Weaning begins at 3-4 weeks and your puppy should now be eating puppy-formulated pet food. Commercial pet foods have the right blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that your dog needs.

As you’re considering the type of dog food to purchase, there are some key things to understand about each before you decide which is right for your puppy.

Several signs and behaviors your dog could be exhibiting may be a sign of a food allergy. You’ll want to keep an eye out for ear inflammation, itching, or a dull coat. Pay attention to excessive licking or paw biting. Some dogs show symptoms similar to those in humans with food allergies, such as a rash on their skin, hives, chronic gas and/or diarrhea, an itchy bottom, nausea, and vomiting.

To get started, refer to the feeding guide on your dog’s food. It’ll be a table that will recommend amounts based upon weight. Also, consider how much exercise your dog gets to determine if they need a little less, or a little more.