Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for all the family – but there’s lots to think about.
Where will they sleep? Will they be crate-trained? What are the best toys for them to play with?
These are all important questions to ask yourself, but perhaps the most important thing to consider is what they’re going to eat.
Your pup’s diet plays a huge role in their development and helps them grow into happy, healthy adult dogs. Which is why it’s so important to get it right.
Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or this isn’t your first rodeo and you’ve had dogs virtually all of your life, we’ve put together a few useful tips to help you choose the best puppy food for your new four-legged family member.
Look for puppy-specific formulas
Puppies have different nutritional needs than fully grown adult and senior dogs, and puppy-specific food contains all the nutrients they need to grow.
A quality puppy food will contain the following:
- Protein
- Fat
- Carbohydrates
- Calcium
- Amino acids
Puppy foods will also be much easier for them to digest whilst they’re still maturing, and will help reduce the risk of upset tummies.
Consider any allergies or intolerances they have
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your pup has any allergies and food intolerances – especially so early on in their life.
But, luckily, there are a couple of red flags you can keep an eye out for if you suspect there’s a problem, including red, irritated skin and bloated tummies. Your vet will be able to confirm whether or not your pooch has a food allergy or intolerance, and they may recommend switching to a grain-free puppy food.
Grain-free foods don’t contain any wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, sorghum, triticale or rice. Instead, they have lots of tasty vegetables – like potatoes and peas – ensuring that the flavour and texture are just as enticing and that they’re still getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Wet vs dry
Choosing between wet and dry food can feel like a bit of a challenge, but they both offer a range of unique benefits – so it’s important to keep these in mind when making your decision.
Dry puppy food is much more convenient and cost-effective, as it stores well for a long time. It’s also a much better option for pups that prefer to eat small amounts throughout the day, rather than scarf down separate meals in one go.
Wet puppy food, on the other hand, is great for picky pooches that need an extra hydration boost. It can be served on its own, or as a topper for dry food to provide extra moisture and make it more palatable.
Here at Pet Shop Online, we stock a selection of the best wet puppy food and best dry puppy food in a plethora of tasty flavours – so you’re bound to find something to satisfy your furry friend’s appetite.
Need help choosing the best puppy dog food?
Choosing the perfect puppy food is no easy feat, but taking the above information into consideration should help make your decision much easier.
If you’re still struggling, don’t worry – we’re always here and more than happy to share our expertise and recommendations!
Give us a call today on 0161 728 4656 or email shop@pet-shop-online.co.uk and we’ll be in touch with more information shortly.
If you’re local to Swinton or other nearby areas in Manchester, why not bring your furry friend to see us, and browse our selection of puppy food in-store?
Get your directions here!
