Proper nutrition is the foundation of your puppy's health. Learn what to feed, how much, and when to ensure your puppy grows up healthy and strong.
Feeding your puppy the right food in the right amounts is one of the most important things you can do for their health and development. At Top Notch Paws, we want to help you make the best nutritional choices for your new family member.
**Why Puppy Food Matters**
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs:
- Higher protein requirements for growth
- More calories per pound of body weight
- Specific nutrients for brain and bone development
- Smaller kibble size for easier eating
Puppy food is specifically formulated to meet these needs during the critical growth period.
**What to Look for in Puppy Food**
**High-Quality Protein:**
- Look for named protein sources (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient
- Avoid generic terms like 'meat meal' or 'animal by-products'
- Protein should be 25-30% of the diet
**Balanced Nutrients:**
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for brain development
- Calcium and phosphorus in proper ratios for bone growth
- Antioxidants for immune system support
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
**AAFCO Statement:**
- Look for food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards
- Should be labeled 'complete and balanced for growth'
**How Much to Feed**
Feeding amounts depend on:
- Your puppy's age
- Their breed and expected adult size
- Activity level
- Individual metabolism
**General Guidelines:**
- Follow the feeding guide on your puppy food bag as a starting point
- Adjust based on your puppy's body condition
- Puppies typically need 2-3 times more calories per pound than adult dogs
- Feed 3-4 times per day until 6 months old, then 2-3 times per day
**Monitoring Your Puppy's Weight:**
- You should be able to feel (but not see) your puppy's ribs
- They should have a visible waist when viewed from above
- If ribs are visible, increase food
- If you can't feel ribs, decrease food
**Feeding Schedule**
**8-12 Weeks:**
- Feed 4 times per day
- Small, frequent meals are easier to digest
- Helps with house training (more predictable potty schedule)
**3-6 Months:**
- Feed 3 times per day
- Continue with puppy food
- Monitor growth and adjust portions
**6-12 Months:**
- Feed 2-3 times per day
- May begin transitioning to adult food (consult your vet)
- Large breed puppies may need to stay on puppy food longer
**Foods to Avoid**
Never feed your puppy:
- Chocolate (toxic)
- Grapes or raisins (can cause kidney failure)
- Onions or garlic (toxic)
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener - highly toxic)
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones (can splinter)
- Raw meat (unless specifically prepared for dogs)
**Treats and Training**
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy's daily calories:
- Use small, soft treats for training
- Consider using part of their regular kibble as treats
- Choose healthy, puppy-appropriate treats
- Avoid human food (except safe options like small pieces of carrot or apple)
**Transitioning Foods**
When changing your puppy's food:
- Do it gradually over 7-10 days
- Mix old and new food, gradually increasing the new food
- Watch for digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting)
- If problems occur, slow down the transition
**Special Considerations**
**Large Breed Puppies:**
- May need large breed puppy food
- Need controlled growth to prevent joint issues
- Lower calcium levels than regular puppy food
**Small Breed Puppies:**
- May need small breed puppy food
- Higher calorie density
- Smaller kibble size
**Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs:**
- May need limited ingredient diets
- Grain-free or grain-inclusive options available
- Consult your veterinarian for recommendations
**Water**
Always provide fresh, clean water:
- Change water daily
- Clean bowls regularly
- Monitor water intake
- Increased thirst can indicate health issues
**Working with Your Veterinarian**
Your veterinarian is your best resource for nutritional advice:
- Discuss your puppy's specific needs
- Get recommendations for your puppy's breed and size
- Address any concerns about weight or growth
- Regular checkups help monitor nutritional health
**At Top Notch Paws**
We provide all our puppies with high-quality nutrition from day one. When you take your puppy home, we'll provide you with:
- Information about what they've been eating
- Recommendations for continuing their diet
- Guidance on feeding schedules
- Support for any nutritional questions
Proper nutrition sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. By feeding your puppy a high-quality, balanced diet in the right amounts, you're giving them the best start in life. If you have questions about feeding your puppy, we're here to help!
**Why Puppy Food Matters**
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs:
- Higher protein requirements for growth
- More calories per pound of body weight
- Specific nutrients for brain and bone development
- Smaller kibble size for easier eating
Puppy food is specifically formulated to meet these needs during the critical growth period.
**What to Look for in Puppy Food**
**High-Quality Protein:**
- Look for named protein sources (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient
- Avoid generic terms like 'meat meal' or 'animal by-products'
- Protein should be 25-30% of the diet
**Balanced Nutrients:**
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for brain development
- Calcium and phosphorus in proper ratios for bone growth
- Antioxidants for immune system support
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health
**AAFCO Statement:**
- Look for food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards
- Should be labeled 'complete and balanced for growth'
**How Much to Feed**
Feeding amounts depend on:
- Your puppy's age
- Their breed and expected adult size
- Activity level
- Individual metabolism
**General Guidelines:**
- Follow the feeding guide on your puppy food bag as a starting point
- Adjust based on your puppy's body condition
- Puppies typically need 2-3 times more calories per pound than adult dogs
- Feed 3-4 times per day until 6 months old, then 2-3 times per day
**Monitoring Your Puppy's Weight:**
- You should be able to feel (but not see) your puppy's ribs
- They should have a visible waist when viewed from above
- If ribs are visible, increase food
- If you can't feel ribs, decrease food
**Feeding Schedule**
**8-12 Weeks:**
- Feed 4 times per day
- Small, frequent meals are easier to digest
- Helps with house training (more predictable potty schedule)
**3-6 Months:**
- Feed 3 times per day
- Continue with puppy food
- Monitor growth and adjust portions
**6-12 Months:**
- Feed 2-3 times per day
- May begin transitioning to adult food (consult your vet)
- Large breed puppies may need to stay on puppy food longer
**Foods to Avoid**
Never feed your puppy:
- Chocolate (toxic)
- Grapes or raisins (can cause kidney failure)
- Onions or garlic (toxic)
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener - highly toxic)
- Alcohol
- Cooked bones (can splinter)
- Raw meat (unless specifically prepared for dogs)
**Treats and Training**
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy's daily calories:
- Use small, soft treats for training
- Consider using part of their regular kibble as treats
- Choose healthy, puppy-appropriate treats
- Avoid human food (except safe options like small pieces of carrot or apple)
**Transitioning Foods**
When changing your puppy's food:
- Do it gradually over 7-10 days
- Mix old and new food, gradually increasing the new food
- Watch for digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting)
- If problems occur, slow down the transition
**Special Considerations**
**Large Breed Puppies:**
- May need large breed puppy food
- Need controlled growth to prevent joint issues
- Lower calcium levels than regular puppy food
**Small Breed Puppies:**
- May need small breed puppy food
- Higher calorie density
- Smaller kibble size
**Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs:**
- May need limited ingredient diets
- Grain-free or grain-inclusive options available
- Consult your veterinarian for recommendations
**Water**
Always provide fresh, clean water:
- Change water daily
- Clean bowls regularly
- Monitor water intake
- Increased thirst can indicate health issues
**Working with Your Veterinarian**
Your veterinarian is your best resource for nutritional advice:
- Discuss your puppy's specific needs
- Get recommendations for your puppy's breed and size
- Address any concerns about weight or growth
- Regular checkups help monitor nutritional health
**At Top Notch Paws**
We provide all our puppies with high-quality nutrition from day one. When you take your puppy home, we'll provide you with:
- Information about what they've been eating
- Recommendations for continuing their diet
- Guidance on feeding schedules
- Support for any nutritional questions
Proper nutrition sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. By feeding your puppy a high-quality, balanced diet in the right amounts, you're giving them the best start in life. If you have questions about feeding your puppy, we're here to help!