Just like a newborn baby, a puppy will drink milk from its mother for the first six to eight weeks or if this is not possible, it will be given a milk replacement from a pet store.

Puppies are introduced to solids at around six weeks and, once again, just like a baby puppies go through a rapid growth stage during the first few months and have bigger nutritional needs than an older dog.

In the same way you would introduce solids to a baby, you should stick to a feeding schedule with your puppy and feed him one type of food consistently before you start introducing new foods or a different brand of puppy food.

Initially a puppy will need feeding three or four times a day. Smaller meals are easier for your puppy to digest, reducing the likelihood of stomach upset.

You can reduce the feeding times to twice a day once the puppy reaches about six months of age.

So what exactly do you feed your new puppy?

Given that most puppies stay with their mums until six or eight weeks, by the time you pick up your puppy it’ll be at the stage of solid food.

Two—four months

It’s a good idea to buy and feed the puppy the same type and brand of food it’s already been eating, but if this is not possible try asking your vet what they recommend or alternatively choose a premium, high quality (check the ingredients) pet food that is specially formulated for the age of your puppy.

You can also introduce your pup to human-grade raw meat (not sausages as they can contain sulphites that are bad for dog’s health). So make sure you save some of that raw mince, before you whip up a spag bol!

Four—six months

By this stage you pup will be cutting its first teeth so it might enjoy a raw, meaty bone. Make sure to steer clear of cooked bones as these can splinter.

You can also now introduce (slowly does it!) a whole host of other foods such as:

• Cooked meat (Left over Sunday dinner is ideal)
• Cooked veg (on occasion)
• Tinned fish (on occasion)

Don’t forget to give your dog water. Its water bowl should be constantly available.

Six months—one year

Your dog may have grown in size but he’s still a pup and should continue on a puppy diet until he’s a year old. Once a dog is a year old, premium dry food is enough to meet its nutritional needs.

Dog feeding tips

Try to feed your dog at around the same times each day.

If you dog is not eating all his food, cut back. You don’t want to overfeed him.

Any changes to your dog’s diet should be done over the course of about a week (gradual is the key).

Give you dog some peace while he feeds.