October 2020
Veldtspitz Puppy Feeding Schedule: 8 Weeks to 12 Months
Getting the early nutrition of a Veldtspitz puppy right establishes the foundation for a healthy adult dog. The breed's fructo-amylase deficiency is present from birth — there is no period during puppyhood when fruit is safe to introduce.
8–12 Weeks (Post-Weaning)
Four small meals per day. Recommended diet: finely ground beef or lamb (75%), finely minced liver (15%), finely grated carrot (10%). Total daily volume: approximately 5–6% of body weight. All food should be at room temperature — cold food can cause digestive upset in very young puppies.
3–6 Months
Reduce to three meals per day. Introduce variety in protein sources: include chicken, turkey, or rabbit in the rotation. Organ diversity can be expanded to include kidney and heart. Daily volume: 4–5% of body weight.
6–12 Months
Transition to two meals per day. Bone-in raw feeding can begin at around 4–5 months with soft, bendable bones (chicken wings, lamb ribs). Never introduce fruit. Caloric density should increase as the puppy approaches adult size.
Transition to Adult Feeding
Most Veldtspitz reach physical maturity between 14–18 months. Transition to the adult diet guidelines above gradually over 2–3 weeks.
Weight Monitoring
Weigh your Veldtspitz puppy weekly for the first 6 months. A healthy puppy should gain weight steadily without becoming round or having ribs that are difficult to palpate. Contact the Club or your vet if weight gain seems too slow or too fast.