That’s why I recommend these Top 10 Grain-Free Dog Foods—backed by quality ingredients & real results.

Puppy Feeding Basics Every New Dog Owner Should Know

Bringing home a puppy is exciting, chaotic, and full of learning curves—especially when it comes to feeding. While choosing the right puppy food is important, how and when you feed your puppy plays an equally big role in their long-term health. Many new pet parents unknowingly make feeding mistakes that can affect digestion, growth, and behavior.

This guide breaks down puppy feeding basics in a simple, practical way so you can build healthy habits from day one.

Why Feeding Routines Matter for Puppies

Puppies thrive on consistency. Their digestive systems are still developing, and irregular feeding can lead to stomach upset, poor nutrient absorption, and even anxiety-related behaviors.

A predictable feeding routine helps:

Support healthy digestion

Regulate energy levels throughout the day

Make potty training easier

Prevent overeating and obesity

Most veterinarians recommend feeding puppies multiple small meals instead of one or two large ones.

How Often Should Puppies Eat?

While every puppy is different, general guidelines include:

8–12 weeks old: 4 meals per day

3–6 months old: 3 meals per day

6–12 months old: 2 meals per day

As puppies grow, their stomach capacity increases, allowing fewer meals without sacrificing nutrition. Sticking to consistent times each day helps their body adjust and function optimally.

Portion Control: More Isn’t Better

One of the most common mistakes puppy owners make is overfeeding. Puppies may act hungry even when they’re not, especially during growth spurts.

Overfeeding can cause:

Rapid weight gain

Joint stress (especially in large breeds)

Digestive issues like loose stools

Always start with the feeding guide on the food packaging and adjust based on your puppy’s body condition—not just appetite. A healthy puppy should have a visible waist and ribs that can be felt but not seen.

Treats, Table Scraps, and Training Rewards

Treats are a powerful training tool, but they should be used wisely. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake.

Tips for smart treat use:

Choose soft, puppy-specific treats

Break treats into smaller pieces

Avoid table scraps, which can upset digestion

Never feed toxic foods like chocolate, onions, or grapes

For training sessions, even a few pieces of kibble can work as rewards.

Wet vs. Dry Food: What’s Better?

Both wet and dry puppy food have benefits:

Dry food (kibble): Supports dental health, easy to store, cost-effective

Wet food: Higher moisture, more palatable, helpful for picky eaters

Many vets approve of mixing wet and dry food, as long as total calories are controlled. If you do mix, consistency is key to avoiding digestive upset.

When Feeding Problems Signal a Bigger Issue

Occasional picky eating is normal, but ongoing issues aren’t. Contact your veterinarian if your puppy shows:

Persistent diarrhea or vomiting

Poor weight gain

Excessive itching or ear infections

Extreme lethargy

These may indicate food sensitivities, allergies, or nutritional imbalances that require professional guidance.

Building a Strong Nutritional Foundation

Feeding your puppy isn’t just about filling a bowl—it’s about laying the groundwork for a healthy adult dog. Structured feeding schedules, proper portions, and high-quality nutrition all work together to support growth, immunity, and behavior.

Read More And Buy now: Royal Canin Cat Food

🐱 Tried Royal Canin Cat Food with my cats? Here’s what I noticed:

Pros: ✨ High palatability – picky cats loved it. ✨ Targeted formulas – Mother & Babycat and Indoor ranges improved digestion, coat, and weight. ✨ Reliable for sensitive cats – Gastrointestinal and Sensible 33 support digestion like vets recommend.

Cons: ⚠ Expensive – pricier than supermarket brands. ⚠ Ingredients – by-products and fillers may not appeal to clean-label buyers. ⚠ Satiety – some adult cats felt hungry after meals.

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For many dog owners, the first sign of fleas is a dog scratching incessantly. While the immediate discomfort of an itchy pet is certainly a concern, fleas pose a much broader threat to your dog's overall health and well-being. Effective flea control goes far beyond simply stopping the scratching; it's a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership.

This article will explore the significant health problems associated with flea infestations and highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to flea prevention and treatment, with a focus on the solutions available at VetPost.co.nz.

The Persistent Problem: Understanding Flea Infestations

Fleas are more than just a nuisance; they are resilient parasites with a complex lifecycle. Adult fleas, the ones you typically see on your dog, make up only a small percentage of the total flea population in an environment. The majority exists as eggs, larvae, and pupae, often hidden in your dog's bedding, carpets, and furniture.

This means that even if you manage to kill the adult fleas on your dog, a new wave of fleas can emerge from the environment, leading to a recurring infestation.  

More Than Just an Itch: The Health Risks of Fleas

While the immediate itching caused by flea bites is distressing for your dog, fleas can lead to a range of more serious health issues:

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): This is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs. It's not just the bite itself that causes the problem, but rather an allergic reaction to the flea's saliva. Even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching, inflammation, hair loss, and secondary skin infections in sensitive dogs. This can lead to significant discomfort and require veterinary intervention.  

Tapeworms: Fleas can carry the larvae of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. If your dog accidentally ingests an infected flea while grooming, they can become infected with tapeworms. While often not life-threatening, tapeworms can cause digestive issues and require deworming treatment.  

Anemia: In severe flea infestations, especially in puppies or small dogs, the sheer number of fleas feeding on their blood can lead to anemia, a condition characterised by a deficiency of red blood cells. This can cause weakness, lethargy, and in extreme cases, can be life-threatening.  

Secondary Infections: The constant scratching and biting associated with flea infestations can break the skin, creating open wounds that are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. These secondary infections can further exacerbate your dog's discomfort and require additional treatment.  

Impact on Human Health: While dog fleas don't typically live on humans, they can bite us, causing itchy welts. In rare cases, fleas can also transmit diseases to humans. Moreover, a heavy flea infestation on your dog can easily spread within your home, affecting other pets and your living environment.  

Comprehensive Flea Control: Targeting All Stages

Given the potential health risks and the flea's lifecycle, effective flea control must be comprehensive. This means not only killing adult fleas on your dog but also preventing new fleas from hatching and developing in the environment.  

Your Partner in Comprehensive Flea Control

VetPost.co.nz understands the importance of comprehensive flea control and offers a variety of products designed to address different aspects of flea infestations. Their selection includes:  

Long-Acting Treatments: Products like Bravecto (Fluralaner) offer extended protection against fleas (and ticks), with some formulations providing protection for several months. This helps to break the flea lifecycle by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, providing continuous coverage and preventing re-infestations.  

Monthly Combination Treatments: Options such as Moxiclear and Neovet combine ingredients like Imidacloprid and Moxidectin to not only kill fleas but also protect against other parasites like heartworm and various types of worms and mites. This multi-pronged approach simplifies parasite prevention and addresses multiple health concerns simultaneously.  

Fast-Acting Solutions: For immediate relief from adult flea infestations, Capstar (Nitenpyram) provides a rapid solution by killing adult fleas quickly. While not a long-term preventative, it can be useful in situations where a dog has a sudden heavy infestation.  

Comprehensive Oral Treatments: Simparica and Simparica TRIO offer palatable chewable options that provide broad protection. Simparica targets fleas, ticks, and mites with Sarolaner, while Simparica TRIO adds protection against heartworm and intestinal worms, offering a convenient all-in-one solution.  

Natural Repellents: For dog owners seeking natural alternatives, WashBar Flea Repellent utilises essential oils to help deter fleas. This can be used as part of a broader flea management strategy.  

By offering a range of products with different modes of action and durations, VetPost.co.nz aims to provide solutions that can be tailored to your dog's specific needs and lifestyle.

Beyond Topical Treatments: Considering All Options

While many traditional flea treatments are topical, VetPost also offers oral options like Simparica and Bravecto chewables. These can be particularly beneficial for dogs who dislike topical applications or for ensuring the treatment remains effective even if the dog swims or is bathed.  

Choosing the Right Approach and Consulting Your Veterinarian

The best flea control strategy for your dog will depend on various factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and the severity of the flea problem in your area. It's always recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate and comprehensive flea control plan for your furry friend. They can help you choose the right product, understand the correct dosage and application, and address any specific concerns you may have.

Protecting Your Dog from the Ground Up

Flea control is not just about relieving an itch; it's an essential component of preventative healthcare for your dog. By understanding the health risks associated with fleas and adopting a comprehensive approach that targets all stages of the flea life cycle, you can significantly improve your dog's quality of life and protect them from a range of potential health problems. 

VetPost.co.nz offers a variety of trusted and effective flea treatment options that can help you in this crucial aspect of pet care. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to create a flea control plan that best suits your dog's individual needs and ensures they live a happy, healthy, and itch-free life.

Introduction

Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming, can’t it? With so many options available, it’s tough to know which one is best for your furry friend. That’s where Royal Canin steps in. This globally renowned brand has carved a niche in the pet food industry, offering specialized nutrition tailored to the unique needs of dogs. But what makes Royal Canin so special? Let’s dig in and find out! Royal Canin Dog Food Explained mor information

The History of Royal Canin

When and How Royal Canin Started Royal Canin was founded in 1968 by Dr. Jean Cathary, a French veterinarian. Dr. Cathary recognized the impact of nutrition on pet health and created formulas based on scientific research. What began as a small endeavor in France quickly grew into a global brand trusted by pet owners and veterinarians alike.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

The Mission and Philosophy Behind the Brand

At its core, Royal Canin believes that every pet deserves food tailored to its specific needs. Their mission revolves around improving the health and well-being of pets through precise and innovative nutrition.

What Makes Royal Canin Unique?

Specialized Nutrition Tailored to Breeds and Sizes One standout feature of Royal Canin is its commitment to creating breed- and size-specific formulas. They understand that a Chihuahua has very different nutritional needs than a German Shepherd, and they cater to those differences.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Breed-Specific FormulasRoyal Canin Dog Food Explained

Royal Canin offers formulas for breeds like Labradors, Poodles, and Bulldogs. These recipes are designed to address specific health concerns, such as joint support for larger breeds or dental care for smaller ones.

Size-Specific OptionsRoyal Canin Dog Food Explained

From tiny puppies to large seniors, Royal Canin provides options for every stage of life. Puppies get extra nutrients for growth, while senior dogs enjoy formulas that support aging joints and digestion.

The Science Behind Royal Canin

Royal Canin’s approach is deeply rooted in science.They work together with breeders, nutritionists, and veterinarians to create formulae that precisely address health requirements. Their rigorous research ensures that every ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s boosting immunity or enhancing coat health.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Ingredients Used in Royal Canin

What’s Included?

Royal Canin prides itself on using high-quality ingredients like chicken meal, fish oil, and whole grains. These ingredients provide essential proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and carbohydrates for balanced energy.

What’s Not Included?Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

You won’t find artificial colors or preservatives in Royal Canin products. The brand also avoids common allergens in many of its formulas, making it a safe choice for sensitive pups.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Royal Canin for Different Health Needs

Diets for Dogs with Allergies If your dog struggles with food allergies, Royal Canin has hypoallergenic options to keep them healthy and happy. These formulas minimize triggers while still delivering complete nutrition.

Veterinary DietsRoyal Canin Dog Food Explained

Royal Canin’s veterinary diets are a game-changer for pets with medical issues. Whether your dog needs kidney support or help managing diabetes, these prescription formulas are crafted with care.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Benefits of Feeding Royal Canin

Why do so many dog owners swear by Royal Canin? Because it delivers results! Improved digestion, shinier coats, and more energetic pups are just a few benefits reported by satisfied customers.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Dog owners often praise Royal Canin for its reliability and positive impact on their pets’ health. While some note the higher price, many feel the benefits far outweigh the cost.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Price and Value for MoneyRoyal Canin Dog Food Explained

Royal Canin is undeniably a premium brand, but its specialized nutrition justifies the price. When compared to generic dog foods, the results speak for themselves—making it a worthwhile investment.

How to Choose the Right Formula

Not sure which Royal Canin product to pick? Start by consulting your veterinarian..Think about your dog's breed, age, size, and any medical issues. Royal Canin’s website also offers helpful guides.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Where to Buy Royal Canin Dog Food

Royal Canin is widely available online and in pet stores. To ensure authenticity, stick to trusted retailers and check for proper packaging and labeling.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

Potential Drawbacks of Royal Canin

No product is perfect, and Royal Canin has its share of criticisms. Some owners feel the cost is high, while others may prefer grain-free options. However, the brand’s commitment to quality often outweighs these concerns.

Conclusion

Royal Canin isn’t just dog food; it’s tailored nutrition designed to keep your pup healthy and thriving. Whether you have a tiny Yorkie or a majestic Great Dane, there’s a Royal Canin formula for you. With its science-backed approach, premium ingredients, and stellar reputation, it’s easy to see why this brand stands out.

FAQs

1. How does Royal Canin ensure quality?

Royal Canin follows strict quality control measures, from ingredient sourcing to final packaging, ensuring consistent excellence.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

2. Can all dogs eat Royal Canin?

While most dogs can enjoy Royal Canin, it’s best to select a formula suited to their specific needs or consult your vet.Royal Canin Dog Food Explained

3. Is Royal Canin good for puppies?

Absolutely! Royal Canin offers puppy-specific formulas packed with nutrients for healthy growth and development.

4. What should I do if my dog doesn’t like Royal Canin?

Try mixing it with a bit of wet food or transitioning gradually. If your dog still refuses, consult your vet for alternatives.

5. Does Royal Canin offer grain-free options?

Keep your furry friend healthy and parasite-free! Discover the best dewormers for dogs in 2024. From Panacur to NexGard Spectra, find the perfect solution for your pup's needs. 🐾