Your Go-Home Kit will include a few days supply of the puppy food that we feed. Currently, that is Purina ONE Smart Blend Large Breed Puppy Food. Double check with us before you stock up on that to make sure it’s what your puppy is eating. There is a lot of information out there about what food is “best.” Kibble, raw, grain or grain free … so many options! And, of course, every company claims their food is THE BEST. We chose Purina ONE because it’s easily accessible. It’s sold at most major grocery stores including Target and Walmart. Speak with your veterinarian or research and choose whatever food works best for your family and your pup.
If you do choose a different food, we recommend a gradual transition. Keep your pup on what we’re feeding for at least a full week before transitioning.
Once your puppy’s tummy seems stable at his new home, you can begin the gradual transition to his new food. Start with a 75/25 mix of old and new for a few days. Then increase to a 50/50 mix for a few days, then a 25/75 mix for a few more days until finally feeding 100% new food. Moving to a new home and leaving the litter are VERY stressful for a little pup. S/he WILL have tummy issues. Please don’t add the stress of a sudden change in diet to their tiny little bodies.
Since Goldendoodles are a large breed, we highly recommend using a slow feeder bowl. Gulping food down isn’t good for your puppy. Neither is elevated feeding. A slow feeder bowl placed on the ground will help tremendously.
Give your pup a safe place to eat! For our personal pets, we feed in the kennel. Poodles are especially susceptible to bloat, so eating meals in the kennel and resting for about an hour after works best for us.
We de-worm Mom and puppies regularly at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks with pyrantal pamoate for roundworms and hookworms under our veterinarian’s supervision. It’s likely that your vet will perform a fecal analysis at your first visit. Do not be alarmed if your puppy has worms! It’s perfectly normal and easy to treat. Follow the direction of your vet, and all will be well. Giardia and coccidia are other common tummy and poop issues. If you suspect either of those, call your vet. Giardia can be especially tricky to diagnose, so you may need to be persistent. Again, all of these issues are common and treatable.
