Nutrition

Breeds have different needs. If your puppy came from a breeder, ask them for their suggestions about food and feeding. Bear in mind that breeders often have many dogs to feed, so their recommendations may be based in part on price. Check out the nutritional profile of the food they recommend and use that as a basis to do your own research.

Try to avoid the advice people offer on social media. Look instead for science-backed information. Check out Linda Case and Dr. Jean Dodds for this type of info.

If you want to try your hand at homemade dog food, again, please avoid social media tips and recipes, however well-intentioned. Puppies have specific nutritional needs to support their growth. The BalanceIt website offers recipes under the guidance of the veterinary nutritionist. You may also want to find a veterinary nutritionist who can work with you to create homemade recipes.

Each year, Whole Dog Journal reviews commercially available dog foods (dry, wet, freeze-dried, etc.) based on many criteria.The list is available to subscribers only (although subscriptions are not expensive), but read a general article on choosing a dog food here.