***WHAT TO FEED YOUR NEW PUPPY & HOW MUCH***

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By three weeks of age we start introducing the puppies to moistened puppy kibble, along with still getting their mothers milk, and slowly tapering them off of her until they are completely weaned by seven weeks of age. ​Upon reaching seven weeks they are eating dry puppy kibble specifically formulated for Large Breed Puppies, three times daily until they are full during each feeding. By eight weeks of age your puppy will start out eating approximately 1.5 to 2 cups with each of their three feedings. We feed a premium puppy kibble so there is no need for adding supplements to their diet. You always want to insure that your new Alapaha puppy has gotten their fill, and not sniffing around, licking at the bowl, searching for more! They will not overeat.
Underfeeding your puppy could lead to behavioral problems. 

*By regulating their feedings, this also helps to make their bowel/bladder movements much more predictable, and aids with housebreaking.*

​Make positive the puppy kibble has the Nutritional Adequacy Statement pictured below, set by the AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials for Large Breed Puppies. Read more on this topic- Rapid Growth Rate-Myths VS Facts

From our research we have decided to switch to these particular formulas/brands listed below for our dogs/puppies. All made in the USA. Diamond Naturals, and their Large Breed Puppy, Country Vet Naturals, Victor, and Beaverdam Pet Food brands. They are Non-GMO, free of by-products with zero artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, potatoes in any form, peas, lentils, legumes and gluten-free grains- No corn, wheat, soy. 

We will switch up on occasion for variety with our adults, and only with AAFCO approved, comparable  brands.

*The FDA warns against the possible link to DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) in dogs fed a grain-free diet with Ingredients Containing - Potatoes in various forms, Lentils,  Peas, and other legume seeds.*  Read Article: FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

*Our dogs are very active! We are fortunate enough to allow them hours of free play outdoors, where they play tug, run around chasing each other, and exploring the property, etc. Because of their high activity level we like to give our adult dogs free choice of dry kibble only, no wet food, as they are maintaining a consistent, healthy weight, and we will adjust this accordingly depending on age, and activity level down the road. ​Otherwise, we would suggest around One year of age with average to moderate activity feeding adult large breed dry dog food two times daily.

*Canned food can cause tooth decay over time*
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Note: For training we will use their dog food, Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Crunchy Liver Flavor Treats, and occasionally small pieces of raw or steamed cauliflower. No table scraps. ​Ice cubes are a favorite treat too they all come running when they hear that ice maker! See our blog on "Dangerous Treats".
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Pictured Below On the Bag We Feed Our Puppies
 Nutritional Adequacy Statement

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Made In USA- Recipe made from pasture raised lamb with probiotics, Gluten-Free Grains, Non-GMO, No corn, wheat, soy, filler, artificial flavors, colors, by-products, preservatives, and no peas, lentils, legumes or potatoes. Puppies Only.
40# Bag 

Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food. All Life Stages
Made In USA- Has Probiotics, and Free of corn, wheat, soy. Non-GMO, Gluten-Free Grains, No potatoes in any form, peas, lentils or legumes, artificial colors, flavors or by-products.
*Suitable For Adult or Large Breed  Puppies. 40# Bag

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food.
Made In USA- Has Probiotics, and Free of corn, wheat, soy. Non-GMO, Gluten-Free Grains, No potatoes in any form, peas, lentils or legumes, artificial colors, flavors or by-products.
For Adult Dogs  40# Bag

Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag
​Made In USA- Has Probiotics, Non-GMO. No corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, peas, lentils or legumes, no artificial flavors, colors or by-products.
For Adult Dogs  40# Bag

Country Vet Naturals 24/14 Healthy Diet Dry Dog Food

Made in the USA- Pre- and probiotic cultures to support digestive health without fillers like corn, wheat or soy. Non-GMO. Gluten-Free Grains. Added vitamins, minerals, and highly-digestible ingredients. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or by-products. No peas, lentils, legumes or potatoes.
​For Adult Dogs.
​35# Bag

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Victor Performance Formula Dry Dog Food  ​Made in the USA- Only all-natural ingredients Gluten-Free Grains Non-GMO, No corn, wheat, soy, and no peas, lentils ,  legumes, potatoes, dyes, artificial preservatives, dyes, colors,  flavors or by-products.
​For Adult Dogs.  This 40# Bag

Beaverdam Pet Food Hi-Energy 26/18 Dry Dog Food 
​​Made In USA- Gluten-Free Grains, and Non-GMO, No corn, wheat, soy, and no potatoes, peas, lentils, legumes, artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes or by-products.
*Suitable For Adult or Large Breed  Puppies. 40# Bag

Beaverdam Pet Food Skipper's Choice 21/12 Dry Dog Food  
As they age, and become less active we will switch to this for variety.
​For Older Adult Dogs. 40#

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​***See detailed Puppy Stages Progression Photos, Potty Training and Feeding***