re: Resources needed: Just bought my first dog

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This is what the breeder uses

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That is one of the newer what I call feed store brands, as in you can usually only get them at feed and seeds and similar. It is made by Diamond and is available to Mid-State Distributor stores. Beyond that I don't know much about it.

Let me caution you when researching dog food you will find scary information about just about every dog food available. There are so many opinions that it is impossible to find a food without at least one ingredient that at least some people will refuse to feed a dog. The reason I lean on Dogfoodadvisor is they recommend highly foods my vet has recommended, my breeders have recommended, I have fed for many years and my dogs have all been remarkably healthy and every one that has died lived longer than the breed expected lifespan and had very few problems near the end. All of this aligning tells me Dogfoodadvisor is solid in their picks.

One thing to note is you will be feeding a puppy formula or a high protein all life cycle formula to start with. Depending on the breed and individual dog your vet will tell you when to shift to an adult or lower protein whole life cycle formula. For most dogs in that size range it will be in the 7-10 month range but make sure you query your vet around that time so you don't end up with a dog that isn't trim. If you can't get or decide against Wildology ask your vet for recs. They are often quite good but make note what prescription food they sell it is usually on display (often Royal Canin). If that is their rec it may be a little biased but they are solid foods. While I am making it sound like you should overstress on the choice keep in mind there have been millions of dogs that have lived long healthy lives eating basic Purina Dog chow and the like. We have had really good luck with Diamond and Victor and they have the benefit of costing less than a lot of the other premium foods. One last note, I assume the breeder sent you home with some food or will (not sure if you have them yet) make your food choice ASAP and if it is not what they are feeding make sure to start mixing the food while you still have some of the breeders food to ease the transitions because puppies are often more sensitive than adults to food changes and diarrhea is much more concerning in a puppy than an adult just like it is for a baby.

OK one more: I think someone mentioned it earlier but plan to take the puppy within the first few days to the vet for a wellness check, plus you can set up the vax schedule, because if there is an issue the sooner it is picked up the sooner you can talk to the breeder and the more likely they are to work with you. Add in the part we don't want to hear is if there is a really significant health issue it is better to know before you become attached and find it impossible to return the puppy to the breeder. It is cold I know but most people (myself included) don't want to sign up for a life of health issues without making that decision with open eyes and once the attachment fully kicks in it no longer is a choice.

Enjoy! They grow up so fast. We have a 9 month old and it had been years since we had a puppy our other 3 range from 5-13 and much like a baby the puppy time is magical and also a PITA (compared to adult dogs) I had forgotten how much work they are and how easy our other 3 are to live with. I am now fully ready for her to become a calm adult because she can't use her cute puppy charm anymore, she is essentially fully grown and needs to lean into that. As I say that I look down and she is worn out asleep on her bed along with the rest of the pack looking angelic but probably dreaming about waking up with a case of the zoomies and driving us all nuts.