What to Feed a Puppy

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience filled with joy and challenges.

One of the primary challenges is understanding their nutritional needs. 

This basic guide will help you navigate the various stages of a puppy's dietary requirements, ensuring your furry friend grows up healthy and happy.

What to Feed a Newborn Puppy

Newborn puppies, up to about 4 weeks old, rely entirely on their mother's milk.

If you're caring for an orphaned puppy or one that cannot nurse, consult a veterinarian for a suitable milk replacer.

It's vital not to feed regular cow's milk to puppies as it can cause digestive issues. This stage is crucial for what to feed a newborn puppy.

Newborn puppies that are being hand-reared should be fed every 2-3 hours with the appropriate amount of milk replacer, as advised by a veterinarian.

What to Feed Between 3-5 Weeks

Between 3-5 weeks old, puppies start transitioning to solid food.

Begin with a slurry of high-quality puppy food mixed with a puppy milk replacer. This will be their introduction to solid food.

Feed small portions (about a tablespoon) 4-5 times a day, gradually increasing the amount as they grow.

What to Feed a 5 Week Old Puppy

As puppies approach 5 weeks old, they'll begin to show increased appetite and interest in solid food.

At this stage, offer high-quality puppy food with a puppy milk replacer. 

Feeding should remain frequent, about four to five times a day. This transition period is essential, and it's crucial to ensure that the diet is appropriately adjusted for what to feed a 5 week old puppy. Adjust portions as the puppy grows and starts eating more solid food.

What to Feed a 6 Week Old Puppy

For puppies aged 6 weeks, including various breeds such as pitbulls, labradors, and beagles, gradually transition them to solid food by mixing in less liquid each day.

You can opt for specialised puppy food (refer to best dog food for puppies) that caters to their growing needs.

Feed them three to four times daily, with portion sizes gradually increasing based on the puppy's appetite and growth.

What to Feed a 7 Week Old Puppy

At 7 weeks, puppies should now be eating solid food. Choose high-quality puppy food NZ brands that provide balanced nutrition.

This is the stage to focus on what to feed a 7 week old puppy, ensuring they get all the nutrients for this growth phase. Continue feeding three times a day with increased portion sizes to meet their growing energy needs.

What to Feed a 2 Month Old Puppy

By the time puppies are 2 months old, they should be comfortably eating dry or wet puppy food.

Feed them three to four times a day with portion sizes recommended by the food manufacturer or your vet, based on the puppy's size and breed.

This period is crucial for understanding what to feed a 2 month old puppy and ensuring their dietary needs are met.

What to Feed a 10 Week Old Puppy

At 10 weeks, puppies are more active and may require more calories.

Keep feeding them three times a day with high-quality puppy food. Adjust the portions based on their activity levels and growth rate.

This is the time to pay extra attention to what to feed a 10 week old puppy to support their increased activity levels.

Additional Puppy Feeding Tips

• Always Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your puppy has access to clean water at all times.
• Avoid Human Food: Stick to puppy-specific food to avoid any health issues.
• Regular Vet Visits: Consult with your vet regularly to ensure your puppy is on the right track with their diet.

In summary, feeding a puppy correctly is crucial for their growth and development.

Whether you’re figuring out what to feed a 6 week old pitbull puppy, or what to feed a 10 week old puppy, the key is to provide them with nutritionally balanced meals suitable for their age, size and breed. 

At Banquet Pet, we care about providing the best for your puppy. Explore our range of high-quality puppy food, designed to meet the nutritional needs of your growing pup. We believe in nourishing your furry friends with the best, ensuring a healthy and happy start to their lives.