Puppy's Life

Smart Eating Habits

Healthy foods make for healthy puppies

We all do it—smile at the sight of a pudgy puppy. And while this bundle-of-love is so easy to hug and kiss, the reality is that a puppy with a few extra pounds could be less healthy than he should.

As with people, exercise, diet, and nutrition are keys to a fulfilling life. Making smart lifestyle choices for your puppy early on will help ensure he gets all the nutrition he needs, and will help mitigate potential behavioral problems.

Joint Reasons

Because puppies love to run and play, extra weight can put a strain on your best friend’s body and hinder him from getting around easily. One of the ways you can help ensure that your puppy is healthy is by facilitating the proper amount of exercise. It’s important to remember that a puppy’s bones aren’t fully developed and hardened until he’s 12-months-old, depending on his size, so be aware of the amount of exercise you and your best friend are getting. Thirty-minute walks twice a day is ample exercise for a puppy (and more than that can cause stress on his joints). Experts recommend using your puppy’s size and breed as a guide to determine how much exercise is needed, and it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian before starting an exercise program.

(And here’s another suggestion: Ask your veterinarian for exercise tips if your puppy is excessively barking, digging, or pacing because this may be a sign that he needs more ways to dissipate his energy.)

Great Food

Your puppy’s diet needs a mix of ingredients for sufficient nutrition, and puppy food such as Beneful® Healthy Growth is a perfect way to ensure your best friend is eating right.

“In general, puppy food has a high caloric density that is balanced and high-quality,” explains Dr. Gary Raiczyk, veterinarian and owner of Healthy Paws Veterinary Center in Texas. “Most high-quality puppy foods contain an increased amount of protein and carbohydrate. In addition, puppy foods should contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.”

Beneful® Healthy Growth is formulated with the vitamins and nutrients a puppy needs to get a healthful balance. Puppies love the taste, and you’ll be happy with the essential fatty acids for a shiny coat, protein from chicken and other sources to aide in muscle growth, carbohydrate from rice to give your puppy loads of energy, vegetable accents with vitamins and minerals to promote a strong immune system, and the appropriate amount of iron for healthy blood. How do you determine how much food to feed your pup? Ask your veterinarian or look on the food label.

(For more information on Beneful® Healthy Growth and feeding instructions, click here.)

The amount and frequency that you feed your puppy is determined by breed and size.

Chew Time!

When it comes to helping your dog satisfying the natural chewing instinct, chew bones and chew toys are a great—and help keep breath fresh. They also provide great benefits such as strengthening your pup’s teeth and jaw.

While pudgy pups may look cute and adorable, remember that a weighty friend may not be healthy and fit. Exercise, diet, and affection are the keys to happiness, and working with your puppy to ensure he gets the appropriate vitamins and nutrients will help him live a long, hearty life.