With their endless energy, puppies need almost double the energy intake of adult dogs. Puppies thrive on a quality balanced diet that’s high in protein (around 25-30%). There are many commercially available foods (or you can create your own puppy diet), but ask your vet’s advice about what’s best for your puppy’s breed and circumstances. And keep an eye on how your puppy responds – a good diet means he or she will be playful, have a shiny coat and firm brown droppings.
Although puppies grow up fast, they shouldn’t grow up too quickly. Overfeeding them can lead to problems with bone growth, particularly in medium, large or giant breeds. Puppies of these breeds should have two or three measured-out meals per day to help them grow at the right rate. For small breeds (e.g. those with an adult weight less than about 10 kg), free-choice feeding is generally okay – small breeds tend to develop good eating habits as puppies and only eat what they need.
Just like humans, being overweight increases the risk of health problems like arthritis, diabetes or heart disease. Your vet can weigh your puppy each visit – if your puppy is carrying too much weight, you may need to limit what or how much they eat.
Treats for your puppy can help with training or strengthen the bond between you, but treats shouldn’t make up more than about 5% of their daily energy intake. You can also reward them with something that’s tasty but also good for them. Try this Doggy bliss balls recipe which is quick and easy to make, and are a delicious and healthy treat for your furry friend.
Some foods are harmful to dogs, so avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocados, large amounts of dairy foods, caffeine or salty foods. To support your puppy’s everyday digestion and boost their immunity, our expert vets developed PAW Digest + Protect Puppy Care as a daily chew with key ingredients, vitamins and minerals to support your puppy's everyday health. Ingredients include:
