amounts of minerals like calcium and phosphorus, vitamins, and omega fish oils with DHA for brain and vision development. Also, the smaller kibble size of toy and small breed puppy foods is easier for puppies to chew and encourages acceptability.” Dr. Harris offers these tips: Introduce solid food when puppies’ teeth begin to come in, usually around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Note that toy breed puppies should continue nursing until they are 6 to 8 weeks old, as these breeds do not have the enzymes necessary to produce glucose from the liver until they are older. Wean puppies by preparing a gruel mixture by grinding puppy food in a blender and then soaking it in warm water. Initially feed puppies the gruel mixture one time a day and then go to two times a day. In between feedings, puppies should have access to a dry feeder containing puppy food kibble. Establish a feeding routine as puppies get older to help keep the digestive system regular and make housetraining easier. Feed three to four equal-portioned meals a day, not exceeding their daily recommended intake, to help avoid juvenile or puppy hypoglycemia due to low glucose, or sugar, which results in weakness from not getting enough nutrients to meet energy needs. Toy breed puppies may need four to six meals a day. Do not supplement with additional minerals and vitamins if you feed a completed and balanced puppy or growth food, unless your veterinarian advises doing so. “Breeders should feed pups to grow at an average rather than a maximum rate for their breed and thus not overfeed. If you follow the food manufacturing guidelines on how much to feed based on the weight and age of the puppy, this is a great place to start. Consulting your veterinarian, you can then make adjustments as a puppy develops considering its weight gain and addressing any concerns that arise.” Raising a happy, healthy litter of toy or small breed puppies is rewarding. The time and energy spent starting at day one in the whelping box until puppies leave with their new families is well worth the effort. Purina Pro Plan Nutrition Specially Formulated for Toy & Small Breeds Purina Pro Plan Specialized Nutrition Puppy Toy Breed Chicken & Rice Formula and Purina Pro Plan Specialized Nutrition Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula provide complete and balanced nutrition for toy and small breed puppies. Both foods provide these nutritional attributes: • High in protein to meet the needs of highly active small dogs • DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development
• Antioxidants support a puppy’s developing immune system • Calcium, phosphorus and other mineral build strong bones and teeth • Bite-sized kibble makes chewing easier • Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health • Chicken is the first ingredient • Highly digestible for optimal nutrient delivery • Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A nourish skin and coat • No artificial colors or flavors For more information, visit www.purina.com/pro-plan/ dogs/puppy-food or call 800-778-7462. *The socialization period in totality is from 4 to 12 weeks Source: “Genetics and the Social Behavior of Dogs,” with socialization information from Purina veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris and Purina puppy behavior expert Dr. Annie Valuska
Article reprinted courtesy of Purina ProPlan. For more information, visit https://www.purinaproclub.com/dog- articles/health/toy-small-dog-newborn-puppy-care
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