If you are raising a poodle for the first time, and it is a puppy just brought home, then it is very necessary to learn some relevant feeding knowledge about poodles. Today, the editor will introduce them to you one by one!

　　Basic Feeding Principles

　　Different poodles have different amounts:

　　When a puppy is just born, it drinks mother’s milk; when teething, it is weaned and can begin to be fed liquid food, such as canned meat mixed with warm water into a paste, or puppy dry food soaked with hot water until soft. At two months old, it can start eating puppy and adult dog food. Large dogs grow fast and are bigger, and calcium powder and other supplements can be added to their meals, but must be administered according to the vet’s instructions and the directions on the packaging. Some people who raise large fighting dogs prefer to feed them raw meat to get them used to the bloodiness, which is very dangerous; because uncooked meat contains many bacteria. Secondly, after becoming accustomed to raw meat, if the owner forgets to feed or abandons the dog, it might pose a danger to people. Many dog attacks originate from this situation.

　　Feeding frequency and times:

　　The number of feedings per day is generally as follows: after weaning until three months old, three to four times; three to six months old, two to three times; six months to one year: twice; above one year: one to two times. Feeding times can match your daily schedule, but it’s not just about feeding, you also need to consider time for walking the dog after meals, urination and defecation, cleaning the litter box, and washing bowls. After feeding, clean the bowl immediately to prevent residue from attracting rats, cockroaches, ants, or excessive leftover food from spoiling due to sun or rain. Also, remove the bowl to prevent the dog from playing or chewing it out of boredom. As for how much to feed, usually follow the instructions on the package, then adjust according to whether there was food left over last time.

　　Types of food for poodles:

　　Poodle food mainly includes dry food and canned food, as well as treats like large biscuits, deodorizing biscuits, beef jerky, etc. Various brands have roughly the same main nutritional components. More expensive ones have special formulations, targeting different ages and breeds, which can be compared in advance. Feed poodles appropriate dog food according to their growth stage. Puppies eat puppy food, adults eat adult food, seniors eat senior food, overweight dogs eat weight control food—do not mix to avoid obesity or excessive thinness. Dry food has relatively stable and average nutrition. Chewing also helps clean tartar and relieve itching. But if there are urinary stones issues, try to avoid dry food unless it is prescription food for stones. Canned food varies in nutritional content depending on price. High-priced canned food uses better ingredients; low-priced canned food mostly contains many unminced innards. An advantage is that vitamin content is less likely to be lost, and palatability is better. The downside is more meat, causing smellier stools and easy tartar buildup over time. Dry food is less palatable than canned but easier to digest and results in less smelly stools. Treats can be used for training and as rewards when the poodle behaves correctly. People’s snacks should not be frequently given to dogs as they can spoil appetite. Chewing gum, ice cream, cake, these sweets should be avoided as much as possible; they cause cavities, upset stomachs, and obesity. Eating too many sweets mainly causes loss of appetite for regular meals.

　　How much to feed is appropriate:

　　Feed the poodle only until 80% full, not too much. Let it lick the bowl and want more; eating too much and then running and jumping after meals easily causes vomiting. Puppies kept in cages all year round treat feeding as one of their few entertainments and may eat ravenously, but don’t be fooled into thinking they are really very hungry. However, if a poodle always doesn’t get enough food, has little activity, and poor elimination, it may have an illness and should be taken to a vet. When changing the dog’s food, do not switch all at once. Mix half new food each time, test for two or three days, gradually increase the new portion, and after one week switch entirely to the new food. This allows the poodle’s digestive system to adapt; otherwise, diarrhea is likely.

　　Many people think dogs need to gnaw bones, but gnawing bones easily blocks the dog’s intestines, causing constipation, vomiting, and poor appetite. Especially chicken bones are absolutely forbidden because they are small and brittle, easily stuck in the esophagus or puncture the digestive tract. During feeding, be sure to provide adequate clean water. It does not have to be distilled water or boiled water; their digestive systems don’t mind these distinctions.

　　Considerations for buying imported food:

　　When buying imported dog food, try to find those with Chinese instructions and those that provide the contact number of the importer. Because cans and dry food that have traveled across the ocean may have exceeded the expiration date, have odd smells, mold, moisture, or bugs, immediately request a refund or replacement without hesitation. After opening, store properly: cans in the refrigerator, dry food sealed. When buying for the first time, do not buy too much; buy small amounts of two or three kinds to observe the puppy’s reactions, including palatability, digestion and absorption, and stool shape.