FEEDING PUPPIES
PUPPY CARE
WHAT DO PUPPIES EAT?
It appears that the vast majority of people believe that dogs should be fed in accordance with different life stages, one nutritional profile for feeding puppies, one for adults, and another for seniors. This concept has been popularized by commercial pet food companies, who provide these specialized foods in the form of dry kibble or canned concoctions. The reasons behind this concept are based on varying nutritional levels of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins at differing life stages. This concept is a complete mystery, and appears to be based on marketing, rather than on the nutritional needs of the canine.
Once 3 or 4 weeks old, a balanced meat diet can be introduced even while still nursing. Once the puppy has been weaned it can enjoy a full balanced meal plan.
CHOOSING MEATS FOR YOUR PUPPY
Since muscle meats are important ingredients in the puppies diet, special care should be taken when selecting meat for your dog. Meats must be fresh and should be no greater than 15-20% fat content. Although most puppies appear to have a preference for beef*, the following meats are equally well suited in the preparation of your dog's food:
Beef - lean pre-ground stewing meat, heart boneless steak or roast
Lamb - pre-ground boneless stewing meat shank, leg or butt
Poultry - pre-ground boneless, skinless breast fillet or thigh
Venison - pre-ground stewing meat neck, shank, or shoulder
Or use more exotic meats such as buffalo, caribou, elk, moose, muskox, duck or rabbit. Try your local butcher or meat processor when purchasing your dog's meats. Supermarkets often cannot supply in bulk quantities and its pre-packaged meats may make it more difficult to obtain the correct amount for the recipe. A butcher will be glad to weigh out your meat and grind the meat for you on the spot.
Meat ground with bone-in is not recommended.
CHOOSING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR PUPPY
Although our products contains all of the essential vitamin and mineral needs of dogs, the addition of optional vegetables, lightly steamed, in a dog's diet is an excellent source of carbohydrates, particularly for larger, or highly active breeds. According to Veterinary sources dogs do not require carbohydrates, unless a female is lactating.
Vegetables to add: Squash, pumpkin, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts.
Vegetables to avoid: Beans (raw), peas, kale (everyday), spinach, beet greens, chard, onions, garlic, leek, tomato, potato, bell peppers.
The use of onions, shallots, and chives in dog food are not advised. Ingestion of these plants in a raw, cooked, or dried form can lead to damage of the red blood cells, which are rejected by the body from the bloodstream, and a continued use of garlic or onions can eventually result in hemolytic anemia. If the anemia is not controlled by discontinuing the use of the plants, it can potentially lead to death. Dogs should never be given raw, un-aged garlic because it is very irritating to the mouth, esophagus, and stomach and can cause or exacerbate ulcers." The nightshade family of plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers contain a bitter poisonous alkaloid called "Solanine". Solanine is toxic to humans as well, but it requires a much more concentrated amount, like that found in green potatoes and potato sprouts, to induce sickness.
Raw green beans should not be fed as they contain a toxic alkaloid similar to arsenic. Cooking green beans will destroy these toxins.
HOW MUCH WILL MY PUPPY EAT?
Puppies are fed the same meat-based diet as adult dogs, with the distinction that they are allowed to eat as much as they wish. To establish approximate daily food intake of your growing puppy, consult your veterinarian.
Puppies 8 - 16 weeks of age
Pup's weight in lbs: x 0.8 = daily amount of food in oz
Pup's weight in Kgs: x 50 = daily amount of food in grams
Divide and feed as 4 meals
Puppies 17 - 28 weeks of age
Pup's weight in lbs: x 0.64 = daily amount of food in oz
Pup's weight in Kgs: x 40 = daily amount of food in grams
Divide and feed as 3 meals
Puppies 7 - 12 months of age
Pup's weight in lbs: x 0.48 = daily amount of food in oz
Pup's weight in Kgs: x 30 = daily amount of food in grams
Divide and feed as 3 meals
Make it a habit to feed your furry little kitten friend in a quiet space, away from kitchen or dining room. This will help to avoid future problems with begging for food, as they should not identify with human eating areas as their own dining territory! It is a good idea to make a habit of feeding at about the same times every day. Feed a kitten in a very shallow dish, not a deep bowl, and be sure to warm the food to at least room temperature. Do not leave the raw meat mix out at room temperature for longer than ½ hour or so, to avoid bacterial growth. Always make fresh, clean water available. Filtered water is preferable to chlorinated tap water. Cats do not require much water when fed on this species-appropriate diet, but fresh water should be available nonetheless.
Some good meat choices for introducing your kitten to this optimum diet are fresh, ground chicken or turkey, rabbit or game. Beef and lamb tend to have a strong odor and should be left to a future time. Leaner meats are preferable, however some fat in the diet is essential. Fat should not exceed 20% of the total diet (10-15% is ideal). It is best to avoid the temptation of cooking the meat, as many essential nutrients will be destroyed, and this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health challenges in the future.
HOMEMADE DOG FOOD PRODUCTS
Know Better for Dogs is designed to provide your dog with essential nutrients and protein for health and longevity. It makes balancing a homemade meat diet at home, easy and convenient. Prescribed most often by Holistic Veterinarians. Easy to use, just add raw or cooked meat and water.
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