All About Pets • Volume 3 • Issue 3 • May–Aug 2023 2 plan that is specific to the pet’s dietary needs, following an exercise routine, and consulting a veterinarian regularly are crucial for a puppy’s health and longevity. Foods to Support Early Development Many pet parents adopt puppies when they are about 6 weeks old. However, if they decide to raise a puppy from birth, they need to understand the nutritional requirements of the early developmental phase. The puppy would require all the nutrition that his/her mother's milk otherwise provide. If the puppy has been weaned early, then a calcium supplement may be needed. At about 3 to 4 weeks, a puppy’s body and bones are quite delicate. It is by week 4 that the teeth start showing up, and the puppy starts to nibble. 3 to 4 weeks At 3 to 4 weeks, the puppy is highly energetic and active. At this stage, the puppy requires a protein-rich diet. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, each meal should contain at least 25% to 30% protein to meet a puppy’s energy requirement. This may require supplementing the puppy’s meal with an extra source of protein such as food supplements infused with raw meat. 6 weeks By 6 weeks, puppies can progress to other solid foods such as fruits and vegetables, and they must start adapting to an adult dog’s diet. The switch to solid foods causes unpleasant physiologic reactions and digestive problems in puppies while they attempt to adapt to the new diet. Dietary supplements can be provided to support their digestive system with the transition to solid foods. Vitamin D supplements will help strength their teeth and bones, which in turn will aid in improving their chewing ability. Zinc and magnesium supplements will benefit the developing digestive tract. Foods to Avoid Foods such as garlic, onion, chocolates, and raisins can harm the puppy’s digestive tract, and hence, should not be given. “All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn’t a dog.” – Charles M Schulz
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