CP - Feeding – Guidelines

Diamond Valley Kennels Feeding Small Breeds

Key Nutrition for Puppies Development and Growth

Like a complex puzzle, a complete and balanced diet offers the precise combination of the nutrients that a puppy needs to develop healthily. Thats why Diamond Valley Kennels recommend and feed Royal Canin to all of our puppies.

The ingredients are a means for ensuring puppies get the necessary nutrients for healthy development and growth in the early months and can carry on with other products in the Royal Canin range as they get older.

Does Portion Size Matter to Puppies?

Puppies don’t know how to regulate their food intake, so it’s important you control their portions to avoid them becoming overweight. This is particularly crucial for large breed dogs, as overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly and develop skeletal problems.

Always refer to the portion recommendations on the pack and weigh each meal carefully. Remember that the quantity stated is usually a daily recommended amount, so you’ll need to split this across your puppy’s meals. Any treats you give your puppy should be included in this daily amount too – it’s easy to overfeed with rewards.

Feeding

At the kennels: Puppy has been enjoying a variety of RAW chicken and beef Mince with a few biscuits mixed into it twice a day (morning and afternoon). Puppy also has Royal Canin Mini Puppy biscuits which are available for grazing throughout the day which helps them keep their energy levels up.

Meal Times (Twice a Day - Breakfast & Dinner) You can soak a small handful (around ¼ to ⅓ cup) of the Royal Canin Mini Puppy biscuits in warm water until soft. Then, mix in one of the following proteins:

· Raw chicken mince - about 4-6 tablespoons

· Tuna in spring water (preferred) or oil - about 4 tablespoons or 95g tin

· Shredded cooked chicken about 5 tablespoons

· Some people like to add a little cooked white rice (up to 1 tablespoon) as well.

This is totally optional and can be helpful for sensitive tummies.

If puppy still seems hungry after meals, it's completely fine to offer more at this stage, it's better to slightly overfeed than underfeed while they're growing and developing!

You can also feed Raw Beef mince but we do find this a little too strong for puppies tummies.

You can purchase Royal Canin Mini Puppy Biscuits in our showroom – Price $39.00

Transitioning to Home Life: Puppy can continue the same schedule and feed as they have been enjoying at the kennels with their siblings. However, you may wish to give them a small snack at lunchtime as well if they appear to still be hungry. You can also have Royal Canin Mini Puppy biscuits available for grazing throughout the day.

Water: Please ensure they have fresh water in a separate bowl each and every day. Do NOT offer milk, as dogs are lactose-intolerant.

The first few days at Home:

Small breed puppies can sometimes become stressed when transitioning to a new home which may cause diarrhea.

If your puppy develops diarrhea and you are concerned:

Stop the biscuits temporarily OR mix in a small amount of plain boiled chicken or tuna with boiled rice.
You can reintroduce Mince and biscuits after a couple of days once your puppy’s tummy settles.
Ensure your puppy is drinking enough water and staying hydrated.
Contact your vet if diarrhea persists or if you have any concerns.

If Your Puppy Isn’t Eating at First

It is common for puppies to eat less during the first day or two in a new home. If this happens, try offering:

BBQ chicken (a favourite!)
Royal Canine Mini Puppy Wet Pouch
Sardines in tomato sauce
Mix any of these with their biscuits and a little water

If feeding issues continue, please contact us for further assistance—we’re always happy to help.

How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?

Feeding Example

If your puppy’s expected adult weight is 6 kg, then at 3 months old, they will need approximately:

120 g per day
Equivalent to 1 + 2/8 cups of biscuits

(Refer to the Royal Canin feeding guide on the bag for more specific measurements as it’s a great guide for quantity to be fed.)

Changing Diets

You are welcome to change your puppy’s diet but do so gradually over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upsets.

Disclaimer: The directors, officers, breeders and staff of DVK are not liable for anything deriving from this document arising from any dietary issues with your puppy in regard to the recommendations outlined above. These recommendations are merely derived from our experience with the puppies we breed and sell to assist you in caring for your puppy once you take possession of your puppy. Diamond Valley Kennels has used its best endeavours to assist you, the buyer of a puppy from DVK, with the recommendations herein. We recommend you conduct your own research in this matter and consult a registered veterinarian for dietary advice for your puppy if you so desire. DVK will take no responsibility for any vet bills incurred once the puppy has left our care unless previously approved by the director, Diamond Valley Kennels Pty Ltd.