Puppies grow at an astonishing rate – they can multiply their weight within just a few weeks. That’s why proper nutrition is absolutely critical for healthy development when feeding a puppy. A puppy needs plenty of energy, high-quality protein – more specifically, the right amino acids in the right balance – essential fatty acids, vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iodine, calcium, and phosphorus – all in the correct proportions.

Complete Food or Home-Prepared Diet?

Most puppies are fed with commercial complete food (dry or wet), designed specifically to support growth. Alternatively, a raw or home-cooked diet can be used – but in such cases, the diet must be carefully planned and balanced.

Nutritional Precision – Why the Diet Must Be Carefully Designed

– Calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P)
  Proper bone development requires a balanced Ca:P ratio (generally 1.2:1 to 1.5:1). Too little or too much calcium can lead to skeletal disorders – especially in large-breed puppies.

– Large-breed puppies
  They have very specific nutritional requirements, and growth management is essential.
  → They must not be fed adult dog food during puppyhood.
  → Only feed food specifically formulated for growing large-breed puppies (e.g., “puppy large breed”).

– Complete food vs. home-prepared/raw food
  Only complete puppy foods are pre-balanced to meet all nutritional needs. Home-prepared food – whether raw or cooked – always requires careful planning and supplementation. → Without supplements such as calcium, deficiencies will almost certainly occur.

Frequency when feeding a puppy

Puppies under 6 months of age should be fed 3–4 times per day. As the puppy matures, the number of meals can be gradually reduced to two.

Growth and Weight Management

Puppies should grow steadily – neither too fast nor too slow. Excess energy intake can overload developing joints and lead to growth abnormalities. It’s essential to monitor body condition and weight regularly – ideally with guidance from a veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

📌 According to research, puppies kept lean during growth develop significantly less osteoarthritis than overweight puppies – and live nearly 2 years longer! Read more in our article: “Why Puppies Should Be Kept at Ideal – or Slightly Lean – Weight.”

PetDietPlans – Your Partner in Nutrition

PetDietPlans provides expert-driven, customized feeding plans. With our veterinary-developed software and professional insight, we ensure that your puppy receives everything it needs – in the right amounts and balance.