Nutrition in Puppies and Kittiens

Between the third and seventh weeks of life, there is a transition from milk to solid food consumption. During this period, the thickness of the intestinal wall doubles, aiding in the digestion and absorption of solid food. Additionally, the pancreas begins producing digestive enzymes, and the normal population of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract begins to establish itself. Dogs, characterized as adaptable omnivores, display variations in digestive enzyme production based on their diet, while cats, being obligate carnivores, maintain a more fixed enzyme balance.

One interesting aspect is that dog breeds exhibit a wide range of adult body sizes, from tiny teacup poodles to massive 200-pound mastiffs. Small breed puppies have a significantly higher energy requirement per pound of body weight, up to two to three times more than larger puppies. It’s important to note that overfeeding large-breed puppies with excessive calories can lead to early obesity or skeletal abnormalities. Conversely, a study comparing miniature poodle puppies to Great Dane puppies revealed that the larger Great Danes required higher protein levels despite having normal growth rates. This suggests that small puppies may need greater energy density but lower protein content in their diet.