Nutrition and Water

Review the following sections on Nutrition, Water Access, and Approved Diets for policies on feeding and watering Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) puppies.

Did someone say kibble? Most puppies are foodies! At GDB, we know that appropriate weight and dietary management is important for puppy health. Maintaining an athletic build reduces the risk of orthopedic disease and promotes general health and longevity for our puppies. We want to ensure that our puppies and dogs are healthy and happy as they journey to become future heroes in the community! GDB veterinarians provide guidelines (see Approved Diets) for both puppy and adult dog diets that meet our nutritional expectations. We do not allow alternative brands or formulas as the puppy’s primary kibble unless a prescription diet is utilized following GDB protocol or after consultation with a GDB veterinarian.

What Puppies Eat

• In the GDB Puppy Center, puppies are fed Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula. You may continue feeding this diet or transition the puppy to another approved puppy formula until the puppy reaches 12 months of age.
• Around 12 months of age, or earlier, if recommended by a veterinarian, transition to an approved adult formula. Eukanuba Adult Large Breed (Chicken 1st Ingredient) is fed to dogs in training on campus, but you may choose any adult food that meets the brand and formula guidelines.
• Any time you switch to another brand/formula, transition over a period of at least 5 to 7 days, gradually replacing the previous food with the new one. Rapid or continuous changes can be tough on a developing puppy’s GI system.
• Treats and other foods (high value food rewards, dog-friendly novel foods for enrichment) should make up no more than 10% of the pup’s daily food amount.
• Nutritional, vitamin, or mineral supplements should only be used if directed by your puppy raising field manager (PFM) or a GDB Veterinarian.

How Much and How Often

• This is very individual! Not all puppies (even those the same age or from the same litter) need the same amount of food to thrive.
• Start by feeding 8-week-old puppies 3/4 cup, three times a day unless otherwise directed by the PFM or a GDB Veterinarian.
• Around 4 months, puppies no longer need lunch. Gradually transition to two meals a day (breakfast and dinner).
• Check the puppy’s Body Condition Score (BCS) regularly to determine whether the overall food amount needs to be increased or decreased.
• Reach out before reducing food below 2 cups per day or over 5 cups per day; we may need to rule out medical concerns or recommend a temporary lower or higher calorie formula instead.

How to Feed

• You can add a small amount of water to the bowl to moisten the food or feed it dry.
• You can use a regular dog food bowl or a slow-feeder bowl.
• Try not to let the puppy jump on you or trip you up when you’re holding their food. You may choose to ask for a simple behavior (like “Wait!”) as you set the bowl down before quickly releasing the puppy to eat (“OK!”).
• Leave the puppy alone while they eat.
• Feed the puppy somewhere they won’t be interrupted so they don’t think they need to defend their food.
  • Ideally out of sight of other pets.
  • Make sure other family members do not approach or bother the puppy.
  • If the puppy does guard their food or bowl, let your GDB support team member know so we can help! Do not test the puppy to see if they’ll do it again.
• If the puppy does not finish a meal, pick it up after about 5 minutes. Keep an eye out for other signs the puppy is feeling unwell. Reach out if this becomes a pattern. We may need to rule out medical concerns.
• Don’t spoil the puppy’s appetite with high value or novel food enrichment before meals. If a puppy is picky, save that special treat as a reward after they finish their dinner instead!
• Don't feed the puppy from your plate or toss them food while you're eating. This can lead to future negative behaviors, such as begging or attention seeking.

Puppies must always have easy access to an unlimited amount of fresh, clean water.

• Healthy puppies can drink a lot of water! Daily intake depends on temperature, activity, and the individual dog. Provide easy access to an unlimited amount of fresh, clean water.
  • On days you are unable to offer free access (e.g., long car trip, all day outings), offer fresh water frequently throughout the day (minimum of 8 times per day, more frequently in hot temperatures).
  • Is my puppy drinking too much? Healthy dogs generally drink between 0.5-1.2oz of water per pound of body weight each day. If your puppy is regularly drinking 1.5oz/lb or more (e.g. more than ~9 cups of water/day for a 50lb dog), reach out to your support team so we can rule out medical concerns.
• Do not limit the daily amount of water offered to a puppy unless directed by a veterinarian for a specific purpose (e.g., pre-surgical fasting or treatment of acute vomiting). Water is an essential nutrient for dogs.
  • Limiting the supply of this essential nutrient can cause significant health concerns including life-threatening dehydration.
• Monitor the puppy’s drinking pattern. Reach out if you are worried the puppy is drinking too much or not enough. We may need to rule out medical concerns.
• Raisers can use a non-skid bowl, a ‘no-spill’ bowl, a Lixit bottle, or other options. See Equipment and Supplies.

These foods are the most common puppy and adult diets chosen by puppy raisers to feed our guide dog puppies. Dog food packaging can change over time, and many formulas can look very similar; please be sure to check the bag carefully when purchasing to ensure they fit our approved diet guidelines (i.e. not “grain free” or another variation of a diet).

Looking for another option? The food you choose must be from one of the brands listed below. These brands all meet AAFCO requirements and have a veterinary team on staff. 

Approved Brands - Puppy & Adult

• Purina 
• Eukanuba
  
• Natural Balance
• Hill’s Science Diet
• Iams
• Nutro
• Pedigree

Approved Formulas - Puppy & Adult

• Growing puppies (until about 12 months of age) must be fed a "puppy" or "all life stages" formula (not an "adult" formula)
• The grain used can vary, but food cannot be grain free
• Large breed is strongly preferred but not required for both puppy and adult food
• Chicken is the preferred protein; lamb is the second choice

For Overweight Adult Dogs (under PFM guidance)

• Natural Balance Fat Dogs
• Eukanuba Weight Control

Note: other foods and brands may be used as prescription diets, in diarrhea kits, or as directed by your PFM.

See also Food Rewards: What Type Do I Choose? and visit this ASPCA page for more information on foods that can be safely shared with a puppy for enrichment and other activities.

TerraCycle offers free recycling of Royal Canin and Eukanuba dog food bags. Learn more by visiting their website.