Making the right choices when feeding your puppy

Feeding a dog of any age or size can be confusing, with literally hundreds of different options available on the market for commercially produced foods, before you even get into the details of specialist diets and home made dog food! Picking the right food for your puppy and deciding on how you wish to feed them is very important, as good nutrition from an early age can actually extend your dog’s life and help to keep them healthy well into old age. It is important to give plenty of thought to what you wish to feed your new puppy, and have a plan in place before you even get them home.

In this article, we will cover the main considerations that you should think about when it comes to feeding your puppy, including diet choices, feeding schedules, and how to handle changes to their food.

First things first: Starting your puppy off right

When you bring your new puppy home, it’s wise to begin feeding them the exact diet they were receiving from their breeder. This continuity helps prevent digestive upsets during a time of significant change. However, if you prefer to switch your puppy’s food, it’s essential to introduce the new diet gradually.

Transitioning foods should be done over 5 to 7 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. This slow change allows your pup’s delicate digestive system to acclimatise and reduces the chances of vomiting, diarrhoea, or a reluctance to eat.

Choosing the right puppy food for your individual pup

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to puppy food. Puppies vary greatly by breed, size, activity level, and health status. For example, miniature dachshund puppies have very different nutritional needs compared to larger breeds like golden retriever puppies. Understanding your puppy's requirements is crucial.

Large and giant breed puppies need diets carefully balanced in calcium to allow steady bone growth, helping to prevent developmental disorders. Conversely, smaller breeds have faster metabolisms and may benefit from calorie-dense, nutrient-rich formulas.

Some puppies have specific needs such as allergies or sensitive skin, which may require hypoallergenic or grain-free diets. Always consult your vet when in doubt, especially for pups with medical conditions.

Finding the right nutritional balance

A well-balanced puppy diet should provide sufficient protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals appropriate for rapid growth and development. Protein supports muscle and tissue development, fats supply concentrated energy and aid vitamin absorption, while calcium is fundamental for healthy bones.

Commercial puppy foods labelled as “complete and balanced” are formulated to meet established nutritional standards such as the AAFCO or FEDIAF growth guidelines. It is important to select a diet appropriate for your puppy’s life stage; feeding adult dog food too early may not provide all necessary nutrients.

Ensuring good quality ingredients

Select puppy food that lists high-quality meat sources as the primary ingredient rather than meat meals or by-products. Whole meat ensures better protein quality. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn or wheat, artificial colours, flavourings, added salt, or sugar.

Look for natural preservatives such as vitamins C and E (ascorbate and tocopherols) instead of synthetic chemicals. Recognisable ingredients you trust are a good indication of quality. Consistent quality is important to maintain your puppy's appetite and digestive health.

Feeding schedule and portion control

Puppies grow quickly and require frequent meals with appropriate portion sizes:

• Up to 4 months: Feed four times daily to meet high energy needs.
• 4–5 months: Reduce to three meals per day as growth rate slows slightly.
• 5 months onward: Two meals per day with portions controlled to prevent excessive weight gain.
• After 1 year: Many dogs transition to adult food and usually eat two smaller meals or one larger meal a day.

Always monitor your puppy's body condition by feeling their ribs and waist to adjust portions accordingly. Avoid free-feeding, which can cause obesity and related health issues.

Additional tips for feeding your puppy

Softening dry kibble with warm water can ease the transition from milk to solid food, particularly at weaning around 4 to 8 weeks. Avoid offering too many different food types concurrently, which may lead to picky eating and digestive problems.

Never feed cooked bones, chocolate, onions, grapes, or other foods toxic to dogs. Treats should be given sparingly and used to reinforce good behaviour.

Monitoring and adjusting as your puppy grows

Each puppy is unique. Their metabolism, activity level, and breed will influence their nutritional needs. Observe your pup closely, adjusting food portions and types as needed. Routine veterinary check-ups can help identify any special dietary requirements or issues early.

Providing a nutritious, well-balanced diet, along with careful feeding management and love, builds the foundation for a happy, healthy dog life.

When can puppies leave their mother?

Quick Answer: Puppies generally should not leave their mother and littermates before 8 weeks of age to ensure proper development and socialisation.

Leaving earlier can negatively affect health, learning, and behaviour. Most responsible breeders and vets recommend waiting until at least 8 weeks of age before bringing a puppy home. During this period, puppies receive vital nutrition from their mother’s milk and learn essential social skills from their littermates.