The Critical Time of Growth

During the first 7 months of your dogs life, he will increase his birth weight anywhere from 15 to 40 times, depending upon his breed. By 1 year of age, his birth weight will increase 60 times and his skeletal  development  will be almost complete.  For everything to go well, he needs the right food. He also needs double the amount of food as an adult dog needs while he is growing, especially during growth spurs.

The right food is critical at this time to ensure that his immune system with all these demands and onslaughts. The most critical period for a puppy is between 4 and 7 months-the time of maximum growth. His little body is being assaulted with vaccines, exposure to new viruses and parasites.

PUPPY FOODS & READING THE LEBELS
Puppy foods do contain more protein during growth and many of these foods provide up to 33% protein. Still, you need to know the source of the protein, that is, animal or plant. Many dog food manufacturers make food for different life stages of the dog, and package are clearly labeled. What you are looking for is a puppy food that has two animal proteins in the first three ingredients, or better yet, one that list animal protein as its first two ingredients.

Avoid foods that do not meet these criteria.