• by Tanya Gazdik , August 25, 2020

Purina is celebrating National Dog Day this year by hosting a livestream featuring adoptable puppies.

The pet food company's “Pup-Up” video will stream from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST Wednesday on Facebook Live, starring puppies from North Shore Animal League America, the largest no-kill animal shelter in the world.

Purina's senior feeding behaviorist, Dr. Annie Valuska, and veterinarian Dr. Callie Harris will be available to chat with viewers and answer puppy owners' questions.

A Purina survey, released today, found that while most puppy owners know dogs under a year old are considered puppies, the majority don’t realize breed size determines how long their dog is considered a puppy.

Nearly half (46%) of puppy owners consider their puppy's current size when finding the right food, when they should be considering the dog's breed instead. For puppy owners who have stopped feeding puppy food, the main reason is a belief that their puppy has already reached adult size (36%).

Seven percent of small breed owners didn't realize their dog needs to be fed puppy food for up to a year, and 92% of large breed owners didn't realize their dog needs to be fed puppy food for up to two years.

The 2020 Puppy Owner Survey by Purina engaged 1,000 U.S. puppy owners. Over half (54%) currently have a puppy between six to 12 months.

Viewers of the livestream will be encouraged to visit Purina.com/puppy for additional puppy nutrition information and tips.