Probably the best indicator of an animal’s health is the regularity, size, color, and texture of its bowel movements. If the stool is large in volume and has a soft texture, it indicates poor digestion; either the ingredients were not easily digested, the cooking process was inadequate, or the animal is reacting to a change in diet. Animals with a semi- or liquid bowel movement should, especially over a prolonged period of several days, be carefully monitored for signs of illness and dehydration. Proper nourishment typically results in small, firm stool deposits.
Puppies- Newborns will start consuming “moistened” dry food at about 4 weeks of age. Add either warm water, milk or chicken broth to the kibbles until they have gruel-like consistency. Puppies should be typically fed about 3 times a day. At each meal, allow the puppy to feed for 10-20 minutes (usually it takes a minute); then, remove the remaining food if any. As the puppy matures, reduce the volume of liquid until the food is a dry state. Change the feeding regiment to 2X a day at 6 months of age. Dogs should consume adult feeding habits at about 1 year. This does vary depending upon the breed, size of animal. many large breeds can continue growing and “filling out” up until about 2-3 years of age.
So remember, the stool tells all…quality in; quality out…garbage in; garbage out. For a quickie video: