Shecara Bassets Puppy Feeding Recommendations
There are many different thoughts on the proper way to feed a dog. The following is our recommendation based on the way we raise our Basset Hound Puppies.
8 weeks
At the time our Basset Hound puppies leave to their new homes, they have been eating dry kibble for a few weeks already. Our puppies are fed Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Puppy, Chicken & Pea formula. We recommend that you keep the puppy on this same food for the first few weeks at least. (available at Costco) The change to a new home is one of the most stressful periods in a dogs life, and we don’t want to overburden the puppy’s system with a change of food at the same time. If you are unable to obtain this food, another chicken based puppy food is the next best thing; by keeping the protein source the same, you reduce the chance of stomach upset.
We recommend feeding the puppy three times per day until the age of six months. The best guide as to the amount to feed is to offer the food bowl for 10 minutes at each meal. Most puppies will self-regulate and eat the proper amount with this guide. If they eat a little less at one meal, they’ll eat a little more at the next. Puppies should always be kept lean throughout the growing period. You should be able to barely see, and easily feel, the ribs. Use this guide to adjust the amounts that you offer in the daily meals.
4 months to 12-18 months
As the growth curve of our Basset Hounds closely follows that of most large breed dogs, during the growth period we feed them according to the recommendations for large breed dogs. Young Basset Hound puppies can grow at an extremely fast rate. New research indicates that too rapid a growth rate can lead to musculoskeletal problems. By controlling the amount of certain ingredients, we can curb the growth to a slower, controlled rate, and allow the bones, muscles and joints to develop slower, stronger and in coordination with each other. Genetics controls the final size, we want to make sure that they don’t reach that size too quickly. By feeding a lower energy dense food, with the proper amount of calcium, we can accomplish proper, healthy growth in the puppy. Contrary to popular belief, growing puppies do not need calcium supplementation, and excess calcium can be detrimental, by producing deficiencies in other nutrients. Our puppies are fed a Large Breed Puppy formula from approximately 12 -16 weeks to 12-18 months. Until approximately 6 months, continue to feed them 3 meals per day, and after 6 months two meals per day will suffice. Each meal should be offered for 10 min, again using the body condition to see if adjustments are needed. Particularily during the delicate growth period, Basset Hounds should be kept lean. You should be able to barely see, and easily feel, the ribs. Please read more about nutrition in large breed dogs in the links on our ‘Resources’ page.
Feeding your Adult Basset Hound
By the time your Basset has reached 12 – 18 months, he will have completed most of his growing, although he’ll continue to mature for the next year or so. At this point you should be feeding a regular adult formula. The decision of what to feed should be made in consultation with your vet – depending on what you were feeding through puppyhood, taking into account your dogs eating preferences, tendancy to gain weight, activity level, etc. Again it is worth repeating that for ultimate health you should be able to barely see, and easily feel the dog’s ribs.
What about feeding my Basset Hound a raw diet?
What if I’d like to feed my Basset Hound a raw diet? Can you recommend anything here?
We are also experienced with raw diets – in fact our puppies experience raw ground beef mush as their first introduction to food! However the scope of discussing a raw diet is much to large for this little information page. I welcome you to be in touch with use personally if this is something you are interested in.