Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Puppies
As a responsible breeder, I prioritise the health and well-being of my puppies. Recently, I attended a seminar with a renowned animal nutritionist in Australia and gained valuable insights on the importance of a balanced diet for puppies.
My Journey with Raw Meat
Initially, I believed that feeding raw meat was the best option for my dog and puppies. However, after a harrowing experience, I was forced to reevaluate my approach. When I fed raw meat to my 5-week-old puppies, they all developed diarrhea, and one puppy became dehydrated and inflamed, requiring two days of intravenous fluids and hospitalisation. This experience was a wake-up call, and I have since avoided feeding raw meat to my puppies.
Expert Recommendations
The veterinarian and my veterinary nutritionist both strongly recommend against feeding only raw meat to dogs, especially puppies. They emphasize the importance of a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. Instead, I now feed my puppies a high-quality kibble and air-dried food that meets their nutritional needs.
Benefits of Balanced Nutrition
By feeding my puppies a balanced diet, I’ve noticed significant benefits. They receive the right amount of calories, which has prevented excessive growth and ensured they grow at a healthy pace. Their stools are consistently regular and neither loose nor hard, indicating that their digestive system is functioning properly.
Conclusion
I will continue to prioritize a balanced diet for my puppies, avoiding raw meat and opting for a scientifically-formulated food that meets their nutritional needs. As a breeder, it’s my responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of my puppies, and I’m committed to providing them with the best possible care.