Nutrition
Puppy Nutrition Guide
What, when, and how much to feed your puppy from weaning through their first birthday.
Why puppy food matters
Puppies grow at 20x the rate of adult dogs. They need higher protein (22%+ DM), higher fat (8%+), and precise calcium/phosphorus ratios. Feeding adult food during growth can cause skeletal problems, especially in large breeds.
Feeding schedule
- 6–12 weeks: 4 meals/day. Just-weaned puppies need frequent small meals.
- 3–6 months: 3 meals/day.
- 6–12 months: 2 meals/day. Most small breeds switch to adult food at 9–12 months.
- 12–24 months: Large and giant breeds stay on puppy food until skeletal growth completes (18–24 months).
What to look for on the label
- AAFCO statement: "formulated for growth" or "all life stages."
- Named animal protein first (chicken, lamb, salmon — not "meat meal").
- DHA listed — supports brain and vision development.
- For large breeds: calcium ≤1.5% on dry-matter basis.
Common mistakes
- Free-feeding (leaving food out) — leads to obesity and house-training issues.
- Calcium or vitamin supplements on top of complete puppy food — disrupts bone development.
- Switching foods abruptly — transition over 7–10 days.
- Cow's milk — causes diarrhea in most puppies.