feeding table scraps sets up a bad habit for life!
Avoid feeding:
- Cooked bones (they can splinter and injure).
- Fat trimmings, onions, grapes, chocolate, or xylitol-sweetened items.
- Rich or spicy table food to prevent upset tummies.
Instead:
- Offer puppy-formulated treats in moderation.
- Safe, whole-food options like plain boiled chicken or blueberries.
- Choose limited-ingredient treats for sensitive tummies.
(Source: AKC: People Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat)
(Source: Our Blog: Beware: FIVE Dangerous Foods for Dogs and Why!)
🐶Mistake #4: Not Measuring Food Properly
“Just eyeballing it” can lead to weight issues, especially in small or large breed puppies.
Fix it by:
- Using a standard measuring cup or kitchen scale.
- Following your food brand’s feeding guidelines (adjust for age and activity).
- Checking your puppy’s Body Condition Score (BCS) monthly with your vet.
(Source: PetMD: Body Condition Score)
🧪Mistake #5: Skipping Ingredient Label Checks
Many dog foods contain fillers, artificial flavors, or questionable proteins, which can upset sensitive puppy tummies.
What to look for:
- Real meat or named protein sources as the first ingredient.
- No by-products, dyes, or added sugars.
- Brands that perform batch testing for safety and transparency.
(Source: Nutrition Tips from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts)
🐾 Tip: Keep a Puppy Food Journal!
Track what your pup eats, how often they poop, and any reactions like itchiness or loose stools. It’s super helpful if your vet ever needs to troubleshoot a diet-related issue, and it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re on the right track.
🐶 The Final Word
Feeding a puppy can feel a bit like solving a puzzle, but with the correct information, expert help from your vet, and some patience, you’ll raise a happy, healthy dog who thrives from the inside out!
Have questions about puppy feeding
Reach out to us at Da Boyz Cane Corso,
We are always happy to talk about puppies!
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