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Practice Scenario
Meet JAX
A 12-week-old, male, purebred Jack Russell Terrier puppy
- Jax is presented at the clinic for physical examination and additional puppyhood vaccinations.
- Jax is the first puppy — and first dog — for this owner, who would like recommendations on feeding and caring for him.
- The owner is currently feeding a dry puppy food mixed with warm water, as recommended by the breeder who sold the puppy.
Puppy
Feeding Small and Toy Breed Puppies
Small and toy breed dogs have a higher energy requirement per unit of body weight than larger breeds, because they have higher ratios of surface area to body weight.
There is wide variation in caloric requirements or energy needs between pets. Since small and toy breeds only require relatively small amounts of food and owners tend to carry them, they are predisposed to putting on weight. Puppies should be fed as individuals to maintain normal growth and a lean, healthy body condition. Purina Body Condition Score and weight should be continually monitored at home and at regular veterinary appointments.
Key Messages
"Small and toy breed puppies such as [puppy’s name] should eat puppy food until they reach full skeletal maturity, which occurs between 6 and 10 months of age. Food can be offered free-choice, provided body condition and weight are monitored to ensure weight gain is not excessive, until your puppy is 4 months old. After that, a switch to measured meal feeding can help control food intake and reduce the risk of unwanted weight gain."
To Share With Pet Owner:
Evaluating Your Dog’s Body Condition
Assess your dog's Body Condition in just 3 simple steps.
View Video
1 min to 5 min
Additional Resources
Case, L. P., Daristotle, L., Hayek, M. G., & Raasch, M. F. (2011). Canine and feline nutrition (3rd ed.). Mosby. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-06619-8.10025-8
Lawler, D. F. (2008). Neonatal and pediatric care of the puppy and kitten. Theriogenology, 70, 384-392.