Feeding Your Cocker Puppy
I try and do things as naturally as practical, including letting the mums weaning naturally when they are ready – and find its usually around week 4 and that most mums will close down the milk bar in about week 6. So by 8 weeks there are well and truly ready for the next feeding stage.
A high energy growth food is recommended and should be spread over the day to ensure puppies gets the calories required when needed, By Week 7 we've cut them back to 3 meals daily and when they go home with you, you can give them 2 mains meals breakfast and dinner plus a snack at bedtime.
Feeding your puppy sensibly and correctly is vital to its health, development and general wellbeing. Like all infants, puppies grow very rapidly (up to twenty times faster than an adult dog), and require a diet that aids their physical development. The following information is provided for guidance only, please check with your Vet, and read labels and instructions.
At 8 Weeks:
Puppies will be ready for Royal Canin Puppy kibble (dry food) and pet mince twice a day breakfast and dinner. At about 6mths old you can transfer them from the pet mince to superior chunky dog roll.
When they go to bed I give them Supper - a small chewie or a handful of kibble (dry food).
Quantity: .
About 1/2 to 2/3rd C kibble and the same of meat. It won’t take you long to work out just how much you cocker needs – adjust the portions based on what is or isn’t left after each meal
p.s. don’t get stuck in the fussy eating cycle – after about 15-20 minutes remove and uneaten food. If they haven’t eaten it they aren’t hungry. If they continue to leave food in the bowl - reduce the amount per feed
Water:
Fresh, clean water should be available at all times, both inside and outside. Heavy based ceramic/pottery or stainless steel make good water bowls as cockers can be ‘water dogs’ and like to play on a hot day. Plastic ice –cream containers are handy – but are lighter weight so can be tipped over or chewed.
Like most things what you feed you dog is your choice and my notes are simply to tell you what I do and why – to give you something to think about when making your choices.
All my dogs eat the same thing – I just very the quantities slightly and have found that my cocker do really well on the Royal Canin brand, we do also add some Purina and and Black Hawk occasionally. The superior chunky dog roll is a bit more expensive than most of the other dog rolls HOWEVER it ends up being far more economical as you feed far less at each meal.
Chicken Necks:
Provide calcium and protein etc without adding fat to the diet and gives them a way to clean their teeth as the chew the bones. They are great for dogs that put on weight easily. My dogs love them - it’s like getting a lolly!
I don't feed them to my adult everyday but at least once a week.
You can get them in most supermarkets, and they are quite cheap. Just break up the pack and freeze in small lots or free flow them
Fruit & Vege:
Dogs are omnivores, and get nutrition from both plants and animals.
These are also good for dogs that put on weight easily.
I feed as per what on hand, Eggs are another well loved treat my dogs love, in winter I microwave it like an omelette and add a bit to each bowl!
Chewie's:
Buy sheep chips or ears (NOT PIG EARS - pig ears are too hard for cockers who have a soft, dry gundog mouth.
I give my puppies one of these when I put the to bed at night - it gives them something to do while they settle into bed - much like reading a child a bedtime story.
Cold Carrots:
Excellent for teething puppies, healthy and bio gradable the birds will eat the left over scraps once your puppies finished chewing.
Other Treat Ideas
I haven't actually made any of these, but it might be fun.
Free Puppy Food & Discounts
Using my breeder code:
C200321
To claim your puppy food you'll need the serial number in your puppy pack (*which I'll give you with your puppy) and my breeders code above, its redeemable online at
From Royal Canin with each puppy we breed
-
The Puppy Pack Contains:
Handy Tip:
Save these pictures to your phone so you know what to look for when shopping
