Choosing the right food for your pet can be overwhelming. It has been for me in the past. I have done so much research on food, diet, supplements, that I now have a good list of things I like and dislike.
For our puppies we first recommend you start them on a large breed puppy food. Puppy food in general is not always suitable for the growth of large breeds, so it’s crucial you check the back for the AAFCO statement typically found on the back near the ingredients. The calcium phosphorus ratio should be around 1:1.
The second thing I look for in a puppy food is one that is not stuffed with peas or legumes. This is due to the studies associated with peas and legumes causing DCM. A quick google search will give you more information on that.
Grain Free or Grains? In my opinion there is no issue with either depending on food. However the issue with grain free happened when they took the grain out of food, but then stuffed it with fillers like peas. If you feed grain free it’s important to make sure those things have not been added. There are foods out there that are grain , pea ,and legume free, but they are few and far in between.
Dry Dog Food Recommendation – Puppy
- Farmina Large Breed Puppy
- Raw Diet Approved for Large Breeds
- Health Extension
- SPORTMiX Wholesome Sensitive Skin/Stomach
- *no particular order*
ADULT FOOD
- Farmina * Specific Formulas Safe For Large Breed Puppies* (A Favorite)
- Nature’s Logic
- Balanced Raw Diet (A Favorite!)
- Health Extension Original Chicken and Rice *safe for Large Breed Puppies*
- SPORTMiX WHOLESOMES Sensitive Skin Stomach
Raw Diets?
I am a HUGE fan of raw diets. It’s in my opinion, the best thing we can feed to our dogs. For those who are interested in this diet, or even supplementing with it, I would highly suggest you look at these sites. My rule of thumb for puppies is to put them on a high quality kibble, then at around 7 months, switch to full time raw if this is the diet you choose.
Perfectly Rawesome
Dogs Naturally Magazine
Raw Feeding Miami (supplier)
Bjs Raw Pet Food (supplier)
Raw Fed K9 (supplier)
Proper Weight?
I keep our puppies very lean! They are ribby but still have muscle and good coverage. This is to ensure there is not excessive weight while growing. Very important. It is always better to keep a puppy lean, then chunky. You should be able to feel your puppies ribs, but not seem them. DO NOT OVER FEED YOUR PUPPY! Over feeding does not make your puppy get bigger then what they are supposed to, only fat. It is detrimental to their development. I highly suggest you also do not free-feed your puppy (bowl with food always out). A scheduled feeding time is best.
Supplements?
I suggest no over the counter supplements advertised for puppies, as they can do more harm then good. I do however give puppies natural, wholesome, supplements.
- Pumpkin
- Ester C
- Fish Oil- alternative would be whole fish like sardines or smelt
- Goats Milk- Fantastic probiotic and great for gut
- Goat or cow Kefir- same as above.
- Eggs
- Hemp Oil
- Turmeric
Your Puppies Gut- Gateway to Health!
A good probiotic can really kickstart your puppies health and transition in their new home. Goats milk is one of my favorites, as well as plain yogurt, green tripe, and kefir. This is a great way to help strengthen your pups gut.
Von Maqqedah Haus German Shepherds 