Fresh tips for a long, healthy dog life

Diarrhea, bloating, soft stools? Here’s how to tell what’s wrong with your dog—and which food really suits their sensitive stomach.

Chicken, beef, pork, or fish? Find out which cooked meats are suitable for dogs, what to look out for, and why meat alone is not enough.

Cooking dog food yourself sounds easy, but it is rarely balanced. Veterinarian Dr. Schmal-Filius explains what really matters when it comes to nutrients.

Can dogs eat ice cubes? Find out how ice cubes can help in summer, which recipes are safe, and when cold is beneficial for insect bites or overheating.

Cooked dog food might sound simple at first: fresh ingredients, gently heated, ready for the bowl. For many dog owners, freshly cooked dog food seems closer to real nutrition than dry food or canned food. And indeed, several studies show that cooked dog food can offer benefits in terms of digestibility, stool volume, and gut flora. But: Cooked dog food is not automatically healthy or nutritionally complete. What matters is which ingredients are used, how gently they are processed, and whether the meal contains all the nutrients your dog needs every day. In this guide, we break down what studies on cooked dog food really show, which benefits are well supported by science, and what matters for a nutritionally complete recipe. Jump to section What does cooked dog food even mean? Why cooked dog food can make sense for dogs Cooked dog food studies: What does the research say? 1. Cooked food can be particularly digestible 2. Less stool can be a sign of better nutrient utilization 3. Freshly cooked food can change the gut flora 4. Whole-food diets and inflammatory markers: promising, but no cure 5. Gentle cooking can mean fewer heat-induced reaction products 6. Skin and coat: exciting, but don't overpromise Cooked is not automatically nutritionally complete What must be contained in cooked dog food? Making cooked dog food yourself: well-intentioned, but demanding For which dogs can cooked food be particularly interesting? HelloBello: freshly cooked dog food, nutritionally complete and individually tailored How to switch your dog to cooked dog food FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cooked dog food Conclusion: Cooked dog food is an optimal option if it is nutritionally complete What does cooked dog food even mean? Cooked dog food consists of fresh ingredients that are heated before feeding. Typical ingredients are meat, vegetables, well-tolerated carbohydrate sources, suitable fats, and a balanced nutrient mix. It can be home-cooked or delivered as pre-portioned, nutritionally complete, freshly cooked dog food. It is important to distinguish: Home-cooked does not automatically mean nutritionally complete. And freshly cooked does not automatically mean raw, BARF, or a gentle diet. Cooked dog food is its own form of feeding. It can be very suitable for everyday use if the recipe, hygiene, and portioning are correct. Bello's Fact: Cooking can make ingredients more hygienic and easier for many dogs to digest. At the same time, heating, storage, and incorrect recipes can also lead to nutrient loss. That is why good cooked dog food needs a well-thought-out recipe, not just good ingredients. Why cooked dog food can make sense for dogs A dog is not a human, but it is also not a little wolf in the living room. Over thousands of years, it has adapted to living with humans. This also means that dogs can utilize starch better than wolves. Cooked carbohydrate sources such as rice, potatoes, or millet can therefore be very useful for many dogs if they are used correctly. Cooking can have several practical benefits: Proteins and plant fibers are partially broken down, making them easier to access. Starch becomes more digestible when heated. Germs are reduced, which can be particularly relevant for sensitive dogs, puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised animals. The smell and consistency are particularly appetizing to many dogs. The ingredients remain recognizable, which gives many dog owners more transparency. But the biggest advantage is not that a food is "cooked". It is that good ingredients are gently processed and combined in the right amounts. Find the right food for your dog Cooked dog food studies: What does the research say? The body of studies on cooked dog food is even younger than that for classic dry food. Nevertheless, there are now several peer-reviewed studies on freshly prepared, human-grade, or gently cooked dog food rations. Digestibility, stool quality, stool volume, microbiome, skin and coat parameters, and individual inflammatory markers are examined particularly frequently. 1. Cooked food can be particularly digestible Digestibility means: How well can your dog actually absorb the nutrients contained in the food? This is exactly where freshly prepared and gently cooked dog food rations perform well in several studies. This is particularly relevant for dogs with sensitive digestion. In a study with adult dogs, gently cooked and raw test diets were highly digestible, well tolerated, kept stool quality and blood values within the reference range, and influenced the composition of the gut flora (Algya et al., 2018). Another study on commercial freshly prepared dog food rations showed that the digestibility of dry matter, protein, fat, carbohydrate fraction, and energy was higher in the tested fresh diets than in extruded dry food (Tanprasertsuk et al., 2021). An analysis of six fully cooked human-grade dog foods also found high nutrient and amino acid digestibility. Most essential amino acids were above 85%, some even above 90% (Oba et al., 2020). Bello's Fact: If a food is highly digestible, the body has to excrete fewer unused residues. Many dog owners notice this in everyday life through smaller, firmer, or less frequent stools. This alone is not proof of good health, but it is a useful indication of good nutrient utilization. 2. Less stool can be a sign of better nutrient utilization A topic that no one likes to talk about for long, but which reveals a lot: stool. In a study with human-grade dog foods, dogs produced significantly less stool with the tested human-grade rations than with extruded dry food. At the same time, the rations were highly digestible, stool quality remained stable, and serum chemistry values remained unremarkable (Do et al., 2021). Simply put: If a dog excretes less, it can mean that more of what ends up in the bowl is actually used. Of course, stool volume also always depends on energy content, fiber content, food quantity, and individual digestion. Nevertheless, the finding is exciting because it shows one thing: The processing and quality of the ration make a difference. 3. Freshly cooked food can change the gut flora The gut flora is a huge topic in dog nutrition. It influences how nutrients are utilized, how stable the gut reacts, and how well the digestion can cope with changes. Studies show that the form of feeding can measurably change the microbial composition in the stool. In dogs that received a gently cooked human-grade diet, the fecal microbiota changed significantly compared to dogs that received extruded dry food (Geary et al., 2022). Other studies also report that freshly prepared, human-grade, or gently cooked dog food rations can influence the microbiome and the metabolic products in the stool (Algya et al., 2018; Do et al., 2021). But it is important: A changed microbiome is not automatically "better". It primarily shows that the gut works differently and other nutrient residues reach the gut bacteria. Which changes are most beneficial in the long term depends on the dog, its health, and the overall recipe. 4. Whole-food diets and inflammatory markers: promising, but no cure A randomized crossover study with 16 healthy dogs compared a nutritionally complete whole-food diet with extruded dry food. The dogs on the whole-food diet showed a lower TNF-alpha to IL-10 ratio and higher IL-8 production in stimulated leukocytes than under dry food (Jaffey et al., 2022). Professionally put, this means: The composition and processing of a ration can measurably influence certain immune and inflammatory reactions. At the same time, the classification remains important: The study was small, the dogs were healthy, and the results are no cure. However, they show that nutritionally complete, cooked whole-food nutrition can do more than just provide energy. 5. Gentle cooking can mean fewer heat-induced reaction products Strongly heating food can produce Maillard reaction products. While they provide browning and roasted flavors, they can also affect the nutritional quality. Lysine, an essential amino acid, is particularly relevant, as it can be partially blocked by intense heat. A comparative analysis of 41 commercial dog foods examined fresh, dry, wet, freeze-dried, and cold-pressed foods. Certain advanced glycation end products and alpha-dicarbonyl compounds were highest in wet food; for example, glyoxal and methylglyoxal were significantly higher than in freshly prepared dog food (Kocadağlı et al., 2026). For feeding practice, this means: Not every heated meal is problematic. What matters is how intensively and gently it is processed. Gentle cooking differs significantly from highly intensive industrial processing. That is exactly why we pay attention to temperature, recipe, and nutrient safety with freshly cooked dog food. Bello's Tip: Gently cooked does not mean raw or highly processed. Good recipes for freshly cooked dog food use heat purposefully: enough for hygiene and digestibility, but no more than necessary. What remains crucial is that the food is calculated to be nutritionally complete. 6. Skin and coat: interesting, but don't overpromise Many dog owners switch to cooked dog food because their dog has dull fur, itching, or sensitive skin. Nutrition can play a role here, especially if nutrients, fatty acids, or digestibility are not right. However, research is more cautious than some advertising claims sound. In a 12-week study with healthy dogs, a mildly cooked human-grade diet did significantly change the gut flora. However, only individual differences were shown in skin and coat parameters, not consistently clear improvements across all measurement points (Geary et al., 2022). This is important because it remains realistic: Good food can support, but skin problems have many possible causes. If your dog has severe itching, bald patches, recurring ear infections, or inflamed skin, a veterinarian should always take a look. Nutrition is one building block. Diagnosis is the other. Cooked is not automatically nutritionally complete Here comes the most important point of the whole article: Cooked dog food is only a good long-term solution if it meets the nutritional requirements. A pot of chicken, rice, and carrot can provide short-term relief, but it is not a complete sole food. The same applies to many homemade recipes from the internet. The FEDIAF guidelines are considered an important reference in Europe for the composition of complete and complementary pet foods and are based on NRC data as well as other scientific literature (FEDIAF, 2025). The WSAVA also recommends paying attention to complete nutrient supply, appropriate life stage, expertise in recipe development, quality control, and available nutrient analyses when selecting a food (WSAVA, 2021). Important! A dog does not just need meat and vegetables. It needs energy, protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, trace elements, vitamins, and an appropriate amount for age, weight, activity, and special needs. Calculate an individual meal plan for your dog now What must be included in cooked dog food? A good cooked meal for dogs is not made of a random mixture. It follows a clear nutritional logic. Building block Why it is important Typical sources High-quality protein For muscles, organs, immune system, and maintenance of body mass. Meat, fish, egg, suitable animal protein sources Fat and fatty acids For energy, skin, coat, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Oils, animal fats, omega-3 sources Carbohydrates and fiber For readily available energy and stable digestion. Rice, potato, millet, vegetables, fiber Minerals For bones, teeth, nerves, muscles, and metabolism. Calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium in appropriate amounts Vitamins For immune system, skin, eyes, cell protection, and many metabolic processes. Vitamin A, D, E, B vitamins, and other micronutrients Individual portion size So that your dog gets neither too much nor too little energy. Adjustment to weight, age, activity, castration, and health status One point is often underestimated: the right amount. Studies on life expectancy do not show that cooked food alone lets dogs live longer. However, they show very clearly that energy intake and body condition are important: In Labrador Retrievers, long-term controlled feeding led to longer median lifespan and later onset of chronic diseases (Kealy et al., 2002; Lawler et al., 2008). A large retrospective study with over 50,000 castrated dogs also found that overweight in midlife was associated with shorter lifespan (Salt et al., 2019). That is exactly why individual portioning is so important. That is exactly why it is not enough to simply combine "good ingredients". A dog can still be underfed with high-quality ingredients if the amounts and nutrient ratios are not correct. Making cooked dog food yourself: well-intentioned, but demanding Cooking yourself can make sense if it is done consciously, controlled, and with professional support. Especially with allergies, certain diseases, or very picky dogs, an individually calculated ration can be helpful. The catch: Many homemade recipes do not meet the nutrient requirements. In a study of 200 recipes for homemade maintenance diets for dogs, most recipes showed nutrient deficiencies (Stockman et al., 2013). The problem is not cooking itself. The problem is the lack of calculation. Bello's Tip: If you want to cook for your dog yourself permanently, have the ration calculated by a specialized veterinarian or a qualified nutrition consultant. This is especially important for puppies, seniors, pregnant dogs, and dogs with diseases. For which dogs can cooked food be particularly interesting? Cooked dog food can be a good option for many dogs. However, it is especially interesting if your dog reacts sensitively to food or you want more control over ingredients, portions, and digestibility in everyday life. Dogs with sensitive digestion, soft stools, or frequent stomach rumbling picky dogs that only reluctantly eat dry food Dogs with increased moisture requirements or low drinking motivation Seniors who accept soft consistencies better Dogs with skin and coat issues, where nutrition is a possible building block Dog owners who want clear ingredients and individually calculated portions Nevertheless: If your dog loses weight rapidly, vomits frequently, has blood in the stool, shows chronic diarrhea, appears apathetic, or has pain, food is not the first step. Then your dog should be checked by a veterinarian. HelloBello: freshly cooked dog food, nutritionally complete and individually tailored This is exactly where HelloBello comes in. As a manufacturer of freshly cooked dog food, we deal daily with how high-quality ingredients become a nutritionally complete, safe, and everyday-suitable meal for dogs. You want freshly cooked dog food, but without daily calculating, weighing, and uncertainty? Then nutritionally complete, individually tailored HelloBello meals are a safe alternative to spontaneous homemade cooking. HelloBello meals are cooked from food-grade ingredients, developed by veterinarians, and gently cooked at 90 °C. The recipes are tailored to your dog: breed, age, weight, activity, and special needs are incorporated into the meal plan. The meals come pre-portioned and frozen to your home. For you, this means: freshly cooked dog food without artificial additives, without bone meal, without fillers, and without sugar. For your dog, this means: a meal that not only looks natural, but was developed as a nutritionally complete daily feeding. Test freshly cooked dog food now and save 30% How to switch your dog to cooked dog food Even though cooked dog food can be well tolerated, the switch should happen slowly. The gut needs time to get used to new ingredients, moisture, energy content, and consistency. Period Feeding Day 1-2 25 % new food, 75 % previous food Day 3-4 50 % new food, 50 % previous food Day 5-6 75 % new food, 25 % previous food From Day 7 100 % new food, if your dog tolerates it well For sensitive dogs, the switch can also take 10 to 14 days. Soft stool in the first days is not automatically a drama. If diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain persist, you should pause the switch and have it checked by a veterinarian. Important! Please do not permanently mix several complete sole foods together without adjusting the total amount. Otherwise, your dog can get too many calories. With HelloBello, the portion is already calculated for your dog. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cooked Dog Food Is cooked dog food better than dry food? Studies show benefits in digestibility, stool volume, gut flora, and individual immune and inflammatory markers with freshly prepared or mildly cooked dog food rations. However, the key is whether the food is nutritionally complete, safely produced, and tailored to your dog. Can I give my dog cooked chicken every day? Cooked chicken can be well tolerated in the short term, but on its own it is not a complete food. It lacks important nutrients such as calcium, essential fatty acids, trace elements, and vitamins. For long-term feeding, a complete recipe is required. Is cooked dog food good for dogs with diarrhea? In the short term, easily digestible cooked meals can relieve the gut. In case of acute diarrhea, blood in the stool, fever, lethargy, vomiting, or symptoms lasting more than 24 to 48 hours, you should contact a veterinarian. Which is better: raw or cooked? Raw feeding and cooked food are not the same. Cooked food can have hygiene advantages because heating reduces germs. At the same time, it remains closer to fresh ingredients than highly processed dry food. In both cases, a complete, safe recipe remains important. What ingredients belong in cooked dog food? Typical are high-quality protein sources, well-tolerated carbohydrates, vegetables, suitable fats, and a balanced nutrient mix. The exact composition depends on your dog's age, weight, activity, breed, and individual needs. Why does my dog produce less stool with cooked food? If a food is very digestible, fewer undigested residues remain. Studies with freshly prepared or human-grade dog food rations show lower stool volumes compared to extruded dry food. This can be an indication of better nutrient utilization, but does not replace a health diagnosis. Can I cook cooked dog food myself? Yes, but only long-term with a calculated recipe. Many freely available recipes are not nutritionally complete. Especially for puppies, seniors, sick dogs, or dogs with allergies, the ration should be professionally calculated. Is freshly cooked dog food healthy? Yes, freshly cooked dog food can be healthy if it is completely and balanced. Only meat, rice, or vegetables are not enough in the long term. Your dog needs a calculated recipe with appropriate amounts of energy, protein, fat, minerals, trace elements, and vitamins. What do studies say about cooked dog food? Studies on cooked dog food show benefits above all in digestibility, stool volume, and changes in gut flora. Individual studies also report differences in immune and inflammatory markers. The important thing is the interpretation: These results speak for the potential of freshly prepared or mildly cooked dog food rations, but do not replace individual veterinary advice. Conclusion: Cooked dog food is an optimal option if it is nutritionally complete Cooked dog food is more than a trend. Studies show that freshly prepared and mildly cooked dog food rations can have measurable effects on dogs: high digestibility, less stool, stable stool quality, changes in gut flora, individual immunological effects, and a different processing footprint than highly heated feed. But the most important finding is: Cooked alone is not enough. A food must be complete, balanced, safely produced, and individually suitable. Then freshly cooked dog food can be a real alternative, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion, picky eating habits, or increased demands on quality and transparency. If you want freshly cooked dog food, but without the uncertainty of cooking it yourself, HelloBello is made exactly for that: complete meals, developed by veterinarians, pre-portioned, and tailored to your dog. Anita Lorber Ready to give your dog a healthier and longer life? Order complete dog food now and 30% save! Order now Sources: Algya, K. M., Cross, T.-W. L., Leuck, K. N., Kastner, M. E., Baba, T., Lye, L., de Godoy, M. R. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2018). Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets. Journal of Animal Science, 96(9), 3670-3683. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/sky235 Do, S., Phungviwatnikul, T., de Godoy, M. R. C., & Swanson, K. S. (2021). Nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites in dogs fed human-grade foods. Journal of Animal Science, 99(2), skab028. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab028 FEDIAF. (2025). Nutritional guidelines for complete and complementary pet food for cats and dogs. European Pet Food Industry Federation. Geary, E. L., Oba, P. M., Applegate, C. C., Clark, L. V., Fields, C. J., & Swanson, K. S. (2022). Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Journal of Animal Science, 100(10), skac265. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac265 Jaffey, J. A., Su, D., Monasky, R., Hanratty, B., Flannery, E., & Horman, M. (2022). Effects of a whole food diet on immune function and inflammatory phenotype in healthy dogs: A randomized, open-labeled, cross-over clinical trial. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 898056. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.898056 Kealy, R. D., Lawler, D. F., Ballam, J. M., Mantz, S. L., Biery, D. N., Greeley, E. H., Lust, G., Segre, M., Smith, G. K., & Stowe, H. D. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 220(9), 1315-1320. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315 Kocadağlı, T., Clarke, C., & Gökmen, V. (2026). A comparative analysis of Maillard-derived alpha-dicarbonyl compounds and advanced glycation end products in fresh, wet, kibble, and freeze-dried dog foods. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 110(3), 417-426. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.70053 Lawler, D. F., Larson, B. T., Ballam, J. M., Smith, G. K., Biery, D. N., Evans, R. H., Greeley, E. H., Segre, M., Stowe, H. D., & Kealy, R. D. (2008). Diet restriction and ageing in the dog: Major observations over two decades. British Journal of Nutrition, 99(4), 793-805. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114507871686 Oba, P. M., Utterback, P. L., Parsons, C. M., & Swanson, K. S. (2020). True nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human-grade ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Translational Animal Science, 4(1), 442-451. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txz175 Salt, C., Morris, P. J., Wilson, D., Lund, E. M., & German, A. J. (2019). Association between life span and body condition in neutered client-owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(1), 89-99. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15367 Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., Kass, P. H., & Larsen, J. A. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500-1505. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.11.1500 Tanprasertsuk, J., Perry, L. M., Tate, D. E., Honaker, R. W., & Shmalberg, J. (2021). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy estimation in commercial fresh and extruded dry kibble dog foods. Translational Animal Science, 5(3), txab071. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab071 World Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2021). Guidelines on selecting pet foods. WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee.

Bland diet for dogs: When rice, chicken, and carrots help, where their limits lie, and when your dog needs a nutritionally complete, balanced diet.

A new puppy is moving in. The apartment smells different, everyday life suddenly feels like a state of emergency – and at the same time, this little creature is so fragile, so curious, so completely dependent on you that you want to do everything right all at once. The first impulse: Google. And then: too much information, too many opinions, too much contradictory half-knowledge. This guide clears things up. You will get a clear, scientifically sound overview of what your puppy really needs in the first weeks and months – from nutrition to vaccinations, as well as socialization, sleep, and dental care. Puppy health doesn't start with the first vet visit – it starts on the first day at home. What you do right now will pay off for a dog's entire life. Jump to section The first days: Let them settle in Puppy health starts in the bowl – nutrition in puppyhood What does a growing puppy need? Fresh food vs. dry food – what does the research say? HelloBello fresh food – veterinarian-developed, specially for puppies Vaccinations: what, when, and why Deworming & parasite protection Socialization – your dog's most important window Sleep & rest: underestimated but crucial Dental care from the start Dog health insurance – is it worth it? When to see the vet? The most important warning signs HelloBello – the right foundation for puppy health Conclusion: patience pays off – for both of you The first days: Let them settle in Before it comes to vaccination schedules and nutrition plans, the most important thing comes first: your puppy needs time. Moving from their mother, siblings, and familiar environment to a completely new home is a massive stressful experience for them – even if they seem curious and playful. What helps in the first 48 hours: A quiet, low-stimulation environment – no wave of visitors from friends and family in the first few days Set up a fixed, safe sleeping place, preferably with a piece of fabric that smells like their mother or siblings Continue feeding the previous food – only change food after they have settled in, so as not to put additional strain on their already stressed gut No pressure when exploring: Let your puppy decide when they want to explore the apartment Bello's fact: Puppies sleep 16–20 hours a day. This isn't laziness – it's active brain development. Every nap processes new impressions and consolidates what they have learned. Let your puppy sleep as much as they need. Puppy health starts in the bowl – nutrition in puppyhood No decision has had as much long-term impact on puppy health as what goes into their bowl every day. Not even genetics. That may sound exaggerated – but it isn't. Several independent studies now show that nutrition in puppyhood measurably affects the immune system, gut flora, skin, and even the dog's lifespan. What does a growing puppy need? Puppies are not small adult dogs. Their nutrient requirements differ fundamentally – not only in quantity, but in composition: High-quality protein (28–32%): For muscle building and organ and tissue growth. The source matters: real food-grade meat is significantly more digestible than meat meal or by-products. Calcium & phosphorus in the right ratio (1.2:1 to 1.4:1): Too much calcium is just as problematic as too little – especially in large breeds, an imbalance can lead to skeletal diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): Crucial for brain and vision development. DHA is only found in significant amounts in animal sources – fish oil is one of the best. No empty carbohydrates: Cheap fillers like corn or wheat provide calories, but hardly any nutrients – and can destabilize blood sugar. Freshly cooked dog food vs. dry food – what does the research say? The scientific community is now fairly united: What your puppy eats affects its health far beyond the bowl. A Finnish study showed that replacing just 20% of dry food with fresh food in puppyhood measurably reduced the risk of skin allergies – not eventually, but demonstrably later in the dog's life. (Hemida et al., 2021) Even more impressive: Puppies fed unprocessed meat and vegetables in their first months of life had demonstrably healthier gut flora and a lower risk of chronic intestinal inflammation in adulthood. (Hemida et al., 2023) And then there is the study that has made many dog owners rethink: Freshly fed dogs lived on average 32 months longer than dogs fed highly processed industrial food. That is almost three more years with your dog. (Lippert & Sapy, 2003) HelloBello's freshly cooked dog food – veterinarian-developed, specially for puppies This is exactly where HelloBello Fresh Food comes in. Our fresh food, gently cooked at 90°C, consists of regional food-grade meat – beef, chicken, or pork – supplemented with natural vegetables, without artificial additives, without bone meal, without fillers. The portions and recipes are regularly adapted to your puppy's needs – developed by veterinary specialists. 🥩 Cowgenuss (Beef): High in protein & iron – ideal for actively growing puppies 🍗 Gockelspeis (Chicken): Particularly easy to digest – perfect for sensitive stomachs during the settling-in phase 🐷 Ringeltanz (Pork): Healthy fats & shiny coat – rich in omega fatty acids Bello's tip: If your puppy has just moved in, continue feeding the usual food from the breeder or animal shelter for the first few days. After they have settled in, you can then gently switch to HelloBello – over 7–10 days, by slightly increasing the fresh food portion every day. Your puppy will smell the difference – and eat it. Order freshly cooked food for your puppy now and save! Vaccinations: what, when, and why Vaccinations, along with nutrition, are the most effective tool to ensure long-term puppy health. And yet, there is more confusion than necessary surrounding the topic of vaccination. Core vaccines – the mandatory program for every dog: Distemper: Highly contagious, often fatal, no cure. First vaccination from the 8th week of life. Parvovirus: Attacks the intestines, extremely dangerous for puppies and frequently fatal. Canine infectious hepatitis (HCC): Viral liver inflammation, transmissible through direct contact with dogs. Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease, transmissible to humans (zoonosis). Annual booster recommended. Non-core vaccines – depending on your lifestyle: Rabies: Mandatory in Germany for travel abroad and certain regions Kennel cough (Bordetella/Parainfluenza): Recommended when in contact with other dogs Lyme disease: Makes sense in areas with tick exposure The vaccination schedule at a glance Age Vaccination 8th week Distemper, Parvo, HCC, Leptospirosis if applicable 12th week Distemper, Parvo, HCC, Leptospirosis, Rabies if applicable 16th week Parvo (recommended for large breeds) 15th month Booster for all core vaccinations Annually Leptospirosis, kennel cough (as needed) Every 3 years Distemper, parvovirus, HCC Important: The exact vaccination schedule depends on where you live, your dog's lifestyle, and your veterinarian's advice. This table is not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Deworming & parasite control Parasites are a serious issue for puppies – not only because of puppy health, but also because some worms can be transmitted to humans. Deworming Puppies are often born with worms. The ESCCAP recommendation: Deworming at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks – often already by the breeder Then monthly until the 6th month Then every 3 months – for life Relevant worm types: Roundworms (Toxocara canis) – most common infection, transmissible to humans Hookworms – bloodsuckers, life-threatening in puppies Tapeworms – transmissible via fleas or raw meat Heartworms – relevant for traveling dogs and in Southern Europe Fleas & ticks Fleas can transmit tapeworms and lead to serious anemia in puppies. Always consult your veterinarian before using spot-on treatments or tablets – puppies react more sensitively to active ingredients than adult dogs. Bello's tip: Ask your veterinarian about an individual deworming and parasite control plan at your dog's first visit. What works in Bavaria may not be the same solution for a dog in Brandenburg. Socialization – your dog's most important window Between the 3rd and 16th weeks of life lies the so-called socialization window – a critical phase of brain development in which dogs learn what is normal and what is not. The impressions your puppy makes during this time shape its behavior for life more strongly than any later training. What it gets to know now – people, children, other dogs, cars, bicycles, vacuum cleaners, rain – will become its normal. What it does not get to know can later trigger fear or aggression. What counts during the socialization phase: Different people: Men, women, children, older people, people with hats, glasses, beards Other animals: Dogs of different sizes and breeds, cats if possible Different environments: City, nature, stairs, smooth floors, loud places Everyday noises: Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, thunderstorms, fireworks – best first quietly and from a distance Practice touching: Paws, ears, mouth, claws – this makes future vet and grooming visits much easier Important: Socialization does not mean throwing the puppy into every situation. It is about positive experiences in controlled doses. Overstimulation is just as harmful as too little. Bello's fact: Dogs that had good contact with people and other animals during the socialization phase demonstrably show less fear and aggression behavior in adulthood. (Scott & Fuller, 1965) Sleep & rest: Underrated, but crucial 16 to 20 hours of sleep per day – this is not a luxury, it is biology. During sleep, the puppy's brain consolidates all new impressions, the immune system regenerates, growth hormones are released. What this means for everyday life: Do not force activity if your puppy wants to sleep Create a quiet, fixed sleeping place – no thoroughfare, no place with many stimuli Actively plan rest periods after play sessions and walks Children in the family must learn: Sleeping puppy = hands off Sleep deprivation in puppies does not manifest like in humans through tiredness, but paradoxically through overactivity, irritability, and poor learning ability. If your puppy completely revs up in the evening – often the reason is simply too little sleep. Dental care from the start Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for dog vet visits – and one of the most avoidable. Starting early saves your dog real pain later and yourself expensive dental treatments under anesthesia. Here's how, step by step: First with the finger: Gently rub over the gums and teeth – without a brush, without paste Then introduce a finger toothbrush: Slowly, with positive reinforcement Then to a real toothbrush: Always dog toothpaste – never human toothpaste, fluoride is toxic to dogs Frequency: Ideally daily, at least 3× per week Chews as support: Natural bones, chew rolls, or dental care chews mechanically reduce plaque Bello's tip: Make a small checklist and practice dental care daily for 30 seconds – right after dinner. In four weeks it will be a fixed part of your routine that your dog accepts, instead of fleeing. Dog health insurance – is it worth it? An honest assessment: Yes, dog health insurance can be worth it – but not for every dog and not every policy. Veterinary costs in Germany have been rising for years, not least due to the new fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT 2022). A knee operation can quickly cost 2,000–4,000 euros, a cancer treatment can reach five figures. What you should pay attention to: Waiting periods: Most policies have 3–6 months – sign up directly in puppyhood, before pre-existing conditions arise Pre-existing condition exclusions: What is diagnosed at the first vet visit can be excluded later Surgery insurance vs. full insurance: The former covers only operations, the latter also diagnoses, medications, and preventive care Reimbursement rate & annual maximum: 70, 80, or 100% – and up to what amount? Breed-specific diseases: Some breeds are more susceptible – check if these are included When to go to the vet? The most important warning signs At the latest within the first 3 days after moving in, your puppy should be presented to the vet – even if everything seems fine. Immediately to the vet for: Vomiting or diarrhea for longer than 12 hours Blood in the stool or vomit Total refusal to eat for more than 24 hours Extreme lethargy or weakness Difficulty breathing, persistent cough or sneezing Eye or nasal discharge Pale gums – warning sign for anemia or circulatory problems Bloated belly combined with restlessness Fever over 39.5°C Bello's fact: Puppies do not yet have a fully mature immune system. What would be a minor ailment in an adult dog can quickly become dangerous in a puppy. In case of doubt: better call once too often than wait too long. HelloBello – the right foundation for puppy health A healthy start to dog life is the interplay of many factors – but daily food is the only one of them that you can actively influence twice a day. HelloBello freshly cooked dog food was developed by veterinary specialists, specially adapted for puppies, and consists of regional meat of food grade, gently cooked at 90°C, delivered frozen – without bone meal, without artificial additives. Portions and recipes are individually tailored to breed, age, and weight. Because what ends up in the bowl determines years of life. Conclusion: Patience pays off – for both of you Raising a puppy healthily is no secret – but it requires knowledge, consistency, and the awareness that the decisions of the first months have long-term effects. Let your puppy settle in during the first few days – without pressure Start early with high-quality nutrition – it is the foundation for everything Stick to the vaccination and deworming schedule – consistently and in consultation with the veterinarian Use the socialization window – it closes faster than you think Give your puppy enough sleep – it grows and learns during it Start dental care early – your future self will thank you Consider dog health insurance – preferably before it is needed Anita Lorber Sources Hemida, M. B. M. et al. (2021). Early life modifiable exposures and their association with owner reported inflammatory bowel disease symptoms in adult dogs. BMC Veterinary Research, 17, 491. Hemida, M. B. M. et al. (2023). Puppyhood diet as a factor in the development of owner-reported allergy/atopy skin signs in adult dogs in Finland. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Lippert, G. & Sapy, B. (2003). Relation between the domestic dogs' well-being and life expectancy. Privately published study. Scott, J. P. & Fuller, J. L. (1965). Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog. University of Chicago Press. ESCCAP (2021). Worm Control in Dogs and Cats. ESCCAP Guideline 01, 7th Edition. StIKo Vet (2022). Guideline on Vaccination of Small Animals. DVG. GOT (2022). Fee Schedule for Veterinarians. BMEL. Start now with the right foundation. Freshly cooked. Developed by veterinarians. Tailored to your puppy. Order freshly cooked dog food now and save 30%! Try now