Over the past 9 months, you and your puppy have been growing closer, building a relationship and routine together. And the habits you two form in these early stages are likely to stay with you for the entirety of your dog’s life. So, now is a good time to re-examine your routine and make sure that it will stand the test of time.
Feeding habits are especially important to evaluate to set your puppy up for a lifetime of health. Because puppies can burn so much energy, it’s easy to accidentally fall into a routine of overfeeding. Although young puppies might be able to handle extra calories, overfeeding will become obvious when their metabolism starts slowing down over the next year or two, causing them to put on weight. This is such a common problem that 59% of dogs in the United States were considered overweight or obese in 2022.1
Keeping your dog in a healthy weight range can reduce the likelihood of many diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes. Plus, keeping pets in a good weight range increases their lifespan, and we want your bestie to be with you for as long as possible!
Here are a few tips to make sure that you’re not accidentally giving your puppy too many calories:
- Meal feed. Feed your puppy a set amount of food at set times. Leaving food out all the time can lead to overeating.
- Figure out the right amount. The general guidelines on the back of the food bag are not accurate for all dogs. Consult your veterinarian to determine the correct amount of food that you should feed your puppy.
- Use a measuring cup. When estimating food, most pet owners are unconsciously very generous in their portions, giving much more than they think they are. A measuring cup keeps you accurate.
- Avoid table food. We know it's hard to say no to puppy eyes! But start practicing saying it now so your puppy doesn't develop expectations of sharing. Pet food is balanced and nutritious, so all table food is just extra calories. Plus, many table foods can be dangerous for dogs.
- Be deliberate about treats. Treats for dogs are just like candy for people—yummy but unhealthy. Buy low-calorie treats and break them into tiny morsels so your puppy gets used to small treat portions. Use treats judiciously, and never give your puppy treats for begging behaviors that might become incessant or annoying in the future, like barking or pawing. Treats shouldn’t exceed more than 10% of your puppy’s total daily calories.
These few simple steps will keep your puppy looking and feeling great for many years to come!
Now that you have good feeding habits in the bag, keep up the work with some healthy exercise.
1. https://petobesityprevention.org/2022
