How you feed your puppy is just as important as what you feed them. To help their small stomachs process nutrients efficiently and avoid bloating, follow these guidelines.
1. Preparation Methods
Depending on your puppy’s age and dental development, you can serve their food in two ways:
- Soaked Kibble (Recommended for Beginners): This makes the transition easier and ensures extra hydration.
- How to: Pour boiling water over the dry Authority® kibble. Let it sit until it is soft and fully expanded.
- Crucial: Wait until the food has completely cooled down to room temperature before serving. Never give hot food to a puppy!
- Dry Kibble: Once your puppy is older and comfortable chewing, you can transition to dry kibble to help keep their teeth clean.
- The “Gourmet” Mix: To encourage a healthy appetite, you may add a tablespoon of Authority® Puppy Wet Food (Paté) to either the soaked or dry kibble. Mix it well so they don’t just “pick out” the wet parts!
2. The Feeding Schedule
Consistency is key to successful potty training and stable energy levels.
- 8 weeks to 6 months: 3 meals per day (Morning, Noon, and Evening).
- 6 months and older: You can transition to 2 meals per day.
- Timing: Try to feed them at the same time every day. Remove any uneaten food after 20 minutes to discourage “picky eating.”
3. Hydration is Mandatory
- Always provide a bowl of fresh, filtered water.
- Tip: If you notice your puppy isn’t drinking enough, soaked kibble is the best way to ensure they stay hydrated, especially during the first stressful days in a new home.
4. What to Avoid
- No Cold Water: Use room temperature water for drinking.
- No Exercise after Eating: Let your puppy rest for at least 30–60 minutes after a meal to prevent digestive upset.
Our Advice: A hungry puppy is a healthy puppy. If they skip one meal due to the stress of the move, don’t panic, but ensure they are drinking water. If they skip more than two meals, contact us.