How Should Dog Food Be Selected for Puppies?

The first year of a dog’s life is a critical period for their growth and development. During this time, balanced and consistent nutrition is essential for healthy bone, muscle, and dental development.

When puppies are properly nourished during this stage, they are more likely to enjoy a strong immune system throughout adulthood and into old age.
That’s why it´s important to ensure your puppy’s daily nutritional needs are fully met — as malnutrition can lead to serious developmental issues.

How Should Puppies Be Fed?

Feeding a puppy requires more attention and effort than feeding an adult dog. While adult feeding routines tend to stabilize over time, puppies grow rapidly — and their needs may change from week to week.

It’s not just about choosing the right food or the number of meals. The key is to closely monitor your puppy´s condition, appetite, and growth. Portion sizes should be adjusted based on the individual dog’s metabolism, activity level, and body type. There´s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to puppy nutrition.

Another common concern: what if your puppy skips a meal?
This doesn’t always mean something is wrong or that they´ve lost their appetite. Puppies naturally begin to require fewer meals as they grow. If your puppy starts skipping meals on its own, you may simply need to adjust the feeding frequency.

And if you´re in the middle of training, remember:
Offer food in small portions throughout the day, especially if you’re giving treats during training sessions. Avoid feeding large amounts of food after a treat-heavy day.

How Often Should Puppies Be Fed?

If you´re unsure about feeding frequency, your veterinarian can offer tailored advice.
In general, puppies require multiple small meals per day, just like human babies. These meals should be made up of specially formulated puppy food that supports growth and development.

While many puppies eat eagerly, some may be more selective.
To prevent picky eating habits, serve food in measured portions at consistent times. Avoid leaving food out for too long — 20 minutes is a good rule.
This simple habit helps your puppy learn to eat at mealtimes and discourages fussiness.

Does Dog Food Need to Be Expensive?

Higher-priced dog foods are typically more nutrient-dense, meaning your puppy needs less food to get the same nutritional value.
Quality foods often use premium ingredients and are made with fixed formulas tailored to different breeds, sizes, and life stages.

On the other hand, cheaper dog foods may vary in quality and consistency. The ingredients can differ from batch to batch, and some may not provide complete nutrition.

The dog food industry is highly competitive.
Reputable pet food manufacturers are continuously refining their formulas and investing in research. That’s why it’s often a safer choice to trust well-established brands with a track record of nutritional quality.

Dry Food, Wet Food — or a Mix of Both?

Pet food companies offer specialized formulas for large and small breed puppies, developed in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists.

Canned food is typically more palatable for puppies due to its rich aroma and soft texture. However, not all wet foods provide complete and balanced nutrition. Some may be labelled as “meat-based” but lack the vitamins and minerals needed for puppy growth.

While wet food can be beneficial — especially for picky eaters — feeding only wet food may not support dental health in the long term.
Dry food helps clean the teeth through chewing, promoting better oral hygiene.

Many pet owners choose to combine wet and dry food, creating balanced meals that support both taste and health.

Before making changes to your puppy´s diet, it´s best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure you´re meeting your puppy’s specific needs.

Feeding Based on Breed Size: Small vs. Large Breeds

Feeding requirements vary significantly between small and large breed puppies.

Small breeds are more prone to hypoglycemia and require calorie-dense meals spread throughout the day. They may need to eat 4–6 times per day and should be monitored closely for any signs of low energy or weakness.
Always choose a formulated small breed puppy food to meet their specific metabolic needs.

Large breed puppies, on the other hand, grow for a longer period and can reach very large adult sizes. A large breed puppy can weigh over 60 kg (132 lbs) by the time they reach 18 months.

Rapid growth in large breeds increases the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD), so it’s important to manage calorie intake and choose a food specifically designed to support slower, controlled growth.

Should You Feed Table Scraps to Your Puppy?

It may be tempting to share a bit of your own meal with your puppy, especially when they beg with those adorable eyes — but this is not recommended.

Feeding table scraps can lead to:

• Obesity
• Digestive issues
• Nutritional imbalance
• Behavioural problems

Some common human foods — including garlic, onions, and heavily spiced meals — can be toxic to dogs.

Additionally, if your puppy gets used to eating from your plate, it may develop habits that are difficult to break and can interfere with training.
Stick to a consistent diet designed specifically for puppies to avoid long-term issues.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your puppy is more than just offering food — it’s about nurturing growth, building habits, and laying the foundation for lifelong health.

• Choose high-quality food suited to your puppy’s size and needs
• Follow a consistent feeding schedule
• Watch for developmental milestones and adjust portions accordingly
• And when in doubt, always consult your veterinarian

A well-fed puppy is a healthy, happy, and thriving companion.