When you take 8 weeks old dog home, he first should be weanling. To give hard food should start when the dog is 4-5 weeks old and he should stop drinking milk before 6-8 months old. Dogs between 4-6 months need 60 calories of diet per 1 pound of weight. After 6 months, their need of diet will be decreased immediately and before he reaches one year old, he will need 25 – 30 calories of diet per one pound of weight. Do not forget that dogs from different breeds have different growth level, including needs for food.  

Eight weeks old dogs want 3-4 meals a day. When their interest for food is decreased, give less amount of diet. Dogs normally have only 2 meals a day before they reach 8 months, except for big size dogs who still want many meals a day until one year old and even above one year old. You should consult with veterinarian about diet in first one year including to meals needed by big dogs.

These figures obtained from a study of scientist about dog’s diet, observe that daily calories needed by dogs is decreased when hen they grow older. However, it also depends on their breeds too.

Start diet schedule strictly when dog first come to your house. It means you should him food at same time everyday. At first days, give him dried food which is available in the market. You may soften it by adding some water to encourage dog to eat (but do not make it too muddy) especially for puppy that are able to eat only soft food. Do not forget to provide clean water for him at all time.

Amount of food that you prepare for each dog is different according to common rule that is manufacturer’s recommendation and leave 1/3 of food in the blow not exceeding 10 – 15 minutes. When the dog leaves the blow, it means he is full, and keeps the blow. If he keeps looking at the blow after finishing, add more food. If he leaves the blow untouched, it is probably because he does not like the food and you should bring other food for him. Remember that you are his owner and determiner for menu. If he first refuses the food you give, keep the food until the next meal and do not give him even he shows sign or hunger. Do not give food from table since it spoils their behavior for whole life. Make them realize clearly that if they do not eat food according to time table, they will have to be hungry. A healthy dog will learn this soon that he should eat when you give him food. You can give them food while you are having food but do not give them food from table.