Feeding your puppy

What kind of food? | How much? | How often? | Recommended amount for adults | Obesity

A puppy eats a lot of food. From birth up to six months of age, he'll need to eat two to four times as much as an adult dog to support all that growth.

Keep in mind:

• Puppies are very susceptible to tummy upsets, so find out what the puppy was eating before you took him home and start by giving a similar diet. Any changes to the diet should be made gradually over about a week.
• Feed your puppy at set times each day rather than leaving food out all the time so he learns a schedule.
• Your puppy will need two separate bowls, one for food and one for water. Always feed your puppy in his bowl or you're asking for a lifetime of your best friend begging at the table and following you around the kitchen. Make sure there is always fresh water available. For both water and food, look for bowls with a narrow diameter so the ears don't drag in them.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.
• Your puppy will need less food if it's high-quality and contains top-notch ingredients, so don't think you're saving money by buying the cheapest brand or whatever's on sale. That's because foods with high-quality protein are more digestible--that is, your puppy can use more of the nutrients they contain--than foods based on grains. You can see the difference in smaller, firmer stools.
• Take away whatever's left in his bowl if he hasn't finished it in 20 minutes, and you'll help keep obesity at bay. Giving him plenty of daily exercise should do the rest.
• Give your puppy healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables: apple slices, carrot sticks, orange segments, banana slices, and frozen vegetables are all canine favourites.
• It's okay to give your puppy a little bite of what you had for dinner, but only the bits you'd eat yourself--no fat or gristle.
• Some foods aren't good for puppies and can cause serious health problems. These include chocolate, onions, raisins, and grapes.

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What kind of food?

Generally speaking, puppy food is higher in protein and enriched with vitamins, minerals, and fats essential for growth -- that is, when compared to dog food made by the same manufacturer. Still, ingredients across brands can vary greatly. Commercial puppy food must meet nutrient standards for growth, and many companies go above and beyond those standards, testing their products to make sure they support puppies' development.

They don't have to, though -- they're only required to meet the minimum nutrient standards. In most cases, you get what you pay for. Lower-quality ingredients are found in the cheaper brands while "premium" and "performance" varieties include higher quality ingredients for improved digestibility. Ask your vet for advice.

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How much?

Puppies need to eat a lot -- and not too much. In general, you should follow the guidelines on the back of the bag of dog food, and adjust up or down depending on your puppy's appetite and body condition.

A very young puppy, up to say .... 3 months of age, should be a rolly polly ball of fluff. After 3 months of age, your puppy's coat will be less fluffy and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs, and they should have a visible waist when you look down at them.

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How often?

At around eight to 12 weeks of age your puppy is probably eating three to four times a day. He doesn't have to eat that many times though. If it suits your schedule to feed him only twice a day, just divide the amount of food you'd normally give into two meals instead of three or four.

After he's six months old you can -- and should -- reduce the number of meals you feed him. Start reducing the amount of food he gets as well, following guidelines provided by food manufacturers, adjusting as needed. If you're feeding a puppy too much, he will let you know by leaving some behind in his bowl. An adult, however, loves to eat whatever they can scavange!!!

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Recommended daily amount for adults

1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, either morning or night depending on what suits your family lifestyle.
NOTE: How much your adult Cavalier eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. Since Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are indoor pets, they sometimes lead sedentary lives. They are masters at manipulation and can train their owners in no time to feed him all sorts of human snacks and treats. Keep your Cavalier in good shape by measuring his food and not giving him tid bits and extra people food no matter how much he begs with his eyes - and it will be hard to resist but you must for his sake. If you keep feeding your Cavalier whatever he begs for, you're essentially killing him with kindness!

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Obesity

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is particularly susceptible to the problem of being overweight. They have a tendency to gain weight, not because of anything with them, but as stated above, because of their owners.

Obesity in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will lead to coronary heart disease and shorten their lives. As a responsible Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner you need to keep a check on his overall diet everyday. If you're unsure whether your cavalier is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this web site is meant to be used as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional advice which can be obtained from your local veterinary clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please call or take your pup to your local vet.

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