Dogs are not like humans they are what they eat. So get started early in building healthy bones and skin and give them lots of fresh water.
Birth to 3 weeks
During this period, pups double in weight and usually get all the nutrition they need
from their mother's milk.
3 weeks to 6 weeks
By 3 weeks their digestive system is developed enough to cope with solid food and by six
weeks most puppies are ready to be fully weaned.
6 weeks to 8 months
While they are growing so fast, a nutritionally complete and balanced puppy food is recommended.
If you do this, you shouldn't need to supplement with vitamins, minerals or meat.
8 months to 1 year
If you're feeding a balanced diet, you can move to once daily feeds at around 8 months. Small
and medium breed dogs [approx 25kg or less when fully grown] can be switched to adult food once
they are a year old. Large or giant breed dogs may take up to two years.
Feed young puppies 4 to 5 times a day initially. As they grow older you can reduce to twice a day by 4 to 5 months old.
Start feeding solids by soaking puppy biscuits in water, then mashing them with a fork to form a soft paste. Likewise, moisten dry food with water to make it easier to eat.
Allow 20 minutes for a puppy to eat, after which the uneaten portion should be removed. Moistened dry food or canned food left at room temperature may spoil after several hours.
Establish routine eating habits by feeding your puppy in the same place and at the same time each day. Feeding in or near the crate will form positive associations with it.
Puppies eat different amounts of food depending on their size, activity, metabolism and environment. Don't stuff them silly or let them snack. Start with the feeding guide on the pack, then do a body condition score at least once a week to ensure they are the right weight.
