What to Feed Puppies - Puppy Basic Nutrition

Puppies grow the most during the first six months of their lives, so it's important to plan a healthy diet from the start. Since growing puppies have more energy than adult dogs, they require more nutrients in each bite. Like mother's milk, good puppy diets provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition with all the essential vitamins and minerals your puppy needs.

Not all puppy food formulas are the same — read the ingredient list carefully so you know exactly what you're putting into your puppy's system.

Animal-based Proteins

One of the first ingredients should be an animal-based protein such as chicken, lamb, or beef. Your puppy's body still functions best on a diet that features quality meat as the primary ingredient.

Fatty Acids

DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) promotes healthy growth of your puppy's neural pathways and central nervous system, and supports good eyesight. Studies show puppies with adequate DHA demonstrate better problem-solving skills and are often more trainable — a big advantage when you're just starting out. See our guide on how to potty train your new puppy for training tips.

Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for soft skin and a shiny coat. If your puppy has dry skin or patchy fur, they may not be getting the right fatty acids in their diet.

What's in a Name?

The name of your puppy's food can tell you how much of a particular ingredient is in it. Recipe names that include the protein source (e.g. "beef formula") indicate at least 25% of that protein. Names with "with" or "flavor" may contain as little as 3%. Always check the back label — ingredients are listed in order of weight.

Should You Feed Your Puppy Wet or Dry Food?

Both wet and dry food offer great nutritional benefits, and mixing them together can be the most beneficial approach. For more on this topic, see our article on wet vs. dry dog food.

Benefits of Wet Puppy Food

Wet food encourages water intake and promotes a healthy urinary tract. Its soft texture is also easier for puppies to chew, especially during teething.

Benefits of Dry Puppy Food

Dry food is a concentrated source of nutrition packed with essential nutrients. Chewing crunchy kibble also helps gently clean your pup's teeth — pair it with a dental chew toy for even better oral health.

The Benefits of Mixed Feeding for Puppies

You can alternate wet and dry meals, or simply mix kibble into wet food. Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent your puppy from eating too fast, which can cause digestive issues.

How Often Should You Feed Your Puppy?

For the first four months, feed your puppy three times a day. Once they're around six months old, your vet may recommend scaling back to two meals a day. Browse our dog bowls and feeders to find the right setup for your puppy's mealtimes.

Tip: Never feed your puppy human food. Some foods like grapes and nuts are toxic to dogs, and table scraps can encourage bad habits. Keep a safe chew toy on hand to redirect your puppy when they're tempted to beg.

Once you've got feeding sorted, check out our guide on what to do when your new puppy comes home.