Just like you, your dog has specific nutritional requirements: protein for growth and tissue repair; carbohydrates for energy; vitamins and minerals for general health. Young puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily. At 6 months of age this can be reduced to twice a day, ands mature dogs need only be fed once a day.

For your puppy, nothing is more important than proper nutrition. Here are some tips on picking the proper foods for your dog:

While inexpensive pet foods may appear to be a bargain, they don't provide the high-premium quality nutrition your dog needs. Ask your veterinarian what quality food they recommend for your dog, because when your dog feels as good on the inside as he looks on the outside, it shows every day. Here are some signs that your dog is benefitting from the nutrition of premium food:

• Exceptional muscle tone
• Healthy bones and teeth
• A luxurious, shiny coat
• Clear, bright eyes
• Small and firm stools
• A happy, healthy, playful attitude

Reading labels is a great way to analyze any dog food you are interested in. The five sections of the dog-food label can reveal information that will be crucial in your purchase decision.

1. The name of the food gives clues about how much of an ingredient is actually present. For example, foods that include a protein source in the product name ("Beef Formula") must contain at least 25% of the named ingredient; words "with" or "flavor" ("with beef", "beef flavor") could mean there's as little as 3% of this ingredient.
2. The ingredient panel lists all food sources in the product in descending order by precooked weight. For dry food, make sure the first ingredient is a source of high-quality protein, such as chicken or lamb.
3. The guaranteed analysis gives the precentage breakdown of the basic nutrients in the formula- protein, fiber and moisture content, for example.
4. The nuritional adequacy statement should say that the company conducted "animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures," which indicate that the food was actually fed to dogs and found to be adequate.
5. The manufacturer phone number should be included. The words "packed for" or "distributed by" in this area, however, may indicate that the food was processed by a third-party manufacturer.

The label also recommends how much to feed your dog each day. Use these recommendations as a starting point to determine feeding amounts.

When it comes to treats, whether for training purposes or just for fun, make sure to pick something healthy for your dog. The following items you definitely want to avoid:

Chocolate: This can be dangerous for dogs.

Cookies: High in fat, low in nutrition.

Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can cause diarrhea.

Bones (from meat and poultry): Can break into shards that may stick in the throat or intestine. Can also break teeth.