Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and happy time. What you feed them during the first few months sets the foundation for a lifetime of health, energy and happiness. From their sleep schedule to exercise and nutrition, us pet-parents need to be on the ball. A puppy’s nutrition and feeding schedule is one of the most important things to get right, but it is also one of the things that can cause a lot of confusion.
All puppies will have unique dietary requirements that completely depend on their breed, age, and activity level. It can be worth having a chat with your vet about their specific nutritional needs.
This puppy feeding guide provides you with the essential information to help you make the best choices for your puppy’s nutrition and set them up for a healthy, long life.
Why Your Puppy's Diet Is Important
Your puppy is growing quickly, but inside, their digestive and immune systems are still developing, meaning their food needs are different from those of an adult dog. A diet made especially for puppies gives them all the right nutrients to help them build strong bones, maintain a healthy weight, and get the energy they need to learn, play, and thrive.
Nutrients Your Puppy Needs
A healthy puppy food should contain a proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, fats and an inclusion of vitamins and mineral supplements, which all play a role in the health and well-being of your puppy:
Carbohydrates
To provide energy for play and training.
Fats
To supply essential fatty acids for brain development.
Vitamins and Minerals
To strengthen immunity and support growth.
Protein
To support muscle growth and repair.
Vegetables
To aid digestion and gut health.
Fresh Water
To ensure they're always hydrated.
All Calibra puppy food is made with carefully selected ingredients designed to support healthy growth. You can read more on our ingredients page.
How Your Puppy's Developmental Needs Change
Puppies’ dietary needs change as they grow into junior dogs, and then adulthood. These stages occur at different milestones depending on their breed and size:
Small breeds such as miniature dachshunds reach their junior stage around 6 months old, maturing into adulthood between 10 and 12 months old.
Medium breeds like Beagles reach adolescence at around 12 months old, maturing into an adult around 18 months.
Larger breeds like Golden Retrievers reach adolescence at around 15 months old, becoming adult dogs around 2 years old.
How Much A Puppy Should Drink
The amount of water your puppy drinks is just as important as their food. Puppies can dehydrate quickly, so ensure they have access to a bowl of clean, fresh water at all times – especially after walks, tiring play sessions, and during meals.
What To Feed A Puppy
Puppies need a balanced diet, tailored to support their growth and development. Because of this, we’d recommend feeding your pup a food that contains:
- High-quality protein.
- High in calories.
- Essential fatty acids.
Avoid food containing cow’s milk, high levels of fat, salt or sugar, and foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and raisins.
At Calibra, we stock a variety of high-quality puppy food options in both wet and dry varieties, including grain-free, diet-specific, sensitive, and hypoallergenic.
Shop Puppy Food
Explore our full range of puppy food complete with all the nutrients your growing pup needs:
Puppy Feeding FAQs
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?
A lot of puppies do well on 3–4 small meals a day. As they grow older, you can reduce this to 2 meals daily. Always speak to your vet for guidance on meal size, frequency, and when to reduce.
When Should I Switch To Adult Dog Food?
This depends on your puppy’s breed and size. Small breeds can switch earlier, around 10 months old, while larger breeds may need to stay on puppy food up to 15-18 months. Your vet can guide you.
Can I Give My Puppy Treats?
Yes, you can but make sure they’re small and given occasionally. Look for healthy puppy treats and try to keep them below 10% of their daily calories.
