small bulldog puppies for sale

small bulldog puppies for sale - They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. That is the answer to the question: what do Labrador Retrievers eat? Labrador Retrievers are noted for their readiness to eat anything they can find, whether or not it is food. The owner must guard against this, for the inquisitive Labrador Retriever can eat things that are not good for it, or even toxic. Real Food Labrador Retrievers do very well on real food such as you eat. Here are some categories you will want to include. Real meat, such as beef, chicken, and turkey. Fresh, raw fruits such as apples, bananas, and cranberries. Fresh, raw vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, celery, potatoes, and spinach. Certain dairy foods are good, too, for Labrador Retrievers: cottage cheese, eggs, and yogurt. Labrador Retrievers need some grain, but not corn. Make it brown rice or oatmeal. You can do your own cooking for a Labrador Retriever, if you wish. Actually, there is not a lot of cooking to be done. Some people prefer to cook the meat as this kills any bacteria that are present. We are impressed with what it offers an energetic Labrador Retriever. Embark dog food offers what you need for a healthy, safe Labrador Retriever. Do Not Feed the Labrador Retriever As the signs in zoos prohibit feeding animals because they might get something that is not good for them, so you should have a mental sign that reminds you what not to feed your Labrador Retriever. What do Labrador Retrievers eat? As we said, they will eat everything. You must be the guardian of the food dish. Many commercial dog foods are actually harmful to your dog. It is said that the well-known commercial dog foods you see in your supermarket are composed of rejects. Cereal companies wanted to profit from rejected grain. If the USDA inspection said their corn, rice, and wheat could not be used for humans, they decided, they would make and market dog food. The grain failed inspection because it was moldy, rancid, or contained contaminants. The meat packers had similar problems with meat that failed inspection. When the two got together, they produced commercial dog food. Your Labrador Retriever depends on you to feed him what he needs to make him healthy, and to replenish the calories he burns in his active lifestyle. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Related services:

small bulldog puppies for sale - Once part of your family, they will become a loving member for life! Pat was in dire need of a service dog but her circumstances made it impossible due to the fact that her husband was highly allergic to dogs. Three puppies were the result of this breeding. Of the three that were born, one of the pups proved to have an allergy friendly coat as well as a temperament that would make him a compatible guide dog. Little did he know that he was the beginning of a wonderful breed of dogs. Sultan was the first recognized Labradoodle. For over twenty years Labradoodles have made excellent service dogs as well as family pets. They have great personalities, are very smart and easily trained. They have also given severe allergy sufferers a new alternative, allowing many of them the ability to own and enjoy a dog of their own for the first time. Hybrid vigor is the phenomenon that the first cross between two unrelated purebred lines is healthier and grows better than either parent line. A very good family pet, yet not always allergy friendly. Most first generation dogs shed to some degree. First generation backcross Labradoodles F1b are the result of breeding a first generation F1 Labradoodle back to a Poodle. This results in a much more allergy friendly coat. F1b Labradoodles are no-to-low shed dogs. Multi-Gen Labradoodles are the result of breeding a higher generation Labradoodle to another higher generation Labradoodle. Their coats can range from silky waves of fleece to a curly wool. Multi-Gen Labradoodles are very allergy friendly and consistent in terms of coat quality. They are the best bet for someone who suffers with dog related allergies. Multi-Gens are no-to-low shed dogs. Non-shedding and allergy friendly. Grooming is a must if kept natural. Fleece - Long fur which can range from curly locks to wavy. This coat type tends to be allergy friendly and no to low shed. Hair — coat tends to resemble that of a Labrador. Non-shedding to heavy shedding. Least allergy friendly of the coat types. One of the biggest pros of having a Labradoodle is that they are non or low shedding and generally more hypoallergenic than other breeds. That being said, a determining factor of this is coat type. As a trusted breeder of Labradoodles and other poodle mixes for the past eight years and having raised multiple litters of Labradoodles myself, I can tell you about some ways you can try to predict the kind of coat that your Labradoodle puppy will have. To determine the coat type of a Labradoodle puppy, one must look at a few aspects of the puppy. First, the puppy's muzzle or face should be looked at to see if there are curls, crimps, or waves. Another indicator of coat type is the texture of both the puppy and its parents' coats. Before we get further into discussing how to tell what coat type your puppy will have, let's talk about the different coat types. We will also talk about how genetics influence coat type and how you can choose a generation of Labradoodle to get the coat type that you are looking for. Types of Labradoodle Coats There are three main types of Labradoodle coats, ranging from curly to flat. These coats all have different pros and cons as well as different grooming needs. Let's talk about each coat type and what it means for your puppy. Wool The wool or curly coat is the coat that most closely resembles a poodle. It is called the wool coat because it looks like the curly, dense coat of a sheep. Wool coats require the most extensive grooming regimen. Wool-coated puppies will need to get haircuts every six weeks in addition to their daily brushing. Fleece A fleece coat is an in-between type of coat, making it the middle ground between a curly and a flat coat. This kind of coat is probably the most common in Labradoodles, across all generations. If you have a puppy with a fleece coat, you will need to pay close attention to the hair around its ears and collar when brushing them because it can easily get matted. Hair The hair coat most resembles the coat of a Labrador retriever. Labradoodles that have this kind of coat will probably shed the most, but that doesn't mean that they are any less hypoallergenic than the others. Recent studies have shown that it is not actually the dog hair, but dandruff that is the cause of most dog allergies. Flat-coated puppies will have fewer grooming needs than their wool or fleece counterparts, but will still need to be brushed out regularly. Although flat-coated doodles have the same temperament and characteristics as their siblings, they are oftentimes less desirable as a result of the texture of their coats. This area is usually where the hair starts to show the most curl. Often, puppies that grow to have curly or wavy coats have crimps or waves in these areas. If your Labradoodle puppy is flat coated, they may have a slight mustache or beard, but the hair will be straight, not curled or crimped. Another way to tell the type of coat of your Labradoodle puppy is to look at and feel the texture of their coat. Puppies are born with a softer and fluffier puppy coat that helps protect them and help them regulate their body temperature while they grow and mature. Although they will eventually lose this puppy coat and be left with a coarser coat, puppies that are flat-coated generally start out with a coarser and shorter puppy coat. Flat-coated puppy coats will also appear different in the fact that their coat looks like it has an undercoat with a longer more wispy top coat that resembles a wire coat. If you cannot tell what kind of coat your puppy will have from these indicators, you may want to take a look at its parents. This tactic won't work well if your puppy is an F1 Labradoodle that is a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever because you won't have a good base of reference, so is probably best used if you have a different generation of Labradoodle. If your puppy's Labradoodle parent has a tighter, curlier coat, the chances are higher that your puppy will have a curly coat as well. All of these tactics are good ways to get an idea of what your puppy's coat may look like but can only be labeled as educated guesses as puppy coats may change after they lose their puppy coat. Why Does the Generation Matter? The generation of a Labradoodle puppy is a huge factor in the kind of coat they will have. If a puppy has a higher percentage of poodle DNA, it will have a curlier coat. If you can't get a look at your puppy or are looking for a certain type of coat before buying a Labradoodle puppy, the generation and genetics of the dog can help you get a good idea of what type of fur they will have. Labradoodle Generations Chart. Apart from the unique colors, there are also different types of Labradoodle coats that you can opt for. Learning about these different coat types will not only help you reach a decision as to what type of coat you would like your Labradoodle to have but also help you learn how to care for it and what to expect as your pup grows. So, pet owners should expect a pleasant surprise as their dog ages. Types Of Labradoodle Coat Labradoodles sure know how to stand out from the rest, thanks to their eye-catching coats! In fact, this breed of dog is popular among dog lovers especially for their coats as they are one of the very few breeds whose fur does not give out any odor. There are three main types of coats that Labradoodles can have. While all three are uniquely special in their own way, the shedding for each type of coat also varies and each coat thus has its own grooming needs. Hair Coated Labradoodles Straight Coat Labradoodle Of the three types of coats, the straight or hair coated Labradoodle is the least popular owing to the fact that it sheds the most out of the three types and is thus not completely allergy-friendly. It also carries a slight odor. Some Labradoodles will look more like Labradors that Poodles. Straight and wavy hair often look more like Labradoodles. Its straight hair is inherited from the Labrador parent and is significantly different in appearance from the fleece and wool coated Labradoodles. Labradoodles are not born with their teddy bear-like appearance. In fact, their coat begins to grow only after the pup reaches 12 weeks of age. The straight hair coat is commonly visible in the first generation Labradoodle litter that is bred by the pairing of a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. The muzzle area is usually hair coated and will determine their coat type. The hair coated type of breed is scruffy, coarse, and wiry to touch. And the good news is this type of coat is very easy to maintain. The straight coat also means that it can vary in length and thickness, so you may have to take your dog to the grooming salon more often than you may imagine. It is also possible to control the shedding by ensuring that your dog is regularly clipped and groomed. However, if you or anyone in your family has dog allergies, hair coated Labradoodles are a complete no-no. Although for someone with a general allergy, they may be able to tolerate it. Wool Coated Labradoodles Curly Coat Labradoodle The second most favored type of coat of this breed, the wool coated Labradoodle has dense and thick fur. This coat of a Labradoodle is so soft, you might just find yourself touching their soft wool all the time. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. When it comes to shedding, you have nothing to worry about with this type of coat. This is a non-shedding coat so people with allergies can rest easy with these doodles. However, a visit to the grooming salon cannot be completely avoided. It is important that you take your pet Labradoodle once every six weeks for regular clipping and grooming in order to maintain their healthy coat. It is simply because this one is the easiest to maintain compared to the wool coated and the hair coated ones. My Labradoodle max has a apricot wavy coat. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. Of the three types of coats of Labradoodles, the fleece coat is hypoallergenic in nature, which means this breed is relatively unlikely to cause any allergic reaction. The fleece-coated Labradoodle comes in three varieties — straight, loose curls, and very curly. The fleece coat Labradoodles has a soft feel to it and is overall wavy. And if they do shed, it is minimal. The minimal shedding also means that you can brush their coats once every week. This kind of coat also requires maintenance, so make sure you take your Labradoodle for clipping and grooming several times a year depending on its growth. It will give you a better idea about the type of coat your pup might grow into. For example, if the muzzle fur on your pup shows signs of crimps or waves, it will most likely develop a shaggy or woolly coat. However, in the case of the fleece haired coat, you will be able to determine the coat by the time your doodle pup is around five weeks old. If it appears to be curling, then you can be almost certain that your pup will have a fleece haired coat. Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos have beautiful coat colors Genetics We can make our guesses and wish and hope, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to genetics. As the curly coat is a recessive trait, the eventual coat of your Labradoodle will depend on which one of the following genotypes your dog has: 1. It also essentially guarantees that your dog will pass down the CuC to its offspring. The Cu locus test is a DNA test that will tell you whether your pup will develop a straight, wool, or fleece coat. Labradoodle Coat Stages Generally, Labradoodle puppies start shedding their puppy coat by the time they reach six to twelve months of age. However, this varies depending on the type of coat your Labradoodle puppy has. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Well, almost every Labradoodle puppy undergoes a coat change. And as the puppy coat begins to shed or get replaced by an adult coat, the need for grooming also increases. A Labradoodle puppy coat is finer and softer to touch than the adult coat. The new adult coat is usually thicker and smoother than the puppy coat. As to when your puppy will start shedding, it usually begins at the six-month mark. But usually, your pup will start to shed anytime between six to nine months of age. Losing all their puppy coats and developing an adult one is a slow and gradual process. It typically takes up to a year, sometimes a year and a half. This is very important or else the fur will knot up with the new growth of the adult coat and will cause mats, which will only aggravate your pup. This is why most breeders mix and match one generation with another to bring about certain qualities. Grooming Your Labradoodle Grooming your Labradoodle can be time-consuming and often tiresome, but it is also very necessary. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Depending on the type of Labradoodle and their coat, you should ideally be brushing your dog at least once a week to avoid matting. The amount of brushing also depends on the activities the dog engages in on an everyday basis. Comb A simple stainless steel or a wooden comb should do the job. Make sure it has wider teeth on one end and finer on the other. Brush You need to choose a brush wisely by taking into consideration the coat of your Labradoodle puppy so that the bristles can go deep into its coat. Fleece coated pups are the easiest to brush. Detangler A detangler is used to de-knot the coat of your Labradoodle, and it is very gentle so it does its job without hurting your pet or causing them any distress. It works great along with a comb or a de-matting comb as it helps loosen the tangles and mats. If you do not have time to make a trip to the grooming salon, a detangler can sort you out for the moment. De-Matting Comb When you own a Labradoodle, tangles and mats are bound to happen more frequently if you do not brush your dog very often. If you keep putting off brushing them, a comb or brush will no longer do the trick. That is when a de-matting comb will come to the rescue. A running white Labradoodle Conclusion The Labradoodle breed is taking over the world in the popularity contest, making it one of the most sought-after breeds to own across the US. Its charming looks combined with its low-shedding fur make it even more desirable. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This gene determines how soft the coat will be. Furnishings are facial hair. This trait test is a breeder's best indication for shedding. Hair, Fleece or Wool? Labradoodles can have coats that shed a lot, shed a little, and that do not shed at all. There are differences you should be aware of to help you determine which coat would be better suited for you and your family. It can be difficult for a breeder to predict coat-types for first and second generation F1 or F1b labradoodles. Some pups are wavy when born and have produced very fleece type coats when they got older. Some pups are straighter haired when born and end up with a beautiful fluffy non shedding coat. Then there are some pups that appear like they have a wavy coat, but end up shedding, or a pup that looks wavy but ends up curly as an adult. The only way to know for sure what coat you are getting from an F1b litter, is to have the coats DNA tested. Doodle Sweethearts includes this in their breeding program using Paw Print Genetics! The fleece coat is low to non shedding, depending on 1 or 2 furnishings; tends to look shaggier than wool and it hangs in silky, light, loose locks which flow and ripple when the dog moves. Some feel this is the ultimate labradoodle coat or teddy bear coat. Puppy coat is easy to care for, but during transition to the adult coat, it can become very high maintenance due to matting. The final adult coat may or may not be easy care after puppy transition has been completed. Mostly non-shedding, but some have been known to shed minimally. Should be fairly allergy friendly Should be no doggie odour. Typically seen in F1B labradoodles or second generation and multigen lines. There are different types of fleece coats as well, some fine or thick, some wavy, curly or straight. As a puppy this sometimes can be hard to differentiate between a fleece coat or a wool as an adult, but with DNA coat testing, this can be determined. Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Curly Soft Wool Coat What is a Curly Soft Wool Coat? Wool is generally non shedding; it is denser and thicker, curlier and soft.Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Unlike some other breeds, dogs with fleece and wool coats shed very little dander skin cells a common cause of allergies in humans which makes them excellent for households with allergies. Proudly created with Wix. You may be wondering how dogs within the same breed can have coats that differs so much. Your dogs genetic line ultimately determines the type of coat they will have. First generation Labradoodles, the litter of a Poodle and Labrador parent, typically have a non shedding coat that is wavy with loose curls. A F1B Labradoodle, the direct result of one Labradoodle parent one Poodle parent, generally have wavy or fleece fur. Both F1 Labradoodles and F1B generation Labradoodles are recommended for those families with allergy sufferers. In saying this, non-allergenic hair coated Labradoodles, are the most common in the first generation breeds. A hair coated Labradoodle does not look similar in appearance to their fleece and wool coated brothers and sisters. A hair coated Labradoodle often referred to as having a straight coat looks more like their Labrador parent. Often these Labradoodles look scruffy in appearance. The muzzle area of a hair coated Labradoodle will be smooth and straight. They do not have the typical fluffy teddy appearance that the typical Labradoodle sports. While a hair coated Labradoodle sheds, their coat can be easily maintained. These dogs are great for families that are time poor for daily grooming although they are not suited to families that have allergies. A hair coated Labradoodle is often only the result in a first generation litter. The hair coated Labradoodles are less desirable by breeders due to the fact their hair coat sheds often. The hair coat feels wiry to touch. Furthermore, the coat of a fleece Labradoodle is said to be the easiest to maintain. This low shedding coat generally a non-shedding coat should be brushed out at least once a week. Fleece coated Labradoodles should feel soft to touch. The curls within the fleece can be slightly wavy to noticeably wavy. Kemp a course hair is often found around the eyes of a fleece coated Labradoodle. The tightness of the curl purely depends on the Labradoodles genetics. While some wool coated Labradoodles have tight curls that appear similar to the coat of their Poodle parent, others have a loose curled coat. If you own a curly coated Labradoodle, it is recommended that you groom your dog once a day. Alternatively, you may opt to shave your dogs coat shorter so that it can be easily maintained. The coat of a curly Labradoodle can almost be guaranteed to be non-shedding. Mats in a Labradoodles fur make it uncomfortable for them to run and lead an active lifestyle. It is recommended to take wool coated Labradoodles to a professional groomer every six weeks to maintain a healthy coat. A wool coated Labradoodle feels soft to touch and has a coat similar to that of a lamb. The wool coat of a Labradoodle should hang with hollow spiral when groomed appropriately. Often wool coated Labradoodles have dense and thick fur. Allowing your dogs coat to grow excessively leads to matting and in turn pain for your Labradoodle. The shedding coat is not desirable in this breed which is generally the result of a hair coated Labradoodle. In terms of grooming your Labradoodle, it is recommended to book them in to see a trained dog groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. This applies to any coat type. Although hair coats do not require as much maintenance, the hair inside your dogs ears should be plucked regularly to avoid infection and build up. Furthermore, your dogs nails will need to be clipped regularly especially if you only have grass and no concrete. Regularly home grooming should be performed to keep your Labradoodles coat in pristine condition without matting. Ensure you purchase a pet grooming brush recommended for long and thick hair while you Labradoodle is still a puppy. Related posts:. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like! Adult Labradoodle coats generally fall into three categories: hair coats, fleece coats, and wool coats. But, all of these are quite different to puppy coats! Adult Labradoodle Coat Types There are three main types of adult Labradoodle coat , and they are quite easy to tell apart from one another. However, this coat type will only reveal itself after your Doodle has shed their puppy coat. Here are the three types of coat that your puppy could have: Hair coat — straight hair, double layered, moderate to high shedding. This is the most like the purebred Labrador Retriever. Fleece coat — wavy fur, either double or single layered, low to moderate shedding. This coat feels like angora wool. Wool coat — tightly curled or corded, single layer, low shedding. This coat is the most like the purebred Poodle. These coat types look quite different from one another when your Labradoodle is an adult. But, as puppies, Doodles with these different coat types can look quite similar. So, what does a Labradoodle puppy coat look like? The Labradoodle Puppy Coat Labradoodles of all coat types look very similar when they are puppies. A Labradoodle puppy coat is always single layered, very soft to the touch, and often has a slight wave or curl. This puppy coat will start to shed from around 6 months of age. But, the amount of time it takes for a puppy to fully shed this coat and expose their adult coat can vary. For some, the full process can take as long as a year and a half! But, only when this puppy coat sheds will it become obvious what fur type your Labradoodle has. And, some breeders may be able to do so. But, in reality, it is very hard to do, especially if your puppy is a first generation mix i. This is because the puppy can inherit any mix of traits from their parents, and Poodles have very different fur to Labradors. If your Labradoodle puppy is a second or third generation, or if they have been backcrossed to a Poodle, their adult coat may be slightly easier to predict. There are plenty of tips available from breeders when trying to determine the adult coat of your Labradoodle puppy. The curlier this fur is, the more Poodle-like they suggest the adult coat will be. Others may state that you can make the same assumptions by looking at the whole coat — the wavier this is, the curlier the adult coat will be. But, you must remember that your puppy will shed this coat to allow their adult fur to grow in. And all Labradoodle puppies can look very similar in those early months, as puppy coats are very different to the three potential adult coats. The best way to predict what coat your Labradoodle puppy may grow up to have is to observe the parent dogs. The more similar their coats are, the easier it will be to predict the type of coat your puppy will have. What if the Parents Are Different? But, if the parents are quite different, such as with a first generation Labradoodle, things can be a little harder. This is because puppies can inherit any mix of genes and traits from their parents. So, even within a single litter, first generation Labradoodle puppies can look very different from one another. In these cases, you will often have to wait till your puppy is a little older to see exactly which traits they will express. If you are searching for a specific type of Labradoodle coat, it is usually best to choose later generation puppies. For instance, people with allergies often seek the wool coat Labradoodle, as the curly fur catches shedding dander and can help to reduce dog allergy symptoms. Some experienced breeders may be able to accurately predict it from a young age. But, in most cases, you will be best off looking at the parent dogs. If they have similar coats, your puppy will likely grow up to look that way too. We would love to hear your experiences with the Labradoodle coat in the comments! Readers Also Liked. They get their coat colors from their parent. Whatever coat color they end up with is the result of either a dominant or a recessive gene. Sound confusing? Every Labradoodle puppy has two coat-color genes. They get one from each parent. Dominant genes are stronger than recessive genes. In order to have a recessive gene stronger, you would need two recessive genes — one from each parent. The actual genes are more important than the color. For instance, you may think that a black male and a black female would have a black puppy, but that may not be the case. The puppy can be brown if both of the black parents had a brown recessive gene. Since their coats were black, their second gene, the dominant gene, would have been black. Some colors, like black and red are dominant genes while brown and silver tend to be recessive genes. Some breeders are very dedicated to creating Labradoodles of certain coat color. This dog should not have its body shaved. What type of brush should you use? All Doodle dogs, regardless of coat type, will benefit from a slicker brush. Simply push a button, and hair trapped in the brush just falls out. As far as combs are concerned, a dual-purpose steel comb, like this one , is ideal. One side has thin, closely spaced teeth for detail work around the face and legs, and the other side has thicker, more widely spaced teeth for whole-body combing. The normal fleece should be brushed times per week and trimmed a times a year possibly more depending on the desired look. The super-soft microfine fleeced dog should be brushed regularly to prevent it from matting and to keep its asthma and allergy-friendly attributes. A coat that gets longer than 3 inches becomes more difficult to properly maintain. The original wool, which is soft like a lamb, needs to be brushed or combed thoroughly at least once a week and trimmed three or four times a year. The cotton wool coat has a softer texture than the original and is super dense. It requires a thorough brushing at least once a week and a haircut four times a year. You can bathe all Labradoodles as often as every week or as seldom as once every three months depending on how much time the dog spends outside. Be sure to use a high-quality shampoo so their coat stays healthy. This soap-free shampoo is our favorite hands down. It smells fabulous and does a super job of gently cleansing the coat without drying out the skin. The hair-coated Labradoodle generally needs the most frequent bathing to avoid odors. Labradoodle are adorable dogs regardless of their coat type. However, some coat types have advantages while others pose disadvantages. Hair coats are the easiest to maintain, whereas wool coats require combing once or twice a week. One drawback to the hair coated Labradoodle is that they tend to shed. HAIR: Again, easier to maintain but tends to shed. Failure to comb all the way through the hair will result in it becoming matted. Like the wool coat, the fleece coat must be thoroughly combed to prevent matting. This is especially important when they are shedding their puppy coat. Even if you keep the hair short, it will still need to be combed frequently. Come to find out, the coat closest to the skin has started to form mats. Mats are painful for the pup and can be avoided with regular and proper brushing. In fact, experienced breeders deliberately breed one generation to another generation just to bring out certain qualities. Using the knowledge of genetics and correct usage of dominant and recessive genes, breeders can breed specific dogs to get desirable colors. In generational breeding, you have F1, F2, F3, and multi-generational breeding. We explain these breedings more fully and share whether or not there are advantages in opting for a multi-generational Labradoodle in this article. With experience and research, breeders can create Labradoodles with a certain coat type. When you mix two purebred dogs of the same breed with the same coat type, your chances of getting the same kind of pups are good. Here is where the F generation breeding comes into play, and the generation chart looks like this. They generally will take an F1 and mix it with an F2 or F3 in an attempt to fine-tune it and bring out certain attributes and characteristics. Related Questions: Do Labradoodles have dander in their fur? Experts on dogs and allergies state that all dogs have dander and allergens, and that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. However, Labradoodles have the least amount of dander, and many allergy sufferers have found success having a Labradoodle as a dog. How often do Labradoodles need to be brushed? Labradoodles should be brushed anywhere from daily to once a week or so. The amount of brushing depends on the type of coat as well as the type of activities the dog does on a daily basis. However, the joy this loving, loyal, and intelligent pet provides makes it more than worthwhile. The most important thing you can do for your dog is to become as knowledgeable as possible. Related Posts:. Also, your fleece coats, while, overall, are softer than your wool coats in texture, still have some texture variation within the fleece coat type. The Australian Labradoodle requires varying degrees of grooming depending on their coat type. A light trimming might be required with scissors but usually not. However, we do not have any hair coat in Sunset Hills, because our puppies are all multi-gen. This coat usually requires trimming once or twice a year. This coat also requires trimming about three-four times a year. All allergy and asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between months of age. During their coat change, it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. This is usually the time when owners decide that their beautiful furry doodle needs a shorter look. Note: Not all Labradoodles are Allergy and Asthma friendly. We do recommend that if you have the opportunity to meet one of these wonderful dogs in person that you should check to see if you have any reactions before you make your decision in purchasing your new puppy. We recommend that any family or person who suffers from dog related severe allergies or asthma should look into a Wool coated labradoodle as they have the highest success rate. For labradoodle sizes, please go to our Size link. For pictures and definitions of the colours of the Australian Labradoodle, please go to our Colours link. For the information on grooming, please go to our Resource link. Each looks and feels very different, so it is important to understand the differences between them. Australian Labradoodles are known for being non-shedding and whilst most of them are due to their wool and fleece coats, the hair-coated dogs do shed to varying degrees, just like Early Generation Labradoodles. The good news is that any experienced breeder worth their salt will be able to tell you nice and early on if any of the litter have hair coats - it is usually pretty obvious by 4 weeks old. It is also worth noting here that we do not make any guarantee that any puppy will be non-shedding. We do our best to produce non-shedding dogs and we give our honest advice and opinion on our puppies coats, but we do not have a crystal ball and nature can do funny things. No breeder can genuinely guarantee that any dog will be non-shedding. Hover over each image to find out more about each coat type. Hover over each image below to find out more about each coat type. Wool Coat The wool coat is coarse in texture and very curly. It is sprung and therefore sits up off the dog's back giving the illusion the dog is bigger. This coat is very like that of the Poodle. It is non-shedding and is generally very compatible with allergy and asthma sufferers. Curly Fleece Coat The curly fleece is soft in texture with loose curls. It is not sprung, so it tends to straighten out a little when it grows longer. This coat type is what most people think of as the typical Australian Labradoodle look. It blows in the wind or when the dog runs! Hair Coat The hair coat is quite coarse in texture and feels like typical dog hair. It is usually short and flat and will not ever grow particularly long. It does shed to varying degrees and therefore is generally not compatible with allergy and asthma sufferers, Wool Coat The wool coat is coarse in texture and very curly. It is sprung and therefore sits up off the dogs back giving the illusion the dog is bigger. Curly Fleece Coat The curly fleece coat is soft in texture with loose curls. Hair Coat The hair is quite coarse in texture and feels like typical dog hair. It does shed to varying degrees and therefore is generally not compatible with allergy and asthma sufferers. Popular Links.

Similar services:

small bulldog puppies for sale - Some final words There is a little bit of leeway in their feeding schedule as all standard poodles are not the same. Each individual dog will require different amounts of food at different times of the day. The following information is a guideline as there is no set rule on when or how much to feed your pet each day. Before they are 6 months of age, you can feed your little pet up to 4 to 5 times. After they reach the age of 6 months, you can lower that total to 3 times every day. Just because you serve them multiple times throughout the day, it does not mean their serving size is huge. You are looking at feeding your puppy about 2 cups of dog food each day. This serving size can be equally measured out so that your little feller or gal gets enough food at each meal. It will take a little research to find the perfect food for your pet. If you are in doubt, you can always ask your vet what is the best type of dog food to use. The key to feeding your dog its food is that you cannot change it from week to week or day to day. You must pick one and stick with that brand. Changing the food often and without mixing it with their old dog food will upset their stomachs and cause accidents to happen. If you are worried about the number of calories your puppy is eating, those are listed on the side of the package under the heading kcal. Just look at the number next to that box to get the actual number of calories your dog is receiving. Also, the amount of food you feed your pet depends on how active they are. If they are not very active you can cut their portions down a little bit. This will help avoid your pet from becoming overweight. If he or she is very active, then you should feed them a little bit more food than the recommended amount. Puppy Food Tips There are some guidelines to help you find the right pet food for your puppy. Here are a few of those guidelines to direct your search: 1. Try to Avoid Fillers and Additives- Look for those options that contain more meat and vegetables 2. Grains are Good- Unless your vet recommends against it. Grains help your pet have more energy. Be Heavy on Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These ingredients will help your pet if it has a family history of dysplasia or joint problems. Make Sure the First Ingredient is Meat- The first ingredient tells you that it is the dominant ingredient and the more meat the better for your puppy. Look for Vegetables as Well- These ingredients provide needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy. Provide a Mix- A little wet food on the dry dog food will help your picky eater build their teeth and get needed nutrients. Wet food alone will not do this but it does help with dry dog food consumption. What Foods Not to Feed Your Poodle There are some ingredients you should avoid so that your puppy gets the healthiest meal possible. MSG- It is not good for humans, and it is not good for pets. In fact, not only can it give you a UTI, it can do the same for your dog. Artificial Colors and Preservatives- These are hard to avoid but try if you can. Foods with Animal By-Products- The reason to avoid this ingredient is that you do not know where those by-products came from. Some final words Be careful when you feed your pet. There is always the danger of over-feeding them. If they act like they are always hungry, give them something else to do. They could have just arrived in your home, have a toothache, upset stomach , or they do not like the taste of the food. When you give your pet a bone, there is always a chance that bacteria may be on it. So be careful when raw feeding your pet any food item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Eagle Pack Holistic These standard poodle dog foods contain ingredients that are not of questionable origin. These dog foods are not likely to cause allergies in your standard poodle. They also contain all the nutrients that your standard poodle needs to properly grow. Particularly, I feed my Standard poodle the Taste of the Wild. This is the best food for Standard Poodle based on my experience and my research. Taste of the Wild does not trigger allergies in my standard poodle. Also, I have had no problems feeding my poodle the Taste of the Wild. Also, her coat has always been smooth and shiny, and her poop does not get watery. She has always been in good health. Check out the price of Taste of the Wild here on Amazon. But you should feed your standard poodle the oldest food bag in your stock. This is because sometimes accidents happen, and dog food gets recalled if the food is found to be harmful. By having an extra bag of old dog food in stock, you will always be a step ahead of a dog food recall. How Many Times to Feed a Standard Poodle in a Day Standard poodles should be fed two times a day at scheduled times rather than having food available to them all the time. This is because standard poodles can sometimes be picky eaters. If a picky eater knows that food is always available, the picky eater will even be pickier. However, if your standard poodle knows that his or her food is available at particular times of the day, then your standard poodle will be motivated to eat his or her food on a schedule. Another reason to feed a standard poodle twice a day is that most breeders are of the opinion that feeding a standard poodle twice a day on a schedule helps reduce the chances of your standard poodle developing a fatal illness called bloat Gastro Dilation Volvulus. Bloat occurs when the stomach of a standard poodle accidentally twists. Bloat, when it occurs, escalates really fast and it can kill a standard poodle in less than one hour. Another way to prevent your standard poodle from developing bloat is not to feed them immediately after they exercise rigorously. Wait for an hour after your poodle exercises before giving your poodle food. Also, do not let your standard poodle drink too much water before or after food. To learn how much water a standard poodle needs, check out our article on how much water poodles need. When we humans eat a balanced diet, we get the nutrition our bodies require from a variety of nutritionally packed foods. Our pets also have those needs; however, those needs are much simpler and do not include our human foods. Pets require a specific amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals as well as vitamins to keep them healthy and happy — just like we do — but their diets must be very different from ours. When it comes to our furry friends, we have no need to prepare special recipes or worrying about bioavailability. Conclusion I hope you have learned enough to help you decide on what to feed a standard poodle, how much and many times to feed a standard poodle in a day. I hope our standard poodle feeding chart and feeding calculator will help you properly feed your standard poodle. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Pups weaning from mom to her kibble that she drops Of course Pups don't learn proper Table manners until they are 6 weeks of age At three weeks of age they are introduced to softened Kibble , which is soaked and made into a warm gruel. What a sight, the first few feedings have the little pups "wearing" more food than eating it. They learn quickly though. Now, what do you do? This is, in part, due to the change from our home to yours. Do not worry, the puppy will begin eating normally. You may choose to continue with a bit of softened food for the first week, to aid puppy in adjusting to their new home Just remember what is not eaten will spoil within hours and will need to be thrown out. Of course our feeding schedule of 3x a day at certain times, is not cast in stone and you will come up with your own schedule. We do recommend the final feeding to be approximately hours before your bedtime allowing you to get puppy outside immediately after eating see "Housebreaking" and again well before your bedtime. The morning feeding should be after you've taken the pup outside, let it have it's pee and poo, and a little play session. Time the middle feeding at a halfway point between the morning and evening feedings or as closely to that as your schedule allows. After puppy is toilet trained.We have found that "free feeding" a well trained puppy one that knows who the leader is prevents bloating, prevents gorging of food, prevents fussy eaters well the list goes on and on on the benefits. No matter what your Vet says or believes, our Poodles do not and will not over eat! Chicken products from China causing intermittent vomiting and Diarrhea and killing dogs. Glycerin in dehydrated jerky type treats, dehydrated Chicken Breasts, dog treats, greenies. According to the FDA, they have found that dogs who consume varying amounts of Glycerin can exhibit the following symptoms: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption urination. With blood tests, the dog may have an increased BUN, Blood glucose which is evidence of glycerin's negative affects on the kidneys. In hundreds of dogs kidney failure and death has been reported. A puppy does not need treats. Praise and play work wonders to motivate. Keep in mind that treats are not a substitute for a meal… we use teeny tiny pieces… We don't give our pups or dogs treats routinely. If I wish to bribe my Poodle then I will resort to chicken wieners or sardines. Another odd phenomenon we see so many times, is that anxious owners, or owners with stomach or digestive issues themselves, have this same disorder manifest within their puppies. Do not make food or treat time an anxious time. Do not get them worked up over food or treats. NEVER keep switching foods for different flavors or brands, this creates a nightmare of a fussy eater A dog views food as a part of survival. Dogs do not use food to feed emotions the way us humans do. In summer when there is extreme heat and especially humidity, it is not uncommon to see dogs eat grass to settle their tummies and sometimes vomit as a result. Dogs can easily get overheated, so if you hear "humidity warnings" don't go outside to play with your puppy wait until it gets cooler in the day or evening, to venture outside for a game of play. Please always remember, that cool, fresh water should be available at all times except during crating times. If you restrict water puppy can develop a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection. At first offer your puppy about 2 cups of food. Your puppy should always have kibble left over in their bowl at the end of your feeding time. Do not starve your puppy just because you are following the directions on the bag or your vet said to feed "x" amount… Let the pup have access to the food for about 20 minutes. What they have not eaten after this time, you take away until next meal time. Continue this through the scheduled feeding times. As poodle puppies grow, so too do their appetites. If your puppy consistently finishes all of the food offered during the feeding time, increase the amount of food, just removing the contents after 20 minutes. Growing puppies can eat what seems to be a phenomenal amount. We have seen so many of our adults basically starving with hips sticking out and just too thin because owners want to control their dog's food intake! The heart is a big muscle that will be adversely effected including but not limited to rhythm irregularities Starving your Poodle sorry I mean "controlling your poodle's diet will also cause GI upset and sensitivity. Your poodle should eat enough that it is leaving food behind in the dish. If it is not.This Poodle male was 50lbs and should have weighed 75 lbs The owner listened to the Vet and fed what they were told to do, ignoring common sense!! This is abuse! This Poodle's body would be eating muscle in order to survive. The heart is a muscle. There is no excuse for this. Free feeding also aids in avoiding bloat and or torsion like we do. At some point between weeks your puppy will no longer require three feedings a day. A lot of puppies will let you know when that is. They will begin to pick at one of the meals. If you find your puppy is consistently not interested in a meal often the mid feeding , take the same amount of food you have been feeding in a day and divide it into two feedings. Puppy is eating the same amount, just twice a day instead of three times a day. We feel this aids in preventing bloat and making fussy eaters. In we decided to try our dogs and puppies on this food as it is poultry and grain free and limited ingredient and more dogs of all breeds, have been having sensitivity to poultry and or diets with grain. New as of - the public found out that a lot of dog foods were being filled with Whey acid by-product of the Greek Yogurt and that this is counted as Protein It could be coincidence however there are more and more puppies of all breeds and mutts having GI upset and bladder issues, so we tend to not believe in coincidences. Since starting on this food our pups have not had loose stools and their bladders have been healthier. We can't deny all the amazing reviews of this quality product. If puppy eats all their food in the alotted time then you should be feeding more. Unlike humans, or other less "refined" dog breeds, Poodles will not over eat. So make sure that puppy has enough food. Do not substitute food with giving treats all day long either. How much should your puppy weigh? My standard for my pups, which are over 8 wks. If a puppy is 8 weeks old it should weigh around 8 lbs. This formula is fairly accurate until the dog reaches the age of 3 months. Basically your puppy should have left over kibble in their bowl every meal time during the alloted time limit. If the kibble is all gone in the first few minutes, just add more kibble and know for next time the proper amount. The following amounts are for EACH feeding. Do not worry if there is food left over. Food and Weights for Puppy 7 weeks. Raw or cooked homemade meals When you bring home a new puppy, you might want to switch her food to a brand you prefer. Wait until your dog has been with you for at least a few weeks. This is a time of big changes for your puppy, and you should minimize the trauma coming all at once. Plan to make the dog food switch over the course of a week or so, and watch for signs of digestive upset. Poodle Puppy Diets Many diets today are age- or stage of life-specific, even breed-specific. But does this really matter, or is it marketing? The truth is, it actually does. Brands that make dog foods pay attention to research to formulate the best nutrition for different stages of life and for different sizes of dog. A good puppy formula will include extra nutrients, such as calcium, and extra calories per pound of body weight. It will also have the right number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats for the right amount of growth. The right amount actually includes the restriction of certain nutrients. Having too much of a good thing can actually be bad for dogs. In large breeds like the Standard Poodle, the ingestion of excessive amounts of energy and calcium as puppies can lead to a higher likelihood of developmental orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia. Poodles are genetically prone to joint problems like this, so diet here is very important. For kibble, you can even dish up the daily meals at the start of the day. Personally, I always make one extra bowl to use as training treats. Allowing me to reward my pup for good behavior throughout the day without messing with my ratios. Over the first couple of months, I feed four meals so I make up five bowls first thing in the day. Spread the formal meals evenly throughout the day time, making sure the last one is at least two hours before you want to go to bed. This will save you getting back up again to let your puppy out to open their bowels! An adult dog food should have less protein, calcium, fat, and omega-3 acids than the puppy version. Once your Poodle gets to about 80 percent of his expected adult size, feel free to switch to the adult brand. Every dog is different in terms of metabolism and body type. In that case, it might be time to switch to the adult corollary. Look for meat-based protein sources in the first few ingredients listed on the package. Be sure to start off with apuppy formula if your dog is under 12 months old. Feeding a Poodle Puppy Wet Food Many canned dog food options are digestible and full of balanced nutrition. Not all wet foods offer a balanced diet, so make sure to read labels. If your dog needs better hydration or has problems with her teeth, wet food might be a good option. Canned food often has 75 percent moisture content compared with percent for dry. Canned food has more fat and protein and fewer carbs, along with more animal products. Also, do your research! Learn about safe handling and storage of meats. This works because some foods provide more nutrition and taste better! Others are better raw. So this diet can be more flexible and easier to deal with than the raw diet. And you can avoid some of the pitfalls of uncooked meat, too. However, some of the same nutritional issues must be addressed. Weigh your puppy frequently and use a Poodle growth chart, then adjust food amounts as needed. If you can see them without having to feel for them, your dog may need more food. Look for other symptoms of problematic weight, such as exhaustion and difficulty turning around, or bowel and gas issues. Poodles are prone to obesity, and obesity comes with plenty of health issues you do not want to deal with, such as metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease, and joint problems. Instead, find ways of helping your pup eat slower, or feel full faster. A slow-feeder bowl can help reduce the rate at which your dog scarfs down his meal, for example. A puzzle feeder or other toys may also help. Play with her to distract her, or take her out! If you really think you need to adjust food amounts, talk to your veterinarian and get professional advice. Poodles tend to be a slower-maturing breed. The different sizes of Poodle mature at different rates. Smaller dogs mature more quickly. Miniature poodles will be fully grown between months but may take a bit longer to fill out. Standard poodles may take up to 2 years to mature. You can start feeding Miniature and Toy Poodles adult foods at around months. They may also learn how to walk for the first time so be sure to place their food or drink bowl within short distances. However, not all puppies are the same and it depends on various factors. As with all puppies, your Standard Poodle pup should be dewormed and vaccinated during this period. After the weaning process has finished, they can be separated from their mother and sent off to a new home. Socialization is, therefore, crucial in this period to avoid behavioral problems. They might need obedience training and they also need a proper schedule for feeding to avoid obesity and begging behaviors. Keep in mind, though, that this might also result in the puppy eating much more than they did before. Ready some stock food! They might not play around as much when compared to their puppy days. Recommended Food Are you having trouble with choosing the right food for your Spoo pup? Choose puppy food without additives or fillers A Standard Poodle puppy will benefit more from a puppy food that has no fillers or additives. We recommend getting organic puppy food instead of commercial brands because they have more meat and veggie content rather than just fillers. Foods rich in glucosamine and chondroitin You will find these in fishes like animal bones and seafood. First-ingredient meat Among the most common meat choices for puppies include chicken, beef, turkey, and even salmon and whitefish. Look for these as the first ingredient of your Standard Poodle puppy food. In the wild, after all, they tend to eat a bit of grass. They get tasty food and strong teeth as a result. Here are the foods to avoid for them: 1. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to wheat that can be a source of carbohydrates, such as quinoa and oatmeal mentioned above. We will try our best to answer the most common ones below: Help! My Standard Poodle is still hungry! What should I do? Begging behaviors are sometimes caused by infrequent feeding or too much free time on their hands. Perhaps you can try to increase the feedings per day? A Standard Poodle puppy is very likely to get obese compared to other breeds so always restrict their diet in the right way. Obesity in Poodles also comes with all sorts of health issues, such as joint dysplasia, heart problems, sore backs, and tummy aches. You can try using a slow feeder discussed below or a puzzle feeder to help your Standard Poodle puppy slow down in terms of feeding. Likewise, you can also ask your veterinarian for an expert opinion. They might give your Standard Poodle puppy a recommended diet plan to avoid overeating and excessive begging habits. Any puppy not eating for a while is usually okay as it might just be stressed or full. But there are also times when not eating for a long time will make you panic. Here are the most common reasons why your Standard Poodle puppy loses appetite: 1. They just moved in Anxiety can cause any puppy to not feel well, which will result in loss of appetite. If you think about it, bad breakups and troubles with friends, family, and finances also make you not want to eat sometimes, right? They have a toothache Dental issues are also a factor that could make your Standard Poodle puppy lose their appetite. Get your puppy to a vet if you suspect that they have abnormally bad breath as that could be a sign of teeth problems. They have a bad stomach Perhaps your Standard Poodle puppy ate something bad? Talk to your vet right away if you suspect that your pup has some sort of digestive issue, which can usually be examined through their stools. To avoid your puppy getting a bad stomachache, you should be careful when feeding them new food. They might not like the food A Standard Poodle puppy can be a picky eater, much like all other Poodle types. Most pet owners like to mix part dry and part wet food, as well as some home-cooked meals and raw meats in the dish. This might attract your puppy to eat. However, keep in mind that raw feeding should be done properly to avoid bacterial contamination in meat. Most pet owners who start out feeding raw only tend to focus on the meat side, leaving behind certain vegetables and whatnot. Always make sure that your Standard Poodle pup gets balanced nutrition and research first on raw feeding before you begin. Slow-feeding a Standard Poodle puppy As mentioned above, a Standard Poodle puppy has a high risk for obesity due to quickly eating. In this case, a slow feeder can work well. Slow feeder bowls are available in the market and your local pet store — their job is to make your puppy work harder to get their food rather than gobbling it all at once. Aside from that, a puzzle feeder for your Standard Poodle pup works similarly but also adds a fun factor to their food. Category : Puppies When you take your puppy home usually around weeks of age they will need to eat 3 or 4 times a day. At 8 weeks old we feed small meals 4 times a day at 7 am, 11 am, 2 pm and then at 5 pm. We allow them free access to water until 7 pm in the evening. An alternative is to feed 3 times a day at 7 am, 12 noon and at 5 pm. If your puppy is hungry split the meals to 4 times a day. By the time they are 10 weeks old they can go to 3 meals a day. If your puppy feels thin you can feel all the ribs and backbone easily increase the amount of food. If your puppy feels fat you should be able to feel some of the ribs reduce the amount of food. Some puppies are very active and burn up every calorie they eat, some are prone to being a little rounder and their food intake needs to be carefully monitored. Research has shown that dogs that are not overfeed have a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia. Keep your puppy thin and healthy. We do not recommend free feeding of puppies as this makes it more difficult to housebreak your poodle and regulate their diet. Better to move to free feeding after housebreaking if you choose to. It is harder to monitor how much food they eat when free feeding and a glutunous puppy may quickly become fat. Remember a thin puppy is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. We strongly encourage you to keep your puppy on the same food we provide for the first month. Both coccidia and giardia may live in the gut of a healthy poodle and they never have an outbreak. When their bodies are stressed they are more likely to develop an unhealthy balance and the result may be a sick puppy. Moving to a new home, leaving their Mother and siblings and diet changes are all stressful. We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your puppies diet the first month. Changing to a different dog food — go slowly. It may take a month or longer to switch foods. If at any point your puppy develops an upset stomach go back to the level of food mix that they were doing well on. Should your puppy develop bloody diarrhea take them to the veterinarian, they have most likely developed gastroenteritis and may need some medication or possibly fluids. Go slowly, new protein sources require time for the stomach to adjust. This is true not only in puppies but also adults. We continue to feed our puppies 3 meals a day until they are 6 months old. Our belief is that in keeping food moving through the puppy it allows for better consistent growth and health. At 6 months of age we start to feed 2 times a day with snacks throughout the day. We continue to feed our dogs 2 times a day throughout their life. We feed snacks several times a day to both puppies and adults which may be carrots, green beans, eggs or chicken or pieces of their kibble. We feed our poodles both kibble and home cooked food. Bully sticks are given occasionally for chewing. No Comments. Since most of the Poodles are small in size standard Poodles are of medium size , a slight deviation in their weight will make them look thin or fat. There are various elements related to the feeding of poodle which pet owners often want to know. The present article has tried to answer such questions of pet owners related to the feeding of this sweet and playful dog breed. Start with the basics: Since this dog has a small mouth, it is advised to serve him in a shallow dish. The dog may have a hard time eating from a narrow and deep bowl. Also, make sure that the edges of the bowl are not sharp as it may hurt the dog. Stainless steel bowl should be preferred over plastic bowl. Switching the food: Making a quick change in the diet of poodle will result in health problems in your dog. It is advised to discuss with the breeder about the food he was giving to poodle. The process may take about a month. The amount of food required by a dog depends on various factors such as his age, metabolism and activity level. However, the range of recommended daily amount for poodles is given below: Standard Poodle: 1. Meal frequency: The following table illustrates the meal frequency for standard, toy and miniature poodles: Age No. Wash the dish properly and change the food every day. Also, provide your dog a regular supply of fresh water. Commercial Vs Homemade Vs Raw Food: All three types of foods have their own importance and it is up to you what you want to feed your poodle. Commercial dog food is easily available in market and you can read label to know how much nutrients you are offering to the dog. Homemade food will cost you less but you have to consult vet about the amount of food which you should feed. Nutrition Profile: Quality animal protein should be in the list of nutrients which your dog is consuming. Healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals will follow. If your dog is lacking a particular nutrient, supplementation can be provided.