From the very first moment the puppy has to rely upon the mother as the main support mechanism for life. It is this factor that is so crucial when sadly in the odd occasion a bitch dies in the act of giving birth or on the odd occasion when litters are abandoned and immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life and tragedy.

Puppies are wholly dependent upon the mother for about 4 weeks and then slowly but surely as they grow more independent in character they start to be able to consume more and more solid food and full blown independence occurs. Then the trouble starts!

As with humans, the growth period of the first six months is vital for a puppy but unlike humans the growth rate of the puppy is even more remarkable in its rapidity. A puppy should, and I repeat should, gain an average of 15-40 times their birth weight during this first six months. By the time the puppy reaches one year they should have appreciated in size by 60 times their birth weight

As the puppy grows and reaches his mature age, the amount of energy and nutrients that his body needs will gradually decrease. He will display a change in behavior such as reduced appetite, decreased activity, and less curiosity of the world around him. These changes, however, are perfectly normal and inevitable as the puppy approaches the end of his growth stage and the beginning of his mature stage.

These changes in his behavior also serve as an indicator to the owner that it is time to change the dog's diet. The dog no longer requires the kind of food that was suited for him during his growth stage. What he needs now is a diet that will enable to support him as he reaches maturity.

The adult dog needs several nutrients in order to live, have energy, and maintain a healthy life. These nutrients are found in the food he eats. There are six types of nutrients that the dog must have in order to remain healthy and maintain a strong body. These are: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

He must meet the Minimum Daily Requirement (MDR), which is the least amount of nutrients that his body needs in a 24-hour period that will enable him to stay healthy. The MDR changes as the dog goes through different stages of life. These stages are: the growth stage, the maintenance stage, the work stage, the pregnancy stage, and the lactation stage.