PUPPIES DOWNUNDER AUSTRALIA
FEEDING ISSUES
Why Your Puppy Isn’t Eating Dry Food and How to Encourage Them
At Puppies Downunder, we understand how concerning it can be when your puppy isn’t eating their dry food. Puppies leaving us at 10 weeks of age often show reluctance to eat dry food, as they’ve grown accustomed to wet food or milk. Here’s why dry food matters, why your puppy might resist it, and how you can encourage them to eat it.
Why is Dry Food Important?
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1. Balanced Nutrition: High-quality dry food is designed to provide all the essential nutrients your puppy needs for healthy growth, strong bones, and a shiny coat.
2. Dental Health: Dry kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, supporting healthy teeth and gums.
3. Establishing Good Eating Habits: Encouraging dry food early on ensures a consistent, healthy diet throughout their life.
Why Your Puppy Might Not Be Eating
Our puppies are introduced to variety-shaped dry kibble from four weeks of age to support their growth.
By the time they leave us at 10 weeks, they are accustomed to eating dry food alongside wet food and milk.
However, many puppies prefer wet food because it’s softer, more flavorful, and doesn’t make them thirsty.
The hard texture and dryness of kibble can also seem less appealing to young puppies adjusting to a new home.
What We Feed our Puppies at Puppies Downunder
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We feed our puppies variety-shaped dry kibble from Upmarket Pets, ensuring they receive diverse flavors and textures to keep meals interesting.
We recommend continuing with the same kibble to help your puppy transition smoothly.
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You can purchase the same high-quality food from Upmarket Pets, located at 440 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria or purchase online at upmarketpets.com.au
Maintaining this consistency will help your puppy feel more at home while they settle into their new routine.
Tips to Encourage Your Puppy to Eat Dry Food
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1. Start with a Mix: Gradually transition your puppy to eating more dry food by mixing it with wet food or lukewarm chicken broth to soften the kibble and enhance its flavor.
2. Soften the Texture: Add a little warm water to the dry food to make it easier to chew and digest, especially if your puppy is teething.
3. Establish a Routine: Feed your puppy at the same times every day and remove uneaten food after 20 minutes to discourage picky eating.
4. Offer Variety: Use the same variety-shaped kibble they’re used to, which you can find at Upmarket Pets.
5. Make It Fun: Introduce puzzle feeders or toys that dispense dry food to make mealtime interactive and engaging.
6. Monitor Freshness: Puppies may reject stale or improperly stored kibble. Keep the food in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Why Dry Food Is Worth the Effort
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Although puppies may initially hold out for wet food or milk, it’s important to encourage them to eat dry food for the long-term benefits to their health and dental hygiene.
Once they get used to it, they’ll appreciate the variety and enjoy their meals more.
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For more information or to purchase the same dry food your puppy is accustomed to, visit Upmarket Pets at 440 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria or or visit upmarketpets.com.au
