How much wet food should I feed my 10 week old puppy
10 Week Old Puppy: Tips, Schedules, Care & What To Expect
10 week old puppies have a lot of things in common with each other. They all need frequent meals and bathroom breaks, lots of play and nap time, plenty of socialization, and opportunities to chew and chomp that preferable dont include your fingers and clothes. I remember my puppy hitting ten weeks as though it was yesterday. A fabulously fun age, but one that raises a few concerns and stresses too.
This is your complete guide to living with a 10 week old puppy. Ill walk you through what to expect from a pup at this stage, and how to help ease them into your life. Youll also get a great 10 week old puppy schedule, along with loads of fabulous tips to help you stay on track with them. And some much needed advice for those parents dealing with the puppy blues!
Your 10 week old puppy schedule
This is our usual 10 week old puppy schedule, which should make a nice basis for your own. Remember, the timings will vary depending upon your own routine as well as other factors, like the size of your puppys bladder!
- 6 am Potty break
- 7 am Meal then potty break
- 9 am Potty break
- 11 am Meal then potty break
- 1 pm Potty break
- 3 pm Meal then potty break
- 5 pm Potty break
- 7 pm Meal then potty break
- 9 pm Take water up
- 10pm Potty break
- Midnight Potty break then straight to bed
What to expect from a 10 week old puppy
You can expect your new puppy to:
- Pee at least every two hours
- Want to spend all their time together
- Nap frequently
- Be very playful
- Use random items in your house as chew toys
But you probably had a lot of different expectations for the past two weeks, which didnt come to fruition. And these can feel like a really big deal in the early days.
When puppy blues sets in
No matter how much you prepare for the arrival of a new puppy, the reality can come as something of a shock. Potty training accidents happen despite our best efforts. Night times are interrupted, and apparently over for good by 6am. Over-excited puppies launch themselves relentlessly at clothes and skin with razor sharp teeth. And all the nice things you used to be able to do outside the home suddenly seem far, far out of reach.
Even experienced puppy parents arent immune. Every puppy is different, some are simply harder than others. Its enough to leave us over-tired, wrung out, and deflated. What if it was all a massive mistake? The good news is these feelings of puppy blues are completely normal.
How To Cope
Many puppy owners go through exactly the same emotions when they bring home a new puppy, and survive to reassure others about it from the other side. Talking helps, so tell a friend with dogs in real life how youre feeling. Or, visit our forum where you can read dozens of stories from happy dog owners who also experienced that period of overwhelming doubt. And importantly for you and your pup, make sure you look for safe ways to get out of the house together.
Socializing a 10 week old puppy
At 10 weeks old, your puppy is right in the middle of the all-important socialization window. The socialization window is an important period of puppy development. Its when theyre most receptive to new experiences, and likely to form positive associations which last a lifetime. It opens at three or four weeks old. It again closes between 12 and 20 weeks old, but on average by about 16 weeks old.
Quality Over Quantity
Ten week old puppies still get tired quickly, especially after taking in lots of new sensory information. And to be honest, a 10 week old Lab is already getting a bit heavy to carry for long periods. So these socialization outings are only going to be short and sweet.
The trick is to make sure your puppy has a wonderful time seeing something new. Dont keep going until theyre bored, frustrated, overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Leave on a high!
Heres How To Do It
Pop your puppys next meal into a resealable bag or tub. Carry or drive them to somewhere theyve never seen, heard or smelled before. Then feed them their meal, one piece at time while they sit on your lap (or by your side in the trunk of the car) and watch the world go by. Great places to go include:
- a bench on a sidewalk with lots of pedestrians
- anywhere you can comfortably settle for five minutes by a busy road
- the parking lot at the beginning of a hiking trail (youll see lots of other dogs from a safe distance here!)
- dog friendly cafes, bars and restaurants
For bonus points, try to feed your puppy the moment something (a vehicle, or another dog for example) catches their attention, but before they can react by barking or trying to move towards it. In an ideal world the majority of your puppys kibble will be used in training, not given in a bowl. This builds up positive associations for your puppy. And also lays the groundwork of looking to you for cues about what to do next.
Getting Used To Being Touched
Socialization isnt just about visiting new places. Brushing, bathing, nail clipping, teeth cleaning and veterinary exams are all inevitable parts of a dogs life. Socializing your 10 week old puppy to accept these experiences confidently is something you can work on in the safety of your own home. But dont try to give your puppy a full pedicure on your first attempt.
Start by putting the nail clippers in a work surface in sight of him and feed a small handful of treats. Thats day one done! The next day, hold the clippers in one hand whilst treating from the other. Day two done! On day three, have someone else dispense the treats while you hold the clippers in one hand and gently lift one paw with the other. When it comes to socializing for grooming experiences, the slower you go, the faster youll get there!
Dont Feel Overwhelmed!
The list of things to socialize your puppy to, and the fear of unintended consequences if you get it wrong can be overwhelming. But every bit of effort you make is a fantastic investment in your puppys future.
Research shows that puppies socialized to different places and physical examinations during puppyhood are less likely to be given up by their owners. Most of the things you can do take less than half an hour. So even if you aim for just a couple of new experiences a day, and youll be amazed how quickly they add up. And getting your puppy used to daily life doesnt just involve being together. Sometimes it needs to be about spending time by themselves too.
Spending time alone!
Its still going to be several weeks before you can leave a 10 week old puppy at home while you go out for the morning. If you havent already begun crate training, its not too late to start. If youre not using a crate, youre still going to need a safe, secure area in your home where your puppy can be left for short periods as they get older. This could be a playpen, or a whole room, with a comfy bed in it.
Now is the time to make sure this space is always a happy and comforting place to be. Frequently drop a couple of treats into the bed while your puppy isnt looking. You should find that by 9 to 10 weeks old they regularly take themselves back there to rest and nap. The good news is that most puppies settle comfortably into a routine of being left for short periods from this age. And in the absence of anyone to play with, they usually just take the opportunity to have a nap!
Games and training
When your puppy isnt on their own, they will need lots of time and interaction from you. Right now, your 10 week old puppys mind is like a sponge. And their appetite for fun and games is insatiable!
Playing with your puppy is a wonderful way to start forging a bond which places you at the center of their world. And playing with them the right way means you can already start teaching good manners, without them even realising it was a lesson! This article about how to play with your puppy will set you off on the right foot.
Potty training problems
Potty training starts from the moment you arrive home with your puppy. But finishing it can take several weeks!
Hopefully by the time theyre 10 weeks old, you can recognise some of the signs that your puppy needs to go out and pee or poop. They might be going a little longer between toilet trips too. But dont get complacent keep taking them out regularly.
When accidents do happen, clean them up thoroughly with a little dilute biological detergent, or a specialized enzyme cleaner. Puppies love to pee where theyve peed before, so dont leave them any clues! If you feel like youre not making the potty training progress youd hoped for at this stage, check out our trouble shooting guide now.
(paid link)How Is Your 10 Week Old Puppy Getting On?
When your puppy reaches 10 weeks old, youre likely to really be in the thick of it, and wondering what youve taken on. But its also the cusp of a tipping point for many puppy parents.
In the next couple of weeks, your puppy will be ready to go for walks outdoors. And all the effort youve put into settling them in and potty training will start to pay off. Just hang in there, share your progress, and ask any questions you have over on our forum.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
Your growing puppy
Your dogs diet plays a vital role in helping to give them a healthy body and mind, so what should they eat, how much should you give them and whats the best way to feed them?There are many different approaches you can take to ensure your dog has a balanced, healthy diet. However, with many different feeding regimes to choose from, all of varying quality, it can be a little baffling to know which way to go.Read some of our hints and tips in our guide to feeding your dog.
Best puppy diet: get help from the breeder
Healthy puppies can burn twice as many calories as an adult dog, so its important that their diet is balanced and meets their high energy needs. Your puppys food should be:
- High in calories
- Rich in protein
- Packed full of essential nutrients
- Easy to chew and swallow
Your puppys food should be specifically formulated to their needs and must be age-appropriate. There are lots of different diets to choose from and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find the right food for your dog. If youre overwhelmed by the choice, then always speak to your puppys breeder or your vet to find out what they recommend.
Feeding your puppy - frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my puppy?
The amount of food that a dog needs depends on their age, breed, how energetic they are and if they have any medical conditions. Feeding your puppy too much may cause excessive weight gain, an upset stomach, or, particularly in larger breeds, bone deformities, so it is very important to follow the feeding guidelines given on any packaging. Also, pay attention to whether the feeding guides on the pack are for the puppys current body weight or their estimated adult body weight. If based on estimated adult body weight, it may be helpful to speak to the breeder to find out how big mum and dad are.
How often should I feed my puppy?
Younger puppies should always be fed small amounts regularly, and this decreases in frequency as they get older. If youre not sure how often to feed your puppy then here is a rough guide:
- When you start to offer solid food or when weaning (usually at around two months old) four to six meals a day
- From two to three months four meals a day
- From four to six months two to three meals a day
- Over six months two meals a day (depending on the breed)
How can I check my puppy is gaining weight?
Regularly weighing your puppy can help you check that theyre growing at a healthy rate for their age, size and breed. Speak to your vet, breeder or breed club if youre not sure how to do this, or if you need any guidance on how much your dog should weigh or look. Puppy growth charts can also be very helpful to track your puppys growth. Speak to your vet to see if they can supply you with one of these.
What is the difference between dry and fresh meat ingredients?
Unless your dog is on a special veterinary recommended diet, choosing between wet or dry food is entirely up to you and your dog. Neither is better than the other, theyre just different options.When deciding, consider what your dog likes, and think about their level of enjoyment when trying different shapes and textures. Its possible that your dog will make the decision for you!When choosing between wet or dry food, think about where youll store the food and how easy it is to buy in bulk.Wet food can:
- increase fluid intake, as it contains more moisture
- be more appetising to fussy eaters, as it can be warmed, releasing delicious smells
- be easier to eat for dogs with dental or mouth problems
- help your dog feel full more quickly
Dry food can:
- be good for keeping teeth clean and encouraging chewing
- be more convenient to keep and store once opened and may have a longer shelf life
- be given in smaller quantities as a treat or for training
- last for longer and doesnt spoil as quickly.
How should I serve wet puppy food?
If you give your dog wet puppy food, then its best to serve it at room temperature. Warmer food is more appealing to dogs and will smell better, taste nicer and should be easier for them to digest. If you keep your food in the fridge, remember to take it out an hour before feeding. This will allow it to reach room temperature and be more enjoyable to eat. If youre not able to leave the food out, then you can warm it up in the microwave, but make sure its served at room temperature and is never hot.
How should I serve dry puppy food?
Most dogs love the crunchy texture of dry kibble, but others may prefer slightly moist food. If your puppy prefers moist foods, particularly when they are younger, then you can always add a small amount of water before serving it. Be careful to avoid adding milk. Dry food can help support dental health more than wet foods. However, whether dry or wet, it can be helpful to give them regular dental treats to keep their teeth healthy. Ideally, you should also introduce them to tooth brushing at a young age. Remember that if you are giving dental treats they need to be taken into consideration when working out the puppys daily calories, and the feeding guide should be reduced slightly.
What are the signs that I am feeding my dog the wrong diet?
We recommend that you check:
- For signs of an intolerance. These may include:
- Being sick
- An upset stomach
- Excessive wind
- Losing weight
- Itchy skin that can become red and irritated
- Regularly getting skin or ear infections
- Licking themselves a lot
- If they are finishing their food
- That their poo looks healthy
If you're concerned about your dog's health or their diet, then always speak to your vet.
Getting into good feeding habits
Its important that you get into good feeding habits while your dog is still young. When feeding your dog:
- Choose somewhere to put their bowl that can be easily cleaned, such as on a tiled or wipeable floor
- Give them their food in a quiet place where they wont be interrupted or distracted
- Avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after exercise, as it can cause a life-threatening condition known as bloat
- You should not feed your dog before travelling in the car as this might cause car-sickness.
- Dont feed your dog table scraps. Some foods may upset your dogs stomach, while others, such as chocolate, onions and grapes, can be poisonous to them
- Cooked bones can be dangerous and can break into small parts that can cause damage in your dogs mouth, throat or intestines, so never give them
What about treats?
Just because youre trying to keep your dog healthy doesnt mean that you need to stop giving them treats. However, it does mean that you should watch what you give them and how often.
- If you do want to give treats, make sure that they are not high in fat, salt or sugar
- When giving treats, make sure you include them in your dogs total daily calorie intake to balance things out
- Always ensure that any homemade snacks that you give your dog are cut up into small chunks. This can make them last longer and stop them from getting stuck in your dogs throat
- Try putting your dogs snacks in a food puzzle. These toys slowly release food when they are moved around or played with and are a great form of mental stimulation
- Some chew treats have been proven to help prevent dental diseases, but again, check the label to ensure you are getting a genuine product
Find out more about giving your dog health treats.
