A 12-week old puppy is still growing and needs a lot of food to help it grow properly. It is important to feed your puppy the right type and amount of food so that they can reach their full potential.
In this blog post, we will discuss how much food you should be feeding your 12-week-old pup, as well as the best type of food to feed it for optimal health.
How Much Food for a 12-Week Old Puppy?
Young pups are weaned from their mother’s milk around 5 or 6 weeks old. By 12 weeks, your pup should have over a month of experience with dry dog food, and you might be wondering how much to feed them.
Most vets recommend a 12-week old pup to be fed a certain amount based on its weight. In humans, the BMI (body mass index) is used to calculate a dog’s weight. Dogs are measured using a body condition score. A veterinarian can use this measurement to determine how fit and healthy your dog is in relation to its weight, and how many calories it needs daily.
An active puppy requires more food than a puppy with a low energy level and very little activity. Underweight dogs should eat more calories than dogs with a body condition score (BCS) that is at or above the recommended level. Before choosing a food for your pup, talk with your veterinarian about these factors.
Feeding instructions are usually found on the puppy food packaging if you don’t discuss your feeding plan with a vet. A chart will tell you how many cups of food you need to feed your puppy each day based on its weight.
For any additional questions about portioning the food correctly, you may ask an associate or contact the manufacturer of the puppy food you plan on using.
It is important to keep in mind that your dog will grow rapidly during this period and that its caloric intake will rise over time. As your puppy gets older, adjust the recommended amount of food you give it so it gets the right amount for its weight and activity level.
How Often Should a 12-Week Old Puppy Eat?
In the beginning, puppies should be given five or six daily meals when they are introduced to solid foods. You should be able to start reducing this amount to 3-4 feedings each day at the age of 12 weeks.
Keeping your pup’s eating schedule consistent is essential. By eating regularly, your pup’s digestive system will become accustomed to eating, and you will prevent him from becoming overweight.
When you cannot feed your puppy at the designated mealtime, ensure that you do not skip a meal altogether and feed the puppy as closely as possible to the schedule.
It’s helpful to have reinforcements so that your pup gets fed no matter what happens in your personal life. This could be someone else in the home, a friend, a neighbor, or even a local dog walker that is willing and able to stop by for a feeding and potty break when you can’t make it home.
Feeding your pup regularly will also help with behavioral training. Regular feedings early on will discourage your dog for begging (or even demanding) to eat on its own terms and schedule.
It’s a good idea to feed your dog in a consistent area in your home as well. This helps your new puppy to understand that this is the designated spot for eating and eliminates confusion.
What Food Should a 12-Week Old Puppy Eat?
Your 12-week old puppy will grow and develop better on quality food. Puppy food is specially formulated for growing puppies at this age and contains all the nutrients they need. If you’re unsure of which foods and supplements are right for your puppy, consult with your veterinarian.
There are many brands on the market to choose from, from the high-end, premium foods to the lower-quality, mass-produced options. Some of the best puppy food brands include Blue Buffalo and Nutro.
Puppy food should contain a lot of protein as well as calcium for healthy bones, teeth, and joints. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs because they are still growing rapidly at this age. Avoid giving your puppy table scraps, as these can upset their diet and lead to health problems down the road.
Never give adult food to your dog if you don’t want to shortchange it. They won’t receive the right balance of nutrients for their growth spurt as a result, and this could even lead to developmental issues.
Read the ingredient lists of the dog food brands you have available to you and do your research. Foods made from human-grade ingredients or those that contain meat as their first ingredient are healthier choices. It’s important to keep your pup away from products that contain by-products, fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives since these can affect their health over time.
Feel free to ask an associate for help choosing food at the pet store. Depending on your preference, you can either feed your dog dry kibble or wet canned food. Select a formula designed specifically for puppies. It is best if the food has been certified by the AAFCO as being balanced and complete in nutrition.
Can Puppies Eat Treats at 12 Months Old?
Puppies can start eating treats at 12 weeks old, but these should not make up more than ten percent of their daily caloric intake. Look for healthy puppy treats that are low in sugar and devoid of artificial additives.
You can give your pup a treat as a reward for good behavior or simply because you love him, but don’t overdo it. If you notice that your pup is becoming overweight, cut back on treats.
If your dog has not been eating their regular food fully, do not replace this amount of calories with treats. This may throw your puppy’s nutritional balance off and lead to other issues such as obesity, diabetes or even pancreatitis.
If your puppy has been eating plenty of food but is still begging for more, it may be a sign that the dog food you are giving them does not contain enough nutrients. Instead of offering treats to supplement their diet, try switching foods altogether. This could help your pup feel fuller and eliminate excessive begging.
How Much Water Should a 12-week-Old Puppy Drink?
Approximately half a cup of water should be consumed every two hours by a puppy. Your puppy must drink enough water in order to avoid dehydration. Make sure your pup isn’t drinking too much by keeping an eye on it. In general, puppies who have already been weaned need between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of bodyweight every day.
It’s important for your puppy to stay hydrated, so keep a bowl of fresh water available at all times. Make sure that the puppy’s water dish is easy for them to reach, and clean it frequently. Dirty water can lead to illness, so it’s best if you change your pup’s water daily.
You may also want to consider adding a little bit of broth or warm water to their food if they are not drinking enough fluids. This also adds flavor, which may encourage them to eat more.