Spring and early summer are peak periods for the acquisition or adoption of many puppies and kittens into loving families. For some families, this is the first time they have owned a Pet. There are many things to consider in pet ownership; nutrition and what to feed the new Pet is one of the most important decisions to make. The right nutrition is important to optimize the health and growth of your puppy or kitten. Where do you go for advice? Your veterinarian is the right person to help you select the right nutrition that meets the needs of your pet.
The first few days in the new home can be stressful for the puppy or kitten. During this stage, it is best to keep them on the same diet that they were eating when you purchased or adopted them. Sudden dietary changes can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, when you are ready to transition them to a different diet, a transition period is always recommended for all Pets when switching from one type of food to another food. A dietary transition is achieved by mixing the new food with the old food, and slowing increasing the amount of the new food and decreasing the old food given each day. For example, on day 1, give ¾ old food and ¼ new food. On day 2 give ½ old food and ½ new food. On day 3 give ¼ old food and ¾ new food. Full transition can occur by day 4.
Milk is not an essential part of the diet for puppies or kittens after weaning from their mother. Indeed after weaning, many Pets are lactose intolerant. Providing milk to these Pets can cause diarrhea. In some areas, Cat Milk is available – the difference with this cat-specific product is that the lactose has been removed, so the kitten or cat will not get diarrhea.
Young puppies and kittens should be fed 4-6 times a day. As the puppy or kitten ages, the number of feedings can be gradually decreased so that by the time they have reached 50% of their adult body weight they are eating three meals a day. By the time that they are fully grown, they should be fed twice daily.
Ad-libitum or free feeding should not be recommended as this allows the Pet access to excessive amounts of food. Over consumption is one of the key contributing factors to the obesity epidemic that our Pets now face – so start them off right. The best method of feeding is portion control feeding where the amount of food is accurately measured using either a standard 237 ml cooking cup or a kitchen scale to weigh the correct amount of food.
It is also important that feeding should be a consistent routine, at approximately the same time and in the same location every day. A consistent routine will help the Pet keep normal elimination habits and avoid accidents.
When feeding the puppy, it is important to place the bowl in front of him and then walk away. Do not stand over your puppy and watch him eating. Return several minutes later to remove the bowl at the completion of the feeding period.
Kittens tend to prefer frequent small meals (8-16) throughout a 24 hour period. This method of feeding can be replicated by dividing their daily food amount into individual portions placed into timed feeders that open to release a small meal.
