puppy food choices - Page 1

Hello everyone,

Although my registration is new here I have been following this website for a long time and have a question and would like to hear your views. What type of food is best for a puppy and why? I have heard everything from certain types of dry to only raw and quite frankly am confused on what to feed my German shepherd puppy which will be shipped from Germany in June. She will be approx 10 weeks old at that time. I want to ensure I provide her the best I can not only in training but nourishment as well. I was told by the breeder, "Until the puppy reaches 6 months feed a high quality Puppy Food, consisting of not higher than 28% protein, but no supplements, unless recommended by your vet. Excessive protein, vitamins and minerals can also be harmful." She did not mention any specific food by name so can I assume as long as I adhere to her guidelines I should be fine regardless? I just want some views from experienced GSD owners and breeders and your opinion on the matter as I (like we all do) want the healthiest life I can provide for my puppy. I was also told to keep the puppy on the same food for life by others so your point of view is very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Dan

Hi Dan, if you've been following PDB for a long time you know everyone will have a different answer for you but here is what I do that was recommended by my breeder and other breeders/owners I train with. I start my puppies when I get them on dry puppy food until they are about four months old then transition them to adult food and stay with that for life. I feed Kirkland signature, it's not the most expensive but the ingredients are fine by me and I've never had a problem with weight, coats or stools. Jmo! Oh and because I show my dogs, they are weaned onto supplements from puppyhood and stay on those through their show careers. Good luck with your pup!

I feed a raw diet primarily using a local or regional raw diet balanced nutrition beef puppy food with mixed meat and organs (Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix) as well as dairy ( milk and milk products ).  I include a supplement with probiotic organisms to maintain gut health and aid in digestion of milk products.  Starting at 8-10 weeks I will also offer the puppies raw chicken quarters and by 9-10 weeks they are eating the chicken quarters bone and all.  I will introduce the puppies to dry kibble but they do not relish it if raw food is available in sufficient amounts.  Dry kibble grain based dog foods promote growth spurts.  Kibble diets tend to starve the puppy to prevent runaway growth and weaker joints.  I feed all that the puppies will eat of the raw food components and do not emphasize weight as a determinant of food requirements.  Raw meat based diets produce deeper and broader chests in both males and females.  Starting at 3 months the puppies will be socialized with humans and allowed almost unlimited exercise opportunities.  I usually raise the entire litter together unless social infighting is a problem and the puppies play and rough house which is good exercise and provides "dog schooling".  Exercise that develops strong dense bones and lean muscle is very important to joint and bone health.  If you want a lean puppy run him don't starve him.  I feed both raw and cooked beef and chicken liver as a snack, treat, and medication delivery system.  Plenty of sunlight exposure or I supplement with D3.  B vitamins and SeaMeal is also added as a supplement if the puppies are not growing as expected or are not as active and healthy as experience dictates.

Leerburg has some good discussion on food for dogs .. just as in humans food plays a role in correct physical and mental development, immune system function, and genetic expression of traits.

Thank you for all the information. I will review the Leerburg discussion as well. 

I appreciate you taking the time to respond,

Dan