hill s science diet puppy feeding guide

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is a wonderful thing, but its also an adjustment that your family and pup will need to get used to. Paying close attention to his ever-changing nutritional needs is one of the most essential ways to keep him on track to lead a healthy life.

Your puppys feeding schedule should stay as regulated as possible, especially when hes very young. A very young puppy should continue eating the same food the breeder or shelter has been feeding him for a few days to help settle him into his new surroundings. Whenever you switch him to a new food, do it gradually. Mix a little of the new food in with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of new food over the course of a week. This is easier on his stomach and will help him get used to the flavor and texture. Putting your puppy on a daily feeding schedule will regulate his digestion and make housetraining easier for both of you.

If youre not sure whether you switch food from what the shelter or breeder has been feeding your puppy, be sure to ask your vet at your pups first veterinarian appointment. Your vet will be able to provide recommendations based on your puppys health, breed, rate of growth and more. Even if you have had a puppy in the past and fed him a certain type of food it is still wise to consult your vet as different dogs have different nutritional needs.

How Much Should my Puppy Eat?

The amount of food your puppy eats should be enough to maintain his ideal body weight. Use the puppy feeding guide on the label of your dog food as a starting pointthe amount you feed him depends on his age, size, breed, activity level, temperament, environment and health. To keep him at a healthy weight, do not overfeed him, even if he still seems hungry or begs for more food. If you have a large-breed puppy, you may be inclined to leave food out for him at all times or feed him a few extra cups per day, but this can lead to obesity and bone development problems. As a general rule, a young puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times a day to keep up with his high-energy lifestyle. This amount should be reduced to twice a day after he reaches 6 months of age.

Talk to your vet about how much your puppy should be eating each day. Be sure to tell your vet what type of food you are currently feeding your puppy, as not all dog food contains the same level of nutrients. This could affect the amount of food that is recommended for you to feed your puppy.

Choosing the Right Food for your Puppy

The right diet for your puppy should be high in fat, protein and calories to nurture and maintain his development into adulthood. Make sure you read the packaging to see what benefits your food offers your puppy. Some foods contain health-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants to protect the immune system and minerals that promote urinary health.

Puppy food is available in wet or dry forms, and what you choose will largely depend on your and your puppys preferences. Dry food is made up of small pieces called kibbles. Its cost-effective, keeps well and is easy to serve. Wet food is available in cans, and is better for puppies who need extra hydration, as it contains up to 70% more water than dry food. If you want to add variety to your puppys meals, you can mix the two foods together. Do your research and choose a food that gives him everything he needs to grow and develop to his full potential. Look for foods that are complete. This means you can feed him without the need for supplements or additional food.

When your puppy becomes an adult, he will need a different level of nutrients than he did when he was younger. Depending on his size and breed, he should be switched from puppy to adult food somewhere between 1 and 2 years of age. Larger dogs may not reach adulthood until they are around 2 yearsits important to continue feeding them puppy food until they are fully grown.

Picky Eaters

Aside from the occasional dog treat, your puppy should only be eating food specially made for him. If you get into the habit of feeding him table scraps, he may become a finicky eater. This can cause bad habits that affect his behavior, health and weight later in life.

Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

INGREDIENTS:Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Oats, Pea Protein, Soybean Meal, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor, Ground Pecan Shells, Dicalcium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Pork Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Iodized Salt, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Citrus Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Pressed Cranberries, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Threonine, DL-Methionine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Tryptophan, Beta-Carotene.

Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

INGREDIENTS:Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Liver Flavor, Ground Pecan Shells, Lactic Acid, Pork Liver Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Iodized Salt, Dried Citrus Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Pressed Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene.

Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Feeding your dog the right amount of food is essential for their health and well-being. Hills Science Diet offers a range of high-quality dog foods tailored to different life stages and specific needs. This guide will break down the Science Diet feeding chart, helping you provide the best nutrition for your loving furry friend.

Understanding the Science Diet Philosophy

Hills Science Diet is founded on the principles of evidence-based nutrition. Their approach emphasizes scientific research and expert veterinary knowledge to develop pet food that promotes optimal health and well-being for your dog.

A group of veterinarians, nutritionists, and scientists who constantly conduct research to improve pet nutrition support the brands commitment to providing precisely balanced nutrition.

Why Follow a Feeding Chart

Following a feeding chart is essential for several reasons:

It helps ensure that your dog receives the appropriate amount of essential nutrients. Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to health issues like obesity or malnutrition.
It aids in weight management, critical for preventing obesity-related health problems.
Adhering to feeding guidelines can help your dog maintain a healthy digestive system and overall well-being.

By following a feeding chart, you align with recommended practices supported by veterinarians and pet nutrition experts.

Science Diet Feeding Chart for Adult Dogs

Heres a general guideline for feeding Science Diet dry dog food to adult dogs with normal activity levels:

Weight of Dog:Up to 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
- Amount per Day:1/2 to 5/8 cup (50-64 grams)
Weight of Dog:10 lbs (4.5 kg)
- Amount per Day:7/8 to 1 1/4 cups (87-125 grams)
Weight of Dog:20 lbs (9.1 kg)
- Amount per Day:1 1/2 to 2 cups (150-200 grams)
Weight of Dog:40 lbs (18.2 kg)
- Amount per Day:2 1/2 to 3 1/3 cups (250-333 grams)
Weight of Dog:60 lbs (27.3 kg)
- Amount per Day:3 1/3 to 4 1/2 cups (333-450 grams)
Weight of Dog:80 lbs (36.4 kg)
- Amount per Day:4 1/4 to 5 2/3 cups (425-566 grams)
Weight of Dog:100 lbs (45.5 kg)
- Amount per Day:5 to 6 cups (500-600 grams)

These are approximate guidelines for adult dogs. However, your dogs needs, such as activity level and age, must be considered.

Feeding Puppies

Feeding puppies is a crucial phase in their development. Puppies have higher energy requirements than adult dogs due to their rapid growth.

Hills Science Diet offers specialized puppy formulas that provide essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to support healthy bone development and brain function.

Puppies should be fed according to their age, weight, and breed size. Consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations for your specific puppy.

Feeding Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Senior dogs may require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight, and they may benefit from diets with reduced protein and fat content to support aging bodies.

Hills Science Diet offers formulas tailored to senior dogs, often enriched with antioxidants to help their immune system.

Its essential to monitor senior dogs for any signs of age-related issues and consult a veterinarian for guidance on transitioning to a senior-specific diet.

Feeding Large and Small Breeds

Large and small dog breeds have distinct nutritional requirements. Large breeds are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, and their diets should include controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support healthy bone growth.

On the other hand, small breeds may require more energy-dense diets due to their higher metabolism. Hills Science Diet offers formulas designed to address these specific needs.

Consult your veterinarian to choose the right formula based on your dogs breed size.

Adjusting for Activity Level

Dogs activity levels vary, and their diets should reflect this. Highly active dogs, such as working or sporting breeds, may require diets with higher calorie content to meet their energy needs.

Conversely, less active or sedentary dogs may need fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Its important to adjust portion sizes based on your dogs activity level and monitor their weight regularly to ensure they maintain a healthy body condition.

Adjusting for Activity Level

When transitioning your dog to the Science Diet, its crucial to do so gradually over 7-10 days. This gradual transition helps prevent digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, when changing your dogs diet abruptly.

Start by mixing small amounts of Science Diet with their current food, gradually increasing the Science Diet portion while decreasing the old food. This gradual shift allows your dogs digestive system to adapt to the new food.

Customizing for Individual Needs

Science Diet recognizes that not all dogs have the same dietary requirements. They offer a variety of specialized formulas to cater to individual needs.

For example, hypoallergenic options are available if your dog has allergies or sensitivities. If weight management is a concern, Science Diet provides formulas to help dogs lose or maintain weight.

Additionally, they offer grain-free and other specialized options to address specific health concerns. Consult your veterinarian to determine which Science Diet formula best suits your dogs needs.

Feeding for Weight Management

Science Diet offers weight management formulas if your dog needs to lose or maintain weight. These formulas are designed to provide fewer calories while maintaining essential nutrients.

Follow your veterinarians guidance on the appropriate feeding amount to help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Weight management is crucial for preventing obesity-related health issues.

The Importance of Water

Water is a fundamental component of your dogs diet. Always ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water.

Proper hydration is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and overall health. Ensure your dogs water bowl is refilled regularly, especially during hot weather or after physical activity.

Monitoring Your Dogs Weight

Regularly monitoring your dogs weight is essential to ensure they are in a healthy range. Sudden weight gain or loss can be indicative of underlying health issues.

If you notice significant changes in your dogs weight, its important to consult with your veterinarian promptly. By monitoring your dogs weight, you can adjust their diet to maintain their health and well-being.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog according to the Science Diet feeding chart is a simple way to provide them with balanced nutrition.

Its important to consider your dogs needs and consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance. With Science Diet, you can trust that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need to thrive.