What should I feed my puppy? Complete guide to puppy nutrition

Puppies need a lot of energy in their first year, for playing, learning and very importantly growing! Good nutrition is essential to provide them with that energy, along with everything puppies need for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. The best food for your puppy will depend on their age, breed, size and overall health, but there are some universal truths that apply in every case. Here’s my clear, practical puppy feeding guide, as a professional nutritionist.

Key takeaways

• Puppies have different nutritional needs to adult dogs, which is why they need food that’s especially formulated for puppies.
• You can feed your puppy wet food, dry food or a mixture of the two.
• Small, medium and large puppies need different food, because of key differences in the rate at which they grow, among other factors.
• Young puppies need small meals multiple times per day – as they grow up, you can gradually reduce the number of meal times.
• Don’t ‘free feed’ your puppy, or switch the food you give them too quickly, as this can make them unwell.
• Small to medium sized pups should have puppy food for about 1 year, while large and giant breed puppies should usually switch to adult food later, after 18-24 months. At Tails.com, we’ll manage the transition for you using our Adaptive Nutrition system.

Table of contents 

What makes puppy food different from adult dog food?
Wet vs dry food for puppies
Best food for puppies by breed size
How much and how often should I feed my puppy?
Common puppy feeding mistakes to avoid
Foods puppies should never eat
When to switch from puppy food to adult dog food
Nutritionist-backed tips for choosing the best puppy food

What makes puppy food different from adult dog food?

Puppy food has some special differences from food for adult dogs. Firstly, it needs a higher amount of protein and higher calorie count overall, to help puppies as they grow – in fact, lively, bouncy puppies can burn twice as many calories as adult dogs! [1] 

Food for puppies also needs to be enriched with nutrients like DHA and other essential fatty acids, which is why we include ingredients including algae and salmon oil in our food for puppies up to the age of 14 weeks. These fatty acids help puppies’ brain and eye health. DHA in particular is a nutrient that puppies will get from their mother’s milk – giving them food that has added DHA has been found to help improve their learning ability, socialisation, and memory function.

Puppies also need a careful balance of calcium and phosphorus, as well as magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamin D, to support healthy bones and teeth. These vitamins and minerals are added to puppy food in different levels to adult dog food, as they have different needs. 

Puppies who are fed adult food too soon may not get the right balance of nutrients, which can put them at risk of nutritional deficiencies and other health conditions. 

Wet vs dry food for puppies

What is the best puppy food – wet food, dry food or a mix of the two?

Benefits of dry (kibble) puppy food

There are a few reasons dry food might be a great choice. It’s super convenient to serve – just measure out the right amount and add it to their bowl. Speaking of which, it’s very easy to measure! You can also use kibble pieces for training your pup. 

Kibble might also have benefits for your pup’s dental health, as its crunchy texture encourages them to chew and can scrape off plaque. But remember, it’s not as effective as brushing your dog’s teeth or giving them special dental chews. Our Dental Dailies and Fresh Chews are suitable for puppies 14 weeks and up.

Dry food is also often more affordably priced than wet food, if you’re on a budget.

Benefits of wet puppy food

On the other hand, there are lots of benefits to wet food, too. The higher moisture content will help keep your puppy hydrated, especially if they don’t drink very much water – also, the moisture content might help your pup feel full for longer. 

Some puppies and dogs find wet food a bit more appetising, especially if they are fussy eaters. It can have a stronger taste and smell. (However, sometimes picky eaters just want a little water added to their dry food to wake up the aromas!) 

Lastly, the soft texture can make it easier for small mouths to eat, and it might be especially helpful when your puppy is teething. When pups lose their baby teeth between 14 and 30 weeks, they can find eating a bit painful for a while, so wet food can help encourage them to eat as it requires less chewing.

Is mixing wet and dry a good option?

Yes, lots of people give their puppies both wet and dry food, and it’s a great way to get your little one accustomed to different tastes and textures so they’re less likely to be a fussy eater when they grow up. You can either give both wet and dry food at every meal time, or give certain foods at certain times. If you’re mixing wet and dry food, one thing to be aware of is how many calories your puppy is getting – you don’t want to overfeed them by accident.

At Tails.com, our personalised meal plans come with detailed portion guidance so you know you’re giving your pup the right amount of food, however you choose to feed them. You’ll also be given a handy scoop that’s just the right size for measuring out your puppy’s kibble.

Best food for puppies by breed size

What food is recommended for puppies of different breeds? The size of your dog – and how big you’re expecting them to get eventually! – can affect what food will be best for them as they grow. If you’re not sure what size your mixed breed puppy will grow up to be, you can always ask your vet or the friendly Tails.com nutrition team for help understanding what kind of food they might need.

Small breed puppies

Small breed puppies may be more likely to have a fast metabolism, meaning they’ll need a calorie dense food. [2] They might also need kibble that comes in smaller pieces, if they have a very small mouth.

Medium breed puppies

Puppies that will grow into medium size dogs need food that has all the protein and calories they need to grow, but not so much food that they are overfed.

Large breed puppies

Large breed puppies have some special requirements for their food. From 14 weeks onwards, they need formulas designed to slow their growth, in order to protect their joints as they grow. It’s often recommended that you give your large breed pup a food formulated for puppies longer than a smaller breed would need it, to support them as they grow. [3] 

Make sure you’re giving your large breed puppy the right amount of food – too much can lead them to grow too fast, which can lead to issues with their joints. Our Head Vet Sean says:

“If you have a large breed puppy, it’s really important not to feed them too much. If they grow too quickly as a result of too many calories, it puts strain on their growing joints, putting them at risk of developing conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, or later arthritis. Some large breeds, like German Shepherds and Labradors, are more likely to be affected by joint problems, so you need to give them the best preventative care possible.”

How much and how often should I feed my puppy?

Puppies need multiple small meals a day. Here are our general guidelines on how often to feed your puppy – every dog is different, so some older puppies over 6 months old might still want 3 meals a day. 

Puppy age	Meals per day
Under 3 months	4 meals per day
3-6 months	3 meals per day
6 months and older	2 meals per day

But when it comes to the right portion size, this will depend on a number of factors. Your puppy’s size, breed and activity level will all play an important role in determining how much food they need. Commercial dog food comes with guidance on the packaging that will advise you on this. At Tails.com we go one step further, and develop a personalised meal plan for your puppy that changes as they grow up. 

Are you worried that your puppy might be over or under weight? There is a simple assessment called Body Condition Scoring that you can carry out at home to check that your pup’s a healthy weight. In brief, their ribs shouldn’t be visible, but you should be able to feel them when you lightly touch your dog’s sides. Also, look at your puppy from above – they should have an ‘hourglass’ shape that tapers in slightly at the waist. [4] Read our handy blog post to find out how to work out your dog’s Body Condition Score, or watch this video we made on how to measure it. You can also always take them in to see the vet for peace of mind. 

If your puppy needs to lose weight, you’ll need to reduce the number of calories they’re getting throughout the day. If you’re with Tails.com, you can contact our customer service team for advice on this. Alternatively, update your dog’s weight on their profile and our clever technology will automatically adjust their food order. 

On the other hand, if your puppy is struggling to put weight on as they grow, check they’re eating all their food, and make an appointment with your vet to make sure there’s no medical reason. 

Common puppy feeding mistakes to avoid

While your puppy’s interest in your dinner might be super cute, don’t let them have table scraps  – especially not including ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs. I’ll go into more detail on this later in this puppy feeding guide. 

You should also be very careful when you switch your puppy’s food, as changing their diet too quickly can put them at risk of an upset tummy. Little pups have especially sensitive stomachs, so introduce new foods gradually. My advice as a nutritionist is to give them a little bit of the new food along with their old food, and gradually change the balance over the next week to 10 days. 

Free feeding isn’t a good fit for puppies, as it can encourage puppies to eat too much, leading them to put on too much weight, or have symptoms like wind or loose stools. Eating a large amount of food too quickly can even put them at risk of a dangerous, rare condition called bloat or gastric dilation (GD). [5] Stick to giving them multiple small meals a day, gradually reducing the number of meals as they grow up. 

Lastly, calcium is a very important nutrient, but you shouldn’t give your pup calcium supplements unless your vet tells you otherwise. Commercial dog food designed for puppies will already contain all the calcium most pups need. Too much of this mineral might lead to your puppy having issues with their joints and bones that could affect them the rest of their lives.

Foods puppies should never eat

There are some foods that are toxic for dogs, which you should never let your puppy eat: 

• Chocolate
• Grapes or raisins
• Onions, garlic or other members of the allium family
• Macadamia nuts 
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Xylitol 

If your puppy accidentally eats any of these foods, call your vet immediately.

When to switch from puppy food to adult dog food

Dogs’ dietary needs change several times during their lives, including the transition from being a puppy to an adult dog – but changing your dog’s food too quickly can cause an upset stomach. At Tails.com, something we’re really proud of is our Adaptive Nutrition system. Using information like your dog’s age, size, and current body condition – as well as any food likes and dislikes – this clever system will automatically adjust your dog’s kibble blend gradually over several deliveries. We change the blend slowly, to help support your dog’s digestion and keep them enjoying every single meal. 

Small breeds (under 10kg) reach adulthood much earlier and can switch to adult food at 8 months. Medium breed puppies (11kg-25kg) can usually switch to adult food when they are around 12 months old. Large and giant breed pups typically need puppy food for a little longer, until they are 18 to 24 months old. [6]

If you’re wondering if your pup is just about ready for adult food, there are a few signs. Their growth might have slowed down, as well as their appetite. You can also talk to your vet or the Tails.com nutrition team if you’re not sure.

Nutritionist-backed tips for choosing the best puppy food

Like all dogs, puppies need food that is complete and balanced – look for this phrase on the label of any puppy food you’re considering buying. It means that it has all the nutrients your dog will need. 

When choosing food for your puppy, look for brands that have been nutritionally tested. It should follow the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Federation) guidelines. Companies that are part of UK Pet Food, formerly the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association, also follow further codes of good practice.

If you have any questions about what to feed your puppy (as well as how and when!) your vet will be able to give you lots of advice. The Tails.com nutrition team will also be very happy to help you.

You should always take into account your puppy’s breed, size and activity level, as every puppy will have different needs. If you’re thinking about signing up with us at Tails.com, our handy dog food quiz will work out the best diet for your puppy based on these factors – why not give it a try today? We’ll create a personalised meal plan that’s perfect for your pup. 

FAQs

What is the best food for puppies?

The best food for puppies is nutritionally complete and balanced, meaning it has everything they need to grow up happy and healthy. It will vary based on your pup’s breed, size, age, and activity level.

Can puppies eat adult dog food?

No, puppies should not eat adult dog food – it doesn’t have the special ingredients that little ones need. Puppy food typically contains extra fat, protein, and calories, as well as being supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals in an appropriate balance for younger dogs. 

How much should I feed my puppy?

This depends, based on the size, breed and age of your pup. It also depends on the food you’re giving them, and its breakdown of different nutrients. Make sure that you check the labelling of your dog food to find out the advised amount. Here at Tails.com, we make sure that every puppy’s personalised meal plan contains exactly the right size portions, to make it easier for you to give them a healthy, tasty diet as they grow up. 

Should I feed wet or dry food to my puppy?

Either wet or dry dog food is a healthy choice for puppies, and you can also give them a mixture of both. The most important thing is that your puppy’s food is nutritionally complete and balanced, giving them all the nutrients they need in the right amounts. See which your puppy likes best! 

When should I switch to adult dog food?

Tails.com will manage the transition for you, when your puppy is ready to switch to adult food. Over the course of several deliveries of tailored kibble, their blend will gradually include different ingredients, to support their new dietary needs. We will let you know every time we change your dog’s blend. Small to medium sized dogs will typically switch to adult dog food a little sooner than large and giant dogs.

Sources

[1] ‘Feeding your puppy or dog’, The Kennel Club 
[2] ‘Small dogs’ diet’, The Kennel Club 
[3] ‘What should I feed my puppy?’, The Blue Cross 
[4] ‘Your dog’s body condition score’, PDSA  
[5] ‘Bloat in dogs’, The Blue Cross 
[6] ‘Puppy food to adult food’, The Kennel Club