Choosing and Feeding the Best Food for Your New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is an exciting milestone, and one of the biggest early decisions you’ll face is choosing and feeding the right food. What you feed your puppy in their early weeks is crucial to supporting healthy growth, development, and long-term wellbeing.

This guide explains how to select the best diet for your pup, adjust feeding amounts as they grow, and set a feeding routine that fits their needs and your lifestyle.

Choosing the right diet for your puppy

First, ask your breeder what food they currently use and why — experienced breeders sometimes have nutritional reasons for their choices. Initially, it’s sensible to continue the breeder’s recommended diet when you bring your pup home around 12 weeks old, to avoid upsetting their digestive system.

When selecting a new diet, consider your puppy’s breed size, activity level, and any health needs. Quality puppy foods should be rich in animal protein and balanced with necessary vitamins, minerals, and fats. You can choose between dry kibble, wet food, or raw diets (ensuring raw feeding is balanced and safe).

Always avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, or cooked bones. Consult your vet if you need tailored advice or want to change your puppy’s diet.

How much to feed your puppy

Feeding amounts vary widely depending on breed, size, and activity. Use the feeding guidelines on your chosen food packaging as a starting point, but watch your puppy’s body condition closely.

Two pups from the same litter can need different amounts. If your puppy seems too lean, lethargic, or overly chubby, adjust portions accordingly. Regular veterinary check-ups can help you fine-tune the right amount.

Remember, puppies grow rapidly in their first year and their energy needs shift. Small breeds may need more frequent meals and adjusted portions.

Factoring in training treats

Training your puppy uses treats as motivation, but treats should only make up around 10% of their daily calorie intake. Free-feeding or overfeeding treats can cause weight gain and nutrient imbalances. Measure treats and reduce meal sizes appropriately.

When and how often to feed your puppy

Puppies under eight months usually benefit from three or more small meals a day to maintain stable energy and blood sugar levels. As they mature, most adult dogs do well on two meals daily. Tiny breeds like tiny dog breeds such as the Chihuahua especially need multiple feedings daily.

Introduce any changes gradually to avoid digestive upset. Aim to feed at consistent times in a quiet area.

Establishing a consistent feeding routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and feeding time is no exception. Stick to a regular schedule so your puppy learns when to expect meals. This consistency helps with training and building positive habits.

Avoid leaving food out all day and supervise meals, which encourages good manners and prevents food guarding issues.

Monitoring growth and adapting over time

Keep an eye on your puppy’s weight, body condition, and overall health as they develop. Growth rates can be fast, so regular vet visits are important to catch any concerns early.

Adjust feeding amounts, food types, and feeding frequency as your pup transitions into adulthood, always prioritising balanced nutrition and your vet’s guidance.