When you get your new puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them the best possible start in life. Besides toys and other fun props, food is essential to be mindful of. Giving them high-quality nourishment promotes a puppy’s growth and well-being.
One of the most frequently asked topics relates to whether a different diet is required for puppies compared to adult dogs. Although they initially appear identical, puppy and adult diets differ in their formulation and are created with different objectives in mind.
While all dogs consume essentially the same foods, growing pups require specific nutrients to help them improve eyesight and cognitive function, build new muscles, strengthen bones, and more.
As leaders of freshly made small dog food, we review all the information you require regarding puppy nutrition.
Dog Food Basics
All dog food has the same fundamental makeup. At the base of the diet lies high-quality digestible meat, an excellent protein, fat, and energy source. It should also contain a sizable portion of fruits and vegetables, supplying many of the additional nutrients that dogs require.
Most dog diets also contain some grains to make them seem more substantial and satisfying. Gourmet Pet Chef includes gluten-free grains like brown rice in our freshly made small dog food. Often supplements are added that contain extra vitamins and minerals to ensure your pup gets everything they require to stay healthy.
Difference Between Puppy Food and Adult Dog Food
Puppies and adult dogs are distinct animals, and their dietary and energy requirements vary. Before buying puppy food, use the following guide to understand the difference in diets:
Caloric Intake
Puppy food contains significantly more calories, particularly in proteins and fats. This is due to the high energy requirements of puppies. They require strength to support their rapid growth.
Additionally, because they have not yet developed the ability to control their body temperature more effectively than adult dogs, pups expend more energy to stay warm.
A good cup of adult dog food contains less than 400 calories, whereas puppy feeds include 450 and 500 calories per cup.
Veterinarians recommend that pups get 22.5% of their calories from protein, and a typical puppy meal plan contains 30–40% protein per serving.
Fat
Including fat in your dog’s diet gives them the energy to grow and thrive. Pups require at least 20% of their meals to be fat, substantially higher than that for an adult dog.
Fat must be gradually withdrawn from growing dogs as it can lead to weight gain, causing their muscles and bones to weaken while carrying the excess fat.
Vitamins and Nutrients
All dogs should eat a diet that is balanced in vitamins and minerals. This balance needs to be much more precise in developing puppies since imbalances might result in long-term problems in their growing bodies.
For instance, as pups develop, it’s crucial to maintain the proper calcium/phosphorus ratio. It’s vital to ensure they consume a diet tailored to their size category which permits the correct development of their bones.
Purchase Freshly Made Small Dog Food
Gourmet Pet Chef aims to provide the best food for your puppies and small dogs. We create a nutrient-dense diet and use fresh, mindfully sourced meats like lamb and chicken, along with their organs, marrow, and other parts. The freshly made small dog food is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. We customize puppy food that is both allergen-free and suitable for different needs. Purchase yours today!
