What Time Should A Puppy Eat?
What Time Should A Puppy Eat?
Being a pup owner, you probably want the best quality of life for your adorable furball. Feeding your puppy is one such critical aspect of making this happen. It requires careful planning and attention to detail, especially since puppies have unique nutritional needs that change as they grow.
So, you need to develop a convenient timeline that maxes out on your pup's nutritional needs. This is where creating a proper feeding schedule comes in. A feeding schedule pretty much does what it says on the tin: It gives you an accurate mealtime plan to deliver a complete and balanced diet puppy diet for their essential health needs and growth.
In this post, we’ll go over some the the most optimal feeding times for puppies, the frequency of meals, and other things to keep in mind.
Understanding Puppy Nutritional Needs
Puppies are in a rapid growth phase, requiring a diet rich in nutrients to support their developing bodies. The primary focus should be on high-quality puppy food that meets the specific dietary needs of growing dogs. According to veterinary sources, the nutritional requirements of puppies include adequate protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for their growth and overall health.
Key Nutritional Components
Balanced nutrition is key to supporting your puppy’s rapid growth and high energy demands. Here’s a breakdown of essential nutrients that every growing pup needs:
Energy: Puppies are in a constant state of growth, which requires a higher calorie intake as their metabolism increases.
Protein: Puppies (especially newly weaned puppies) need protein to develop body tissues and muscle. However, their need for protein gradually decreases as they develop.
Fat: Fat provides essential fatty acids, helps absorb vitamins and is a reliable source of plenty of calories.
Carbohydrates: If you want optimal metabolism and health, carbohydrates should make up about 20% of the puppy’s food (based on dry matter), aiding in energy supply and overall well-being.
Calcium and Phosphorus: For bone development. Puppies need more of both minerals compared to adult dogs.
Copper: Without enough copper in their diet, puppies risk developing a deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as hair pigment loss, toe deformities, and anaemia.
Amino Acids: When it comes to your puppy’s dietary needs, amino acids are twofold:
Arginine (Puppies cannot produce this amino acid on their own, so it’s essential their food is fortified with it) and Phenylalanine & Tyrosine (These amino acids are vital for growth, and a minimum of 1% dry matter is recommended to support healthy development)
Meal Frequency: How Often Should Puppies Eat?
How frequently you feed your puppy is a crucial factor in its development. Generally, you want to consider its current body weight and body condition, so you don’t feed them into obesity. Still, puppies typically require more frequent meals than adult dogs due to their high metabolism and energy levels.
Puppies are likely to sleep more times than adult dogs, so they need to be fed more often. So that this doesn’t burden you, ensure that your puppies' feeding time sits well with your schedule.
From our experience, the best practice is to divide 24 hours of the day by the number of times your puppy should be fed, you can then compare this with your schedule. Typically, you want to feed your puppy over the course of 9-11 hours. this will benefit your puppy, so they get used to your sleep patterns and their body is trained over time to not expect food during sleep hours.
For younger puppies, you may tweak your schedule for one meal before bedtime — this helps them stay full. Also, keep in mind that puppies under three months are not in full control of their bums or bladders. This means you may have to wake up between sleeps to take them out and use the potty.
Recommended Feeding Schedule
Under 3 months: Puppies at this age have a lot of energy and are growing fast, so try feeding them four to six times a day to keep up with their needs.
3 to 6 months: Now that your puppy is a bit older, you can scale back to about three to four meals a day.
6 months and older: By this stage, most pups are ready for the routine of two meals a day.
A typical day might look something like this:
7 a.m.: Breakfast, the first meal of the day.
12 p.m.: A midday meal to keep their energy going.
5 p.m.: Dinner (for those still under six months).
This schedule flows with a normal day, making it easier for you to manage while also helping your puppy digest properly and stay energized.
Finding the right feeding times and methods for your puppy is all about creating a healthy routine that works for both of you. Here’s how you can set that up:
Morning Routine: A little breakfast to kick things off. This sets off a predictable routine that allows them to stay active and playful.
Evening Feeding: Feed your puppy earlier in the evening so they have time to digest before bed. This can reduce the chance of accidents during the night and help them sleep better.
Consistency: Puppies love routine! Feeding them at the same times every day helps them know when to expect food, making house training easier and reducing any feeding-time stress.
No Exercise Right After Eating: After meals, give your puppy at least 30 minutes before any energetic playtime. This keeps digestion smooth and helps the body absorb nutrients better.
Feeding Methods:
When it comes to feeding your puppy, there are different approaches to take. We’ve outlined 3 of the traditional methods below:
Free Choice Feeding: As the name implies, this method entails leaving food out all day for them to nibble on, whenever. Convenient as this may seem, your puppies may become prone to overeating and weight issues using this method. So you may want to keep an eye out on their portion sizes.
Time-Restricted Meals: Here, you set a timer for 15-30 minutes during which you let your puppy eat. With this method, you can regulate their appetite and encourage them to eat when food is available.
Portion Control: Portion control simply measures out specific amounts for each meal based on their age and weight. This method is great for managing growth and preventing obesity.
Adjusting as They Grow:
The thing is, your puppy’s needs will change as they grow. So try not to lose track of their weight and body condition. If they’re gaining weight too quickly or seem lethargic, it might be time to adjust their portions. In any case, always consult with your vet to make sure you’re on the right track.
Wrap Up
Creating a feeding routine for your puppy is key to their growth and overall well-being. By sticking to a schedule, feeding high-quality food, and adjusting as needed, you’ll be setting them up for a healthy life. And don’t forget, your vet is always the best resource for any specific feeding advice!
