PUPPY NUTRITION

An article by The Bulldog Breed Council Gazette Issue 10.

There are as many opinions on puppy nutrition as there are breeders. We all have our own thoughts and practices and amazingly, regardless of this, most of the puppies seem to thrive. 

This is my opinion and, for the most part it has worked although I suspect it is quite old fashioned now, but sometimes it doesn't hurt to go back to basics. 

I have always felt the least intervention possible with tiny puppies is best. As one old timer said: ‘Look after the bitch, and she will look after the puppies’, which is correct up to a point. 

First things first. Be Prepared. 

We always had a range of syringes in the sterilizer ready for use if necessary. We always had a new tin of Royal Canin, Whelpi or Lactol ready. 

New puppies need colostrum. It is vital that the puppies get this first feed. Colostrum is an antibody-rich fluid designed by nature to fulfil the unique needs of a newborn puppy. The mother’s milk for pup-pies has immunoglobulins, antibodies and growth factors, besides other compounds. Colostrum for dogs cannot be produced artificially. 

Once the puppies and Mum are settled, make sure you weigh the pups daily. They will lose weight for the first day or so, and then their weight should start to increase. If it doesn't, or if the litter is really large, then ‘top up’, but only if essential . Puppies should be drinking about 1ml per ounce of body weight every 2 hours, built up to this amount over 3 days. As they grow, the volume and time be-tween feeds increases, and they will develop their own routine. 

At about 3 weeks we started to introduce finely ground mince that has been previously frozen for a minimum of 48 hour, This kills any bacteria but the meat must be completely defrosted and served at room temperature. When held in a ball the puppies suck on it. They are usually very enthusiastic, so you must be extremely careful they are not allowed to choke or given too much. After a few more days we would start to introduce a good quality puppy kibble soaked in boiled water, with fresh water available. 

Slowly the puppies would be weaned off mum and eat more solids until at about 5 weeks the puppies would be eating puppy kibble with a small amount of mince or complete raw. 

At 6 to 7 weeks something happens to Bulldog puppies. They ALWAYS get loose tummies. This is very distressing, but it seems to clear up after 3 or 4 days. Plain mashed potato (no milk) seems to help and as their tummies settle, we usually offered a little Actimel which they loved. 

By the time the puppies are ready for their new homes at 8 weeks old, they should be completely weaned, enjoying 4 meals a day of puppy kibble, a little minced beef or complete raw. The puppies will reduce their meals naturally to 3 meals at 12 weeks and then by the time they are 6 months old they can be changed from puppy food to adult food. 

Any change of food should be introduced slowly over a few days, otherwise their tummies can get very volatile!!