Puppy Nutrition 101: Setting the Foundation for a Lifetime of Health

by Katherine Khoo March 14, 2025 6 min read

One of the most crucial aspects of puppy care is ensuring they receive proper nutrition. A well-balanced diet in the early stages of life sets the foundation for long-term health, growth, and development. Let’s understand your puppy’s nutritional needs. This will help you make informed choices and avoid common feeding mistakes. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about feeding your growing pup for optimal health.

Understanding Puppy Nutritional Needs

Puppies grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10 to 12 months of age for small and medium-sized breeds and 18 to 24 months for large and giant breeds. They have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs due to their rapid growth and development. They need a diet rich in essential nutrients to support their energy levels, bone development, and immune function. Here are the key components of a puppy’s diet:

1. Protein: The Building Block of Growth

Protein is essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth. Puppies require a higher percentage of protein in their diet compared to adult dogs. High-quality animal-based proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs provide the necessary amino acids for proper development. The American Animal Feed Control Official (AAFCO) recommends that puppy food contain at least 22.5% protein as dry matter or 56.3 grams per 1,000 kcal Metabolic Energy (ME).

The good news is that all commercial puppy food will meet AAFCO’s minimum requirements for protein, though the actual amount of protein does differ substantially amongst different brands and types of dog food. Fresh raw or gently cooked, freeze-dried, and air-dried dog foods contain higher levels of protein than conventional dry kibble. Check the nutritional panel for the protein amount contained in the dog food. It is important to note that adult dog foods should not be fed to growing puppies, although the dry matter protein level may be adequate. This is because the other nutrients and energy content may not be adequate for the puppy’s optimal growth. For puppies, always select a dog food specially formulated for puppies, like this Stella & Chewy’s Wholesome Grains Raw Coated Kibbles (Puppy Chicken) Dry Dog Food, or one that is formulated for all life stages.

2. Fats: Essential for Energy and Brain Development

Fats provide concentrated energy and are crucial for brain development, a healthy coat, and skin. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat, support cognitive function and immune health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that puppy food contain at least 8% crude fat (on dry matter). This is the minimum level for growth.

For puppies, the ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is generally considered to be between 5:1 and 10:1, with most experts recommending staying below a 10:1 ratio to avoid excessive inflammation; this means a puppy should have significantly less omega-6 compared to omega-3 in their diet, and most dry commercial dog foods need to be supplemented with additional omega-3 sources like fish oil to achieve this balance. As for the type of omega-3, DHA is key. During puppy development, DHA is particularly important for brain and eye development, so ensuring a sufficient intake of DHA is vital. Many pure fish oil supplements have high levels of DHA, and one such supplement is the Zeal New Zealand Hoki Fish Oil Dog Supplement which contains high DHA per serving of 140 mg. An essential fatty acid to support the puppy’s brain and vision development.

3. Carbohydrates: A Source of Energy

While not as essential as protein and fat, carbohydrates provide fibre for digestion and additional energy. Fruits and vegetables are good fibre-rich carbohydrate sources for dogs. Puppies on a nutritionally complete and balanced fresh diet would typically get enough fibre. As for puppies on dry commercial dog food, feeding your puppy fresh fruits and vegetables can be a great way to provide phytonutrients and fibre.

To serve fresh fruits and vegetables to your puppies, wash thoroughly to remove pesticides and dirt. Remove seeds, pits, and cores and cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Fruits, berries, and some vegetables can be served raw. Others may need to be lightly cooked to aid in digestion. Fresh fruits and vegetables should only make up 10% of your puppy’s diet. Feed them as treats or meal toppers rather than a main food source. For fussy eaters, try freeze-dried or dehydrated fruits and vegetable treats like The Barkery Dehydrated Pumpkin Delight Dog Treats. This sweet pumpkin treat, loaded with sesame seeds and flax seeds, is a sure way to give a pup a fresh dose of high-quality essential nutrients, beneficial phytonutrients, and fibre.

Please avoid these food items, as they are toxic to dogs!

Grapes and raisins. These can cause kidney failure.
Onions & garlic. Onions are toxic to dogs and must be avoided. Although dogs can tolerate small amounts of garlic, and some may even benefit from it, it’s best to err on the side of caution. We recommend avoiding garlic for puppies under six months old to prevent the risk of thiosulphate poisoning in their developing bodies.
Unripe or green tomatoes and tomato leaves. Can be toxic in large amounts.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: Supporting Overall Health

Puppies need a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals, and one of the key nutrients supporting the puppies’ growth is calcium. Adequate calcium and the right ratio of calcium to phosphorus are crucial for strong bones and teeth, especially for large-breed puppies, to prevent bone disorders. Vitamin D is another essential nutrient and it helps with calcium absorption. Unlike us, our pups cannot generate vitamin D on their own. Dogs (and cats) can't produce vitamin D like humans do through sun exposure. They must get vitamin D from their diet or through supplements.

The good news is that most commercial puppy foods are formulated to be nutritionally complete and balanced. As such, adding a multitude of vitamins and minerals to your puppy’s diet is not necessary unless advised by your veterinarian. Unlike vitamins and minerals, not many commercial puppy food has added prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics can help to improve your puppy’s digestive health and aid in the development of their immune system. Prebiotics or probiotic supplements containing beta-glucan, like this Fourflax Nutritiional Powder Supplement for Cats & Dogs (Puppy & Kitten) is one of the best that you can give your puppy for optimum growth and health. Beta-glucans are polysaccharides that can boost their immune system by stimulating their immune cells and reducing inflammation. They can also help the puppy’s body fight against infections.

Giving your puppy fresh and freeze-dried yoghurt or kefir is another healthy and delicious way to boost your puppy’s digestive and immune health. Freeze-dried kefir treats like this Wonderfur Bites Freeze Dried Kefir Dog Treats (Immune Booster) can be an easy way to add good bacteria to your puppy’s diet.

How Often Should You Feed Your Puppy?

Here’s a guide on how to feed your puppy:

8-12 weeks old: 4 meals per day
3-6 months old: 3 meals per day
6-12 months old: 2 meals per day (depending on breed size)

Puppies should not be free-fed, as this can lead to overeating and obesity, and, in large-breed puppies, overfeeding can increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. Instead, follow portion guidelines provided by your vet or pet food manufacturer. Monitor your puppy’s growth and weight, and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

Recognizing Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies

Even with careful feeding, fussy eaters can develop nutritional deficiencies. Look out for these signs. Consult your vet should you see any of the following:

Dull coat and excessive shedding. Usually due to a lack of omega-3s or protein.
Weak bones or limping. It can be due to a calcium/phosphorus imbalance.
Digestive issues like chronic diarrhoea or constipation. Can be due to inadequate fibre or probiotics.
Lethargy and weakness. It can be due to iron deficiency or too low calorie intake. A very active puppy may need more calories.

Providing proper nutrition is one of the best ways to ensure your puppy grows into a strong, healthy adult dog. Choose a high-quality, balanced diet tailored to their breed and size to help set the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Consult your veterinarian before making any major changes to your puppy’s diet, and remember that a well-nourished puppy is a happy, energetic companion ready to enjoy life to the fullest!