🍖 What to Feed Your Puppy
Getting your puppy’s diet right from day one sets the foundation for a healthy happy life. Here is what you need to know.
Why Diet Matters From Day One
A puppy’s nutritional needs are very different from an adult dog’s. The right diet supports bone development, brain function, immune health and energy levels. Getting it wrong early can cause problems that are hard to undo later.
Key Feeding Guidelines
- ✅ Feed puppy-specific food formulated for your puppy’s size and breed
- ✅ Stick to the same food your breeder or rescue used at first to avoid stomach upsets
- ✅ Feed 3 to 4 times a day for puppies under 6 months, then reduce to twice daily
- ✅ Measure every meal using the guidelines on the food packaging for their weight
- ✅ Fresh water always available next to the food bowl
- ✅ Transition slowly when changing food — mix new and old over 7 to 10 days
- ✅ Use mealtimes for training — hand feeding builds trust and focus
Foods to Avoid Completely
- ❌ Chocolate, grapes and raisins — toxic to dogs
- ❌ Onions and garlic in any form including cooked or powdered
- ❌ Xylitol found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters
- ❌ Cooked bones which can splinter and cause serious injury
- ❌ Excess treats — treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories
Treats and Training
Small soft treats work best for training as they are quick to eat and keep your puppy’s focus. You can also use pieces of their regular kibble or small bits of cooked chicken. The key is keeping treats tiny — about the size of a pea — so you can reward frequently without overfeeding.
Start Training Alongside the Right Diet
Our Foundation Puppy Course shows you exactly how to use mealtimes and treats to build a well-trained, confident puppy. Short video exercises you can start today. Just £9.99.