The Foundation of Health

Proper nutrition during puppyhood sets the stage for a lifetime of health. Puppies have unique nutritional needs that differ significantly from adult dogs.

Puppy vs. Adult Food

Puppy food is specially formulated with:

  • Higher protein (25-30% vs. 18-25%)
  • More calories per cup
  • Added DHA for brain development
  • Appropriate calcium/phosphorus ratio for growing bones

Never feed adult food to puppies - It lacks the nutrients growing bodies need and can cause developmental problems.

Feeding Schedule by Age

AgeMeals Per Day
8-12 weeks4 meals
3-6 months3 meals
6-12 months2 meals
12+ monthsTransition to adult schedule

How Much to Feed

Read the Label (But Adjust)

Package guidelines are starting points. Monitor your puppy’s body condition:

  • Ribs easily felt = ideal
  • Ribs hard to feel = reduce portions
  • Ribs visible = increase portions

General Guidelines

  • Small breeds (under 20 lbs adult): ½ to 1 cup daily
  • Medium breeds (20-50 lbs adult): 1 to 2 cups daily
  • Large breeds (50+ lbs adult): 2 to 4 cups daily

Choosing a Food

Look for These on the Label:

  • “Complete and balanced” statement
  • AAFCO certification
  • Named meat as first ingredient
  • Appropriate for life stage (growth/puppy)

Types of Food:

  • Dry kibble: Convenient, helps clean teeth
  • Wet food: More palatable, more hydration
  • Fresh/frozen: Premium nutrition, higher cost

Large Breed Puppies

Large and giant breed puppies need controlled growth. Look for:

  • “Large breed puppy” formula
  • Lower calcium (don’t supplement!)
  • Slower growth rate

Too-fast growth causes joint problems later in life.

Foods to Avoid

Toxic to dogs:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions and garlic
  • Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
  • Avocado
  • Alcohol

Avoid giving:

  • Cooked bones (splinter)
  • High-fat table scraps
  • Raw dough

Transitioning Foods

When changing foods, do it gradually over 7-10 days:

  • Days 1-3: 75% old, 25% new
  • Days 4-6: 50% old, 50% new
  • Days 7-9: 25% old, 75% new
  • Day 10+: 100% new

Questions about your specific breed? See our breed guides for tailored nutrition advice!