Feeding a new puppy: how often and what to avoid

Moving to a new home is a big change for a puppy’s tummy. Keeping food simple, and the same, for the first couple of weeks helps them settle in.

Keep the same food at first

• Before pickup, ask what your puppy eats, how much, and when.
• Feed the same food, on the same routine, for at least the first 2 weeks.
• Choose a complete and balanced food made for puppies. Your vet can help you pick one.

How often to feed

• Young puppies have small tummies, so they need several small meals a day. RSPCA Australia suggests starting with at least 4 meals a day.
• As your puppy grows, slowly cut down the number of meals, often to 3 and then to 2. Your vet can tell you when.
• Most adult dogs do well on at least 2 meals a day.
• Use the feeding guide on the food as a starting point. Ask your vet to check your puppy’s weight and body shape. Overfeeding large and giant breeds can cause bone and muscle problems.
• Let your puppy rest for a while before and after meals. Exercise right before or after eating can cause bloat.
• Practise “sit” before each meal. It’s an easy daily training moment.

Water

• Fresh drinking water must be available at all times.
• Some vets suggest limiting water in the last 2 hours before bed, to help with night toilet trips. Never let your puppy go thirsty, especially in hot weather.

Changing foods

• Try not to change foods in the first 2 weeks.
• When you do change, go slowly over 1 to 2 weeks. Mix a little of the new food into the old food. Every few days, add a bit more new and a bit less old.
• If your puppy gets an upset tummy, pause the change until it settles.

Treats, milk and bones

• Count treats as part of the day’s food. You can use some of their normal food as treats.
• Don’t give milk. It can upset a puppy’s tummy.
• Never give cooked bones. They can splinter and hurt your puppy inside.
• RSPCA Australia doesn’t recommend bones. If you choose to give one, ask your vet first. It must be raw, too big to fit whole in your puppy’s mouth, and only given while you watch.
• Keep toxic foods away, like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts and anything with xylitol.

Soft poo after the move

A soft poo or two in the first few days can happen with all the changes. If your puppy is bright, eating and drinking, keep the food the same, keep fresh water available, and watch closely. Ring your vet if:

• the poo is very watery, or there’s blood in it
• it isn’t better within 24 hours
• your puppy is also vomiting, not eating, or seems flat and tired
• your puppy is very young or a small breed, as they need a vet’s advice sooner