Feeding Your Dandie Puppy – Keeping It Simple

Few subjects in the dog world create as much discussion as feeding.

Mention raw feeding to one owner and they’ll tell you it’s the most natural diet available. Mention kibble to another and they’ll tell you it’s been carefully developed to provide everything a growing puppy needs.

If you really want to start a lively debate at a dog show, simply ask:

“So… what do you feed yours?”

The truth is that responsible owners can be found in both camps.

For your new puppy, however, the answer is much simpler.

Start With What Your Breeder Uses

When your puppy comes home, it has already been eating a particular diet for several weeks.

Its digestive system has become used to that food, and suddenly changing everything on the same day as moving to a new home is asking a lot of a young puppy.

Your breeder will normally provide enough food for the first week or two and tell you exactly what your puppy has been eating.

Ask where they buy it from, or whether it can be ordered online. That way you can continue feeding exactly the same diet without interruption.

Your puppy already has plenty to adjust to without adding an entirely new menu.

Don’t Rush to Change

It’s tempting to buy the food you think is best before your puppy even arrives.

Resist the temptation.

The first few weeks should be about helping your puppy settle into family life, not experimenting with different diets.

If, later on, you decide you would like to feed something different, make any changes gradually over a week or two. Sudden diet changes often result in upset stomachs, and nobody enjoys cleaning that up.

Listen to Advice…

Your breeder has watched your puppy grow from birth and knows what has worked for the litter.

Your veterinary surgeon knows your puppy’s health and development.

Both are excellent sources of advice.

If either recommends changing your puppy’s diet for a particular reason, discuss it with them and make any changes gradually.

…But Expect Different Opinions

Dog owners are passionate about feeding.

Some swear by raw diets.

Others prefer complete dry food (kibble).

Many successfully use a mixture of foods.

You’ll quickly discover that everyone has an opinion—and most are convinced theirs is the only correct one!

Don’t feel pressured into changing simply because another owner tells you that you should.

Fresh Water is Essential

Whatever diet your puppy eats, fresh, clean drinking water should always be available.

Growing puppies play hard, sleep hard and can become dehydrated surprisingly quickly.

Our Advice

For the first few weeks, keep life simple.

Feed the same food your breeder has been using, in the same quantities and at the same meal times where possible.

Once your puppy has settled into its new home, you’ll have plenty of time to discuss any future dietary changes with your breeder or your vet if you wish.

Your puppy won’t care whether its dinner comes from a particular brand or a fashionable trend.

It will simply be delighted that it’s dinner time.