A nutritious, balanced diet is essential for puppies to have healthy bones and teeth, strong vision, and a bright mind. They require three times more calories and protein than an adult dog. Protein provides the building blocks for muscles and tissues. Fats are a concentrated energy source and help carry and dissolve specific essential vitamins.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for puppies at Pawrade that helps with tissue development, muscles, and bones. It also plays a role in cell growth, brain development, and maintaining an active metabolism. Proteins can be found in meat, dairy, plant, and algae sources. The most crucial factor in determining protein quality is the Biological Value (BV), which measures how much protein the body absorbs. A BV of 100 means that the body utilizes 100% of the protein. A high-quality commercial diet formulated for puppies will provide your dog with all the necessary proteins and other nutrients to support healthy growth. Puppies must be fed small, frequent, and measured meals as they tend to overeat. Avoid giving your puppy treats and table scraps, as they can add extra calories that may lead to overweight problems as your pup grows up. Make sure to feel your puppy’s ribs when petting them, and be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to health issues later on in life, such as diabetes.
Fat
Puppies require dietary fats for energy, as well as for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Puppies should be fed a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. Unlike adult dogs, puppies need more energy for growth. They have a significant growth spurt shortly after weaning and must be carefully nourished to ensure they thrive. Excessive weight gain may lead to several health issues. For example, excess body fat in small breeds can increase the risk of diabetes, while in giant breeds, it can cause skeletal abnormalities. In addition to providing energy, dietary fats provide essential fatty acids (EFA). EFAs are needed for average growth and development. EFAs also metabolize proteins and fatty acids that help the dog regulate the immune system. They can be found in vegetable oils, poultry fats, fish oil, and meat. Using food with a low glycemic index will allow the puppy to digest fats more slowly. This will reduce glycemic load while still providing the puppy with adequate energy.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the primary source of glucose, the “fuel” that runs your puppy’s body. They also provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients. While carbohydrates are not essential for dogs (they can synthesize their glucose with sufficient dietary protein and fat), they have an essential role in a balanced diet. Healthy carbohydrates are found in foods containing starches (potatoes, rice, wheat, and corn) or naturally occurring sugars. Complex carbs take longer to digest and release sugar into the bloodstream more slowly, offering a more sustained energy source. They may also contain fiber, which helps digestion and provides additional nutrition. Non-fermentable carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber sources, add bulk to the feces and help regulate digestion speed. They can also provide prebiotics, which feeds the existing bacteria in your dog’s gut. Your puppy must get enough soluble fiber, which can be found in fruits and vegetables, as it helps alleviate constipation. You can find insoluble fiber in grains like brown rice, as well as a variety of commercially available supplements.
Calcium
Puppies have high energy demands from chewing, romping, running, and playing. Having the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates helps your puppy meet their energy needs without overfeeding or experiencing unhealthy growth rates that can lead to orthopedic issues later in life. A balanced diet is also necessary for proper bone and cartilage development. Calcium and phosphorus, in the correct ratio, aid in this process. Insufficient calcium can cause osteochondritis dissecans, hip and elbow dysplasia, and panosteitis. Too much phosphorus can interfere with calcium absorption, and if the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is too low, bone growth will slow down. One way to ensure your puppy gets the right amount of calcium is to feed them a bone meal. Bone meal provides the proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and works well with 10% or less fat diets. Other calcium sources, like coral or seaweed, won’t work as well with low-fat foods since they are too high in calcium and need more phosphorus. Yogurt is another good source of calcium for puppies.
Vitamins
Puppies need a wide variety of vitamins and minerals for proper development. These nutrients improve energy levels and help puppies develop strong bones, good vision, and a healthy coat. They also provide essential support for the immune system. Unlike adults, puppies cannot regulate their vitamin and mineral requirements, so they need a well-balanced diet. Macronutrients include proteins and lipids (fats). Proteins supply amino acids that form the building blocks of all cells in the body. Lipids provide energy by supplying calories in the form of fat molecules. Carbohydrates are broken down in the body to produce glucose for energy. Carbohydrates are also a source of dietary fiber, which helps maintain normal gastrointestinal function and health. Puppies need DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain and visual development. They get this nutrient from their mother’s milk and then rely on their food to continue getting it. It’s essential to choose a puppy food formulated for your dog’s breed size because the DHA needs of large and giant dogs n b45are different from those of small or toy breeds.
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