A lot of new puppy owners have this question: how much food should I be feeding my 5-week-old pup? The answer is not the same for every dog, as they all have different needs. However, we can give you a general idea of how much your puppy should be eating each day.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to calculate your puppy’s daily caloric intake and provide some tips on what to feed your growing furry friend!
How Much Food for a 5-Week Old Puppy?
The 5 week period is when people start to wean puppies off of their mother’s milk or formula.
If you’re switching to food for the first time for your pup, how much food do you give puppies? Your puppy’s weight and body condition score determine how large he should be. Body condition score is a way to measure your dog’s body fat, similar to body mass index (BMI) in humans, and should be determined by your veterinarian.
A 5-week old puppy will need to consume between 120 calories to 2000 calories a day, depending on its weight.
There are usually instructions on the packaging of puppy food as well. These can be helpful. This is a good starting point, but your pup may need more kibble than this. You can keep an eye on its appetite to determine if you need to add slightly more or less kibble to each meal.
As your dog’s size increases, it will need more nutrients and calories, since this is a rapid growth period. Make sure to schedule regular vet visits and weigh your puppy at home if possible to keep track of their weight and growth.
How Often Should a 5-Week Old Puppy Eat?
Puppies should eat small meals throughout the day, as opposed to one large meal. This mimics their natural eating habits and helps them digest their food properly. You will want to split your pup’s daily caloric intake into four or five evenly spaced meals.
It is important to keep in mind that puppies have small stomachs, so they won’t be able to eat as much as adult dogs. Start with the recommended amount on the food’s packaging and then adjust accordingly based on your puppy’s appetite.
Try to feed your puppy on a consistent schedule. This helps to regulate their digestive system. Puppies should also be taken outside to relieve themselves after every meal. They won’t be able to hold it for very long, so make sure you’re available at those times.
How Long to Wait Between Feedings?
Puppies as young as 5 weeks can go as long as 6 hours without feeding. Their growth is accelerating, so they’re getting hungry quickly. This means longer than 6 hours is not recommended.
In pups, ‘hypoglycemia’ occurs when they do not eat for long periods of time. Untreated, it can result in death.
An active pup may suffer from this condition. Their meals are spread out over a long period of time. It’s important that you always feed them at the appropriate times.
This is more common in puppies younger than 3 months old, according to experts. Their blood sugar can’t yet be controlled at that age.
Small and toy dogs are also at higher risk. Their digestive system breaks down sugars more slowly.
Typically, it is best to feed your pup every 4 to 5 hours, depending on how these time intervals work with your own schedule.
What Food Should a 5-Week Old Puppy Eat?
The higher the quality food you provide your 5-week old puppy with, the better it will grow and develop. Puppy food is specially made for growing dogs and has all the nutrients they need at this age. Talk to your veterinarian about the best type of food for your pup, as well as any supplements that may be necessary.
When at the pet store, feel free to ask an associate to assist you with choosing food. You can choose dry kibble or wet canned food, depending on your preference. Choose a formula that is specifically made for puppies. It should be labeled as balanced and complete with nutrition and is best when it’s certified by the AAFCO.
Don’t skimp and give your dog adult food. This will not provide them with the right balance of nutrients for their growth spurt and can even lead to developmental problems.
How to Start Feeding Your Dog Solid Food
When you’re ready to start feeding your puppy solid food, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, make sure the food is appropriate for his age group and that it has been formulated specifically with puppies in mind! This means a proper blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.
If not, he may have some issues digesting what’s inside because these products contain more calories and nutrients than adult dog foods.
Start by pouring a portion of dog food into a pan, and adding water to it. This water can be warm or hot, just make sure you don’t serve it to your pup at too high of a temperature.
Don’t add too much water, as this will create a broth that your pup may not be interested in. Add a little at a time until the food is completely saturated without any excess water in the pan or bowl.
Let the kibble sit for 15 minutes and then mash it so that it’s easier for your puppy to chew.
Teach your pup that this is food by placing a small amount of gruel on its nose. This will get them sniffing (and eventually eating) the mixture. This will also help them to get used to the smell and taste of dog food.
Once your puppy is eagerly gobbling up the gruel, you can start adding small pieces of kibble into the mix. Gradually increase the size of the kibble until they eat it whole.
Don’t worry if your puppy is not excited about the food right away or refuses to eat it at all! This happens sometimes with new foods, so give him a few days to get used to his new diet before making any sudden changes.
Can I Feed My 5-Week Old Puppy Treats?
5 weeks old is too young to start your puppy on commercial dog treats. This is because they can be too high in calories and might give your pup an upset stomach if they’re not used to eating them yet.
The best treats for your puppy are those that are low in calories and high in nutrients, such as very small pieces of plain vegetables or fruits. These won’t throw off the dietary balance of their main meals. However, they may be challenging on their digestive system to process at this young age, so try to hold off a couple of months longer before introducing treats.
Also, make sure to always supervise your dog while they’re eating or playing with food so that they don’t choke on anything! It’s also important that they don’t get into any human food that has been left out and in reach. This can be a real danger for puppies who are too young and still learning how to eat solid foods. They might not know what’s safe and unsafe yet.