Can I feed my puppy dry food only

Should Dogs Only Eat Dry Food? [What Vets Recommend]

Deciding what to feed your dog can be a tricky proposition. There are so many different types of dog food on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your pup. If youre considering switching your dog to dry food, or if youre just curious about the benefits of dry food, this blog post is for you. Well cover everything from the pros and cons of dry food to why some vets recommend it. By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of dry food and whether or not its right for your dog.

The Pros and Cons of Dry Dog Food

There are many benefits to feeding your dog dry food. One of the main reasons is that dry food is more affordable than wet food. This can be helpful if youre on a budget, or if you want to feed your dog foods that will last longer.

Additionally, dry food is lower in calories and fat, which can be beneficial for dogs who are overweight or have diabetes. Some dogs may even prefer the taste of dry food over wet food, but its important to talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your individual dog.

One downside to feeding your dog dry food is that it can be harder to keep them hydrated if they dont drink enough water. Additionally, some dogs may have trouble digesting dry food, which can lead to problems such as diarrhea or stomach upset.

Its important to read the ingredients label on any type of dog food, and make sure that the food you choose contains all the essential nutrients your dog needs. If you have any questions about what type of dry food is best for your pet, please contact your veterinarian.

Why Some Vets Recommend Only Feeding Your Dog Dry Food

Some veterinarians recommend only feeding your dog dry food for several reasons. The main reason is that dry food is more nutritionally dense than wet food and its easier for dogs to digest. Additionally, dry food is less likely to harbor bacteria than wet food, which means its safer for your dog to eat.

If youre concerned about your dog getting enough moisture, you can always add a little water to their kibble.

There are a few drawbacks to feeding your dog only dry food. For one, it can be more expensive than feeding them wet food. Additionally, if your dog isnt getting enough water from their diet, they may become dehydrated.

In cases like this, adding water to their kibble can help them satisfy their thirst and stay hydrated. Finally, some dogs simply prefer wet food over dry food. If this is the case for your pet, providing both types of food will likely result in healthier eating habits for everyone involved.

What Are the Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Dry Food?

Dry food is more affordable than wet food. Its also easier to store and doesnt spoil as quickly as wet food. These are all benefits that make dry food a good option for your dog.

But there are other benefits to feeding your dog dry food that you may not be aware of. For one, dry food is easier for your dog to digest.

This is because its broken down into smaller pieces that the dog can easily eat. It also helps to keep your dogs teeth clean and healthy. Feeding your dog wet food can lead to problems such as dental problems and bad breath, both of which can be a hindrance when trying to find a new home for your pet or when meeting new friends.

Dry food also promotes better weight management in dogs. Wet food is packed with calories and sugar, which can quickly add up if dieted on regularly.

By feeding your dog dry food rather than wet, youre helping them stay slim without having to resort to weight-loss surgery or special diets like kibble fed exclusively bones (which many purebreds are still fed).

Dry Dog Food: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Dry dog food is becoming more and more popular these days. There are a few reasons for this, but the main advantage is that its usually cheaper than wet food. Choking is less of a risk, and it can help keep teeth clean.

Another advantage of dry food is that its easier to store. Normally, you would have to refrigerate wet food, but with dry kibble you can just put it in a pantry or cabinet.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when choosing a diet for your dog. Some people argue that dry food isnt as nutritious as wet food, and that it can be hard on a dogs digestive system.

The verdict at the end of the day is up to you if youre looking for something budget-friendly or your dog doesnt seem to have any issues with dry kibble then go ahead and choose that option. But if you want something better for them or if they seem unhappy with their current diet then there are plenty of other options out there.

There are a few different types of dry dog food on the market, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most popular type is kibble, which is small pieces of meat or other ingredients that have been ground up into tiny bits.

Kibble is easy to store and doesnt require refrigeration, which makes it a good option for apartments or small homes. However, some people argue that its not as nutritious as wet food. Another downside to kibble is that it can be hard on a dogs teeth if they eat too much at once.

Another type of dry food is canned food. This option is usually more expensive than kibble, but its also more filling since there are fewer calories per serving.

Canned food usually requires refrigeration, but this isnt always necessary since most brands come in cans that can be opened without putting them in the fridge first. Some people find canned food to be less appetizing than kibble because of the spices used in some brands.

Finally, theres water-only diets like raw feeding or freeze-dried options like Thrive Natural Raw Dog Food.

These diets arent recommended by most vet offices because theyre relatively new research hasnt been done yet to show whether theyre healthy or not and they require a lot of extra work on your part (raw feeding in particular).Water-only diets tend to be cheaper than any other type of diet, but youll need to make sure your dog gets enough water otherwise they will get dehydrated and sick.

Is Your Dog Eating the Right Kind of Food?

There are a lot of myths surrounding the benefits and types of food that can be fed to dogs. In this blog, we will discuss some of these myths and help you to decide what is best for your dog.

One common myth is that only wet food is good for dogs. However, this isnt always true. In fact, many people believe that dry food is just as good as wet food when it comes to feeding their dog.

There are a number of different types of dry food available on the market, such as kibble, biscuits, and rawhide bones. Its important to find something that your dog enjoys eating so that they dont get bored with their diet.

Another misconception about feeding dogs is that they need large amounts of meat in order to be healthy. While meat does provide essential nutrients for dogs (and cats), there are other factors that also contribute to a healthy diet for a pet canine too.

For example, certain types of vegetables and fruits can also provide important vitamins and minerals for dogs. So its important not only to feed your dog enough meat, but also to make sure they are getting all the necessary nutrients from their diet.

Final Thoughts

Dry food is a good option for your dog if youre looking for something budget-friendly or your dog doesnt seem to have any issues with it.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when choosing a diet for your dog, such as the fact that its not as nutritious as wet food and that it can be hard on a dogs digestive system. At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to feed your dog dry food is up to you.

Puppy Feeding Fundamentals

Walk down the dog food aisle of any large pet-supply store, or peruse the shelves at a boutique pet-food shop, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. This is especially true for puppy owners, and probably even more so for first-time puppy owners. When did it get so complicated? Back in the day, dog food options were far more limited, and even responsible dog owners didnt worry too much about what went into their dogs dish.

The process may now be somewhat more involved, but thats a good thing. Higher quality ingredients with better sourcing and specialized diet formulas lead to overall better health for our puppies. And every bit as important as what to feed your puppy is having an understanding of his special nutritional needs.

All puppies are different, so if you have any concerns or questions about your puppys food, feeding schedule, or nutritional health, always consult your breeder or veterinarianthats what theyre there for.

Many puppy owners wonder, How long should I feed puppy food? Here is a general timeline for what your puppy needs at each stage of his first year of life.

Feeding YourPuppy: A First-Year Timeline

• 612 weeks: Growing pups should be fed puppy food, a diet specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs for normal development. Feeding adult food will rob your puppy of important nutrients. Four feedings a day are usually adequate to meet nutritional demands. Large breeds should be fed unmoistened dry food by 9 or 10 weeks; small dogs by 12 or 13 weeks.
• 36 months: Sometime during this period, decrease feedings from four to three a day. A pup should be losing her potbelly and pudginess by 12 weeks. If she is still roly-poly at this age, continue to feed puppy-size portions until body type matures.
• 612 months: Begin feeding twice daily. Spaying or neutering lowers energy requirements slightly; after the procedure, switch from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult maintenance food. Small breeds can make the switch at 7 to 9 months; bigger breeds at 12, 13, even 14 months. Err on the side of caution: Better to be on puppy food a little too long than not long enough.
• After age 1: Most owners feed adult dogs two half-portions a day.

How much food should I give my puppy?

Theres a saying in canine feeding: Watch the dog, not the dish. Body condition, not the amount eaten or left in the bowl, should determine portion sizes. Portion sizes depend on individual metabolism and body type, and nutritional requirements vary from dog to dog. If your puppy occasionally skips a meal or picks at food, dont worry. It could mean she is ready to eliminate a feeding or that you have given her too much, in which case simply reduce the quantity served.

Also, if you are doing treat-based training with your pup, adjust the amount you feed at mealtime accordingly. Whenever training with treats, keep the treat as small as possible.

How often should I feed my puppy?

Like human babies, puppies start out needing many small meals a day, of a food formulated for their special nutritional requirements. Most, but not all, dogs finish meals quickly. To discourage picky habits, feed at regular times in regular amounts and dont leave food down for more than 10 to 20 minutes.

Your breeder will be an excellent source of guidance for both of these questions, as will your vet.

Is it worth it to buy expensive puppy food?

Premium dog food has higher nutritional density, so you can feed your dog less to achieve the same results. Also, premium foods have stable ingredient profiles; the composition of bargain brands can vary from batch to batch.

The major dog-food companies invest heavily in product development and research, constantly upgrading formulas to keep up with their competitors. This means that feeding premium food puts you on the cutting edge of canine nutrition.

Dry food, wet food, or both?

Many pet-food companies have worked with canine-nutrition scientists to develop special formulas for both large- and small-breed puppies.

• Canned foodis the most expensive to feed, and dogs often find it most palatable. Be careful of all-meat claims, though. Your dog should have a complete, balanced diet to fulfill nutritional requirements. Meat alone may not do it.
• Semi-moist foodis available in one-serving packets. It is usually made to look like hamburger.
• Kibbleis the most economical, and the major makers offer a complete and balanced diet for dogs of all sizes and ages. Dry food can be fed exactly as it comes from the bag.

Some dog owners say there is an oral-hygiene advantage in hard kibble because the friction produced helps to keep the gums and teeth healthy. Kibble can be moistened, either with water or canned food. Although unnecessary, that addition may make food tastier.

Food for Big Puppies & Little Puppies

There are differences between the nutritional needs of small-breed and large-breed dogs, and that is especially true for puppies. Adult dogs who weigh less than 20 pounds are considered small-breed dogs. These puppies grow quickly and may reach adulthood by 9 months. Large-breed puppies (20 pounds and up), grow more slowlyit takes anywhere from 15 to 24 months to reach full size and maturity.

Chart Your Puppys Weight and Growth

• There are growth-and-weight charts available in print and online. Weigh the puppy weekly and record his progress, comparing him to breed-appropriate weight charts. Adjust his food intake to achieve an average rate of growth.
• Weighing a dog, even a squirming puppy, is easy. Just weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the puppy. Subtract the differencethats the puppys weight. Voila!
• Dont worry about an ounce or two either way; no two dogs, even within breeds, are built exactly alike.
• A young dog carrying too much weight has an increased risk of orthopedic problems, due to stress on immature joints. Obesity can also lead to diabetes, diseases of the heart and other organs, and general lethargy.

My puppy is begging! Should I feed him people food or table scraps?

One little French fry will invariably lead to another, and another. Before long, an obese dog will be crowding you off the love seat. Also, a steady diet of table scraps can create a nutritional imbalance, and certain ingredients and spices in your favorite dishes can cause upset stomach in dogs.

The pleading gaze of a begging dog can be irresistible. This is no accident. During his long partnership with man, the dog has perfected cunning methods of exploiting the human habit of associating food with affection. In prehistoric times semi-domesticated canines first cultivated human beings as a food provider. As the two species grew closer, dogs modified begging behaviors to maximize results: The more pathetic a dog seemed, the more scraps were tossed his way. Dogs have since refined this approach into a low-risk, high-reward hunting technique.

But dont be fooled: Begging is not an emotional crisis or a test of your love. Its what scientists might call an evolutionary survival strategy, or what the rest of us might call a scam. Allowing your dog to guilt you into overfeeding him, or serving him a steady diet of table scraps in a misguided show of affection, can have harmful or even fatal results.

Puppy Feeding Tidbits

• Feeding your pup the moment you get home may encourage puppy separation anxiety. Play or grooming is a more positive way to say hello.
• When medically necessary, you can purchase canned or dry prescription diets from veterinarians to feed dogs with kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. These foods should never be fed without a prescription.
• Some vitamin or mineral supplements, when utilized incorrectly (such as extra calcium given to a large-breed dog on a good diet), will do more harm than good.
• Before making a major change in your dogs diet, consult with your veterinarian and, when possible, the breeder. Once the formula is chosen, stick with it. Sudden changes in food may cause digestion problems.
• Small portions of carrot or apple chunks are healthful low-calorie snacks most dogs love.
• Fresh water should be available at all times. During the summer months, consider setting up multiple indoor/outdoor water stations. To avoid a buildup of bacteria, wash the water bowl daily.

How to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food

When switching from puppy food to adult food, you should make the switch gradually over a period of a few days. A sudden change in your dogs diet may cause stomach upset. Talk to your veterinarian about the best food for your puppy.

Puppy Feeding Advice

Make sure everyone gets with the program

Your entire household must be committed to your dogs feeding regimen. If theres a soft touch for a handout in your family, your dog will find it and exploit it, thus undoing the good you are trying to do. Keeping a dog trim takes a conscious effort from everyone on your team.

Give a dog a bone? Careful!

Our best advice here is caution. Poultry and pork bones, or cooked bones of any kind, are strictly forbidden. They splinter into shards that can cause choking and serious damage to the dogs mouth, throat, or intestines. Any bone, in fact, once chewed into small pieces, can block the intestines and lead to a nasty bout of constipation, can cause lacerations of the mouth and internal organs, or can lodge in the throat with fatal results. It is important to note that bones have little if any nutritional value.

There are other ways to satisfy a dogs craving to chew. Commercially available chew toys and simulated bones are made for dogs of all sizes.

As the famous food writer M.F.K. Fisher wrote, First we eat. Then we do everything else. This is true for our pups, too.

Need help with your adorable new puppy? Training your dog can be challenging without expert help. Thats why were here to help you virtually, through AKC GoodDog! Helpline. This live telephone service connects you with a professional trainer who will offer unlimited, individualized advice on everything from house-training to behavioral issues.