Puppy Food

Since puppies have much smaller stomachs than adult dogs, they need to eat more frequently, to ensure that they can take in enough calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. In general, up until the age of 6 months, it is ideal to split their daily feeding amount into 3 separate meals, however very young or small puppies can have 4 meals a day. From 6 months of age onwards, twice daily feeding is recommended. Check out our Puppy Feeding Guide for more information.

The right time to transition a puppy to adult food varies based on breed and size, as different breeds reach their full size and weight at different stages. Small breed puppies with an expected adult weight of under 10kg can transition between 7-12 months of age (with smaller dogs usually able to transition earlier) and medium breed dogs (expected adult weight between 10-25kg) able to transition between 10-12 months of age. Large and giant breed dogs have a longer and slower growth period and therefore need to remain on puppy foods for longer. Large breed dogs with an expected adult weight between 25-40kg can usually transition to an adult food between 15-18 months of age, and giant breed dogs over 40kg between 18-24 months of age. When transitioning between foods, we recommend a slow change to reduce the chance of tummy upset.

Large and giant breed puppies have a longer growth and development period than their smaller counterparts and are also more at risk of developmental orthopaedic diseases as they grow, such as elbow dysplasia. The risk of orthopaedic disease is influenced by genetic, dietary and behavioural factors. Due to these greater risks in large and giant breed dogs, we aim for a controlled, slow growth rate throughout the development period, in order to avoid excess weight gain and stress on the developing skeleton.

In terms of diet, the calcium level and calcium to phosphorus ratio in the food, as well as the caloric level have the greatest impact on these factors. The best puppy food for large breeds are premium brands such as Advance, Royal Canin and Black Hawk, that are formulated specifically for the long growth period of large and giant breed dogs, with controlled calorie levels, and a specific calcium level, and calcium to phosphorus ratio. These diets will generally also contain ingredients to support joint health, like glucosamine, chondroitin and green-lipped mussel. In addition, joint supplements are best commenced when large and giant breed dogs are young, to delay the onset of joint issues and reduce their severity.

Large and giant breed puppy diets should be fed in controlled amounts to promote a slow rate of growth and a lean body condition score. Large breed puppies with an expected adult weight of 25-40kg should be fed a large breed specific puppy diet until 15-18 months of age, and giant breeds with an expected adult weight over 40kg until 18-24 months of age.

The best place to start in working out how much food to feed your puppy is with the feeding guidelines on the food packaging. These feeding guides take into account your puppy's age and weight (or expected adult weight). Keep in mind that these guidelines generally assume that this particular food is the only food you are feeding, so if you are feeding multiple foods, you will need to adjust the feeding amounts accordingly. If feeding 2 types of foods, the easiest place to start is by halving the recommended feeding amounts of each.

The feeding guidelines on the packaging are simply a guideline, and the required food amount can vary based on activity levels, body condition and other foods being fed. It's important to limit any non-complete and balanced foods and treats to no more than 10% of your dog's diet, to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they require in the correct ratio. If you are unsure whether you are feeding your puppy an appropriate amount of food, please reach out to our Vet Squad, or speak to your Vet.

Wet and dry dog foods each provide distinct advantages, addressing the varied dietary needs and preferences of dogs. Dry foods are generally a more practical feeding option, as they can be stored more easily, have a longer shelf life once opened and can also be left in the bowl for longer periods for puppies who like to graze on their food. Dry foods can help with dental health, as the mechanical action of crunching through the kibble helps to clean the teeth. Dry food can also easily be fed in interactive toys or puzzle feeders, to extend meal time, and keep your pup occupied and entertained.

On the other hand, wet foods tend to be more palatable, and increase the enjoyment in eating, and also contain more water and are therefore excellent for hydration. Wet foods are ideal for feeding from lick mats. Lick mats are designed with intriguing patterns and textures, to stimulate your dog's natural instinct to lick and forage.

Feeding both wet and dry foods is ideal, to reap the benefits of both textures, and enhance the variety in your puppies bowl. Check out our Vets recommendations for the best dry puppy foods and best wet puppy foods for more information.