FEEDING YOUR LITTLE
Keeping Little Tummies Happy at Home
Your little will go home eating the same food and following the same general feeding routine they’ve been accustomed to here at Nine Acres. Those first few days already come with plenty of changes, so keeping their food and feeding schedule familiar can help make the transition a little easier on their tummy.
Every puppy is a little different. Appetite, portion size, and even how quickly they finish a meal can vary. Rather than focusing on an exact number of bites, we want to look at the whole puppy, their appetite, energy, hydration, stools, and overall behavior.
Mama Tara Tip: Those Boston eyes are professionals at convincing you they haven't eaten in approximately three business days. Stick with their routine before assuming they need another helping.
WHAT YOUR LITTLE IS EATING
Your little will leave Nine Acres eating Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula. I recommend keeping them on the same food initially while they adjust to their new home. Changing homes is already a big transition, and suddenly changing foods can add an unnecessary upset tummy to the mix.
Our Nine Acre Starting Routine
Food: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice
Schedule: 3 small meals per day
Starting Portion: Approximately ¼ cup per meal (¾ cup total daily)
How We Serve It: Lightly moistened with warm water, because apparently my littles have opinions.
This is a starting routine, not a one-size-fits-all feeding requirement. Purina's feeding recommendations vary based on your puppy's age and expected adult weight, and portions should be adjusted as your puppy grows and based on body condition, activity level, and your veterinarian's recommendations.
Watch the puppy, not just the measuring cup. Some puppies will need a little more or less than others. Monitor body condition, appetite, stools, energy, and growth rather than automatically increasing food simply because your little happily cleans the bowl.
Mama Tara Tip: A clean bowl does not necessarily mean they're starving. They're Bostons. Some of them would file a formal complaint about portion sizes five minutes after dinner.
CHANGING FOODS
If you decide to change your little’s food, don’t make the switch suddenly. Give them time to settle into their new home first, then transition gradually by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of their current food.
A gradual transition gives their digestive system time to adjust and can help reduce loose stools, gas, or an upset tummy. If your puppy develops persistent vomiting or diarrhea, stops eating, seems unusually tired, or simply doesn’t seem like themselves, contact your veterinarian.
There’s also no need to change foods simply because your puppy comes home. If they’re doing well on their current food, growing appropriately, and your veterinarian is happy with their development, changing food is a choice, not a requirement.
Mama Tara Tip: New home + new people + new routine + new food all at once is a LOT for one tiny Boston belly. Keep what you can familiar at first.
TREAT, EXTRAS & WATER
Keep things simple while your little is settling in. Fresh water should always be available throughout the day, and treats can be introduced in moderation once they’re comfortable in their new routine.
When training, remember that Boston puppies are little! Treats should be small—tiny pieces are plenty. You can even use a few pieces of their regular kibble as training rewards.
Avoid introducing several new treats, chews, toppers, or table foods all at once. If their tummy gets upset, it becomes nearly impossible to figure out what caused it.
And as tempting as it is to share your plate with those big Boston eyes, not all human foods are safe for dogs. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian before offering something new.
Mama Tara Tip: They do not need a whole treat every time they sit. Break that thing up! Your little has absolutely no idea whether the reward was the size of a pea or a chicken nugget.
A LITTLE NOTE FROM MAMA TARA
Feeding doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with what your little already knows, keep things consistent while they settle in, and make adjustments as they grow.
Pay attention to your puppy in front of you, not just the measuring cup. Appetite, growth, body condition, energy, and stools will tell you a lot and your veterinarian can help guide you as their needs change.
Most importantly, enjoy this stage. Before you know it, that tiny little puppy will be standing in the kitchen staring at you like they haven’t been fed since 1997.
— Mama Tara