Recommendations
We choose 4health Puppy Formula because it provides balanced, reliable nutrition at a great value for growing puppies. The recipes are made with real animal protein as the first ingredient and include important nutrients like DHA for brain and vision development, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and probiotics to support digestion.
When transitioning your puppy to a new food, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid stomach upset such as diarrhea or decreased appetite. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems, especially during the stress of moving to a new home.
How to transition food safely We recommend a slow 7–10 day transition:
Days 1–3: 75% current food / 25% new food
Days 4–6: 50% current food / 50% new food
Days 7–9: 25% current food / 75% new food
Day 10: 100% new food
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, you can extend each step to 3–4 days instead of changing quickly.
Always monitor for: Loose stool or diarrhea Gas or bloating Refusal to eat
If any of these occur, slow the transition back a step and allow more time. Why we reference Dog Food Advisor We often suggest looking at Dog Food Advisor as a helpful educational resource when considering different food options. It provides independent, ingredient-based reviews and ratings that help owners compare foods beyond marketing claims. It’s useful because it: Breaks down ingredient quality in simple terms Highlights protein sources, fillers, and additives Helps owners compare nutrition levels across brands Offers transparency that can support informed decision-making
A puppy pad holder is important because it helps create a cleaner, more structured potty training setup for young puppies, especially during the transition into a new home. It keeps the pad securely in place so puppies can’t drag, shred, or play with it, which reduces mess and confusion during training.
By holding the pad flat and in a consistent location, it helps reinforce proper elimination habits and makes it easier for puppies to learn where they are supposed to go. It also helps protect floors by containing accidents and preventing urine from getting underneath the pad. For small breeds and indoor-reared puppies, this added structure supports faster, more reliable potty training while keeping the environment cleaner and more sanitary for both puppies and their families.
We use Wondercide flea and tick collars as a gentle, plant-based option for parasite prevention. Because our Cavaliers are primarily indoor dogs and are not exposed to wooded or high-tick environments, we prefer a natural approach that is easy on sensitive skin and avoids harsher chemical preventatives.
These collars offer a light, ongoing layer of protection for everyday exposure while supporting our preference for a more holistic care routine in our home-raised puppies.
This is a very short but informative read on vaccines. We take the more holistic approach in vaccines for our cavaliers. Reading this helps make informed decisions. Always make choices you and your vet are comfortable with.
Crates provide puppies with a safe, den-like space where they can relax and feel secure. Dogs naturally seek out small, cozy areas, and a properly introduced crate becomes their own comfortable retreat—not a punishment.
Crates also play a big role in potty training. Puppies instinctively avoid soiling the area where they sleep, so using a crate that’s just big enough for them to stand and turn around helps teach them to hold their bladder. With a consistent schedule of potty breaks, this quickly builds good habits and speeds up house training.
30 inch is a good size, and be sure the one you choose has a divider to make it smaller for when puppy is small, but has the ability to expand as they grow.
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When puppies transition to their new homes they can develop diarrhea. It is often from:
Stress
Food transition
Overhandling/excitement.
You can use this pumpkin if you would like. It should improve within 24–72 hours
When to be cautious / call a vet Don’t just rely on pumpkin if you see:
Diarrhea lasting more than 2–3 days
Blood or mucus in stool
Lethargy, vomiting, to refusal to eat
