Puppy Feeding 101

Everything you need to know about puppy nutrition and feeding guidelines for your new pooch.

Whether you’ve recently welcomed home a little bundle of fluff or are planning on becoming a puppy owner in the near future, we’re here to guide you through puppy feeding and nutrition to help give your pup the best start in life.

There’s so much to consider when welcoming a new four legged bundle of fluff into your home, from sleep schedules and training to vaccinations and grooming, it’s enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned pet-parent. How, when and what to feed your puppy is important to get right from the off-set, so you know your new canine friend is getting everything they need nutritionally to grow healthy and strong.

‘What Should I feed my puppy?’

You will likely find that your chosen breeder will have weaned your puppy onto a specific brand of puppy food, but that does not mean you cannot switch to an alternative. It’s best to do this gradually to avoid upset stomachs and to allow your puppy time to settle in before changing their diet.

As a guide, follow the – 100rule when you are looking to change your puppies food:

– Start by replacing 25% of your puppies current diet with your new chosen food for 2–3 days

– Follow this by replacing 50% of your puppies current diet for 2–3 days

– Then 75% for 2–3 days

– Finally, replace 100% and let your puppy enjoy their new diet in its entirety

During this transition period, keep an eye on your puppy’s stool, energy levels and appetite. Any sudden changes such as diarrhoea or loss of interest in food may indicate the switch is happening too quickly.

What should you consider as a “good food option”

– High protein content supports growing muscles and other tissues.

– Should support brain development and joint health through nutrients such as DHA and omega fatty acids.

– Consider options free of grains, beef, soya and dairy if your puppy shows signs of sensitivities.

– Supporting a robust gut and helping establish a healthy gut microbiome through added prebiotics or fibre.

– Importantly, palatable food, meaning you’re sure to have one happy puppy when it comes to meal times.

– Look for foods labelled “complete and balanced” to ensure all essential vitamins and minerals are included.

How much should I feed my puppy?

This question really depends on the age, breed and size of your pup. As a general rule, puppies require smaller, more frequent meals than adult dogs:

8–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2 meals per day

Always refer to the feeding guidelines on your chosen food packaging and adjust portions based on your puppy’s body condition. You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs without seeing them prominently.

What about feeding routine and consistency?

Establishing a consistent feeding routine helps with digestion and toilet training. Try to feed your puppy at the same times each day and remove any uneaten food after 15–20 minutes. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

What about another type of diet, can I feed my puppy a raw diet?

Home prepared meals or raw food diets for puppies isn’t always advisable. Poor dog diet can mean nutritional deficiencies and/or food poisoning due to their diet. Always advocate for a quality, commercial diet. These diets have been developed by professionals and contain everything your dog needs to grow up to be fit and healthy.

If you are considering alternative diets, it’s best to consult with a veterinary professional or canine nutritionist to ensure your puppy’s needs are fully met.

Should I feed my puppy treats?

We need to remember that puppies’ digestive systems are very sensitive for the first few weeks and introducing new foods or treats may cause an upset tum so we should keep treats to a minimum. However, you will likely need some form of reward for toilet and command training.

Consider bland and easy to digest reward options for early training such as small pieces of cooked chicken or specially formulated puppy training treats. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calorie intake.

You can also use part of your puppy’s daily kibble allowance as training rewards to avoid overfeeding.

Additional nutritional support

A study from The Journal of Nutrition demonstrates how certain supplements can improve immune function in puppies. Ingredients such as Beta Glucans may help support the immune system and provide added protection during early development. These carbohydrates work to bolster the immune system and fight off any infection that may come their way.

It’s also worth considering supplements that support joint health, especially for larger breeds, as well as those that promote coat condition and skin health.

Every puppy is unique, and their nutritional needs can vary. Regular weigh-ins, monitoring growth and routine vet check-ups will help ensure your puppy is thriving. Getting their diet right early on sets the foundation for a long, happy and healthy life.