FOOD OF PUPPIES. 215 



THE FOOD OF PUPPIES AT HOME OR "AT WALK," AND ITS 

 PROPER PREPARATION. 



Whetlier at liome or out, puppies require the same kind of food, 

 and the more regularly this is given as to quantity and quality, as 

 well as the times of feeding, the more healthy the puppy will be, 

 and the faster he will grow. Many people consider milk to be by 

 far the best article of food for growing puppies, and undoubtedly 

 it is a good one, but it is not superior to a mixed diet of meal 

 and animal food in proper proportions, and occasionally varied by 

 the addition of green vegetables. Indeed, after three months, or 

 at most four, puppies may be fed like grown dogs as to the quahty 

 of theii* food, requiring it however to be given them more fre- 

 quently the younger they are. Up to six months they require it 

 three times a day, at equal intervals, and after that age twice ; for 

 although there is a difference of opinion as to the propriety of 

 feeding the adult once or twice a day, there is none about the 

 puppy demanding a supply morning and evening. In all cases, 

 they should be encouraged to empty themselves (by allowing a 

 run, if they are confined to kennel) just before feeding, and for an 

 hour or two afterwards they are best at rest. If milk is given, it 

 may be thickened by boiling in it oatmeal or wheat-flour, or both 

 together, or biscuits may be scalded and added to it ; but no flesh 

 is needed in addition, bones only being required to amuse the dog 

 and to clean his teeth by gnawing them. With these any dog 

 may be very well reared, but the plan is an expensive one, if the 



