The first year of a dog’s life is the most intense period of growth it will ever go through. That is why what you feed your puppy, and how often, has a real effect on how its bones, joints and build develop for the rest of its life.
What a puppy needs
A growing body needs more energy and protein than an adult dog does. It also needs calcium and phosphorus in the right balance for healthy bone development.
So a puppy should eat a complete food labelled as suitable for puppies or for all life stages, not ordinary adult dog food in a smaller portion. Puppies of large and giant breeds are best fed a food made specifically for them, with controlled levels of energy and calcium. A good puppy food is already balanced, so do not add calcium supplements on your own: too much calcium can harm bone development.
How many meals a day
A puppy has a small stomach, so it needs smaller meals more often, usually 3 to 4 a day. The number of meals goes down gradually with age, and most dogs move to two meals a day between six and twelve months of age.
You can read more about meal routines at each stage of a dog’s life in our guide to how often to feed a dog.
How much to feed a puppy
The portion is based on the expected adult weight and the rate of growth, not just on the puppy’s current weight. Be careful not to overfeed: growing too fast, especially in large breeds, puts needless strain on the joints. Follow the feeding guide on the food label and keep an eye on your dog’s body condition.
When to switch to adult dog food
Small breeds finish growing sooner, usually at around 10 to 12 months. Large breeds grow for longer, around 12 to 18 months, and giant breeds for as long as 24 months. Always change the food gradually, over about a week, mixing the old food with the new in growing proportions. We cover this in more detail in our guide to puppy, adult and senior food.
A puppy’s sensitive digestion
A young digestive system does best with gentle, easily digestible ingredients. Young dogs often eat wet food eagerly and tolerate it well.
If you choose wet food for your puppy, make sure it is complete and suitable for its life stage, not just a complementary food.
Where Veli fits in
Veli is a complete wet food made only for adult dogs, so while your puppy is still growing, it needs a food labelled as suitable for its growth stage.
Once your dog has finished growing, build your bundle. We will work out the portion from your dog’s weight, age and lifestyle, and you can spread the switch to the new food over about a week.
How many times a day should I feed a puppy?
Usually 3 to 4 times a day, in smaller portions. The number of meals goes down gradually with age, and most dogs move to two meals a day between six and twelve months of age.
When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
It depends on the size of the dog: small breeds at around 10 to 12 months, large breeds at around 12 to 18 months and giant breeds as late as 24 months. Change the food gradually, over about a week.
Can a puppy eat wet food?
Yes, as long as it is complete and suitable for the puppy's age. Young dogs often find wet food easier to eat and tolerate it well.
