One of the most common questions that most vets get from pet parents is regarding feeding puppies and recommendations for the best puppy food for growth…and there's a good reason for this. Puppies grow really quickly, doubling their birth weight in just 7 to 10 days and reaching 20 to 30 times their birth weight by adulthood. To fuel this growth, they need far more than “small portions of adult dog food.” Although energy requirements vary with breed, the National Research Council states that newly weaned puppies require approximately twice as much energy per kilogram of bodyweight, along with higher levels of protein, fat, and micronutrients to support developing bones, brains, and immune systems.
An inadequate diet can have a detrimental impact on your pup’s health - from delayed growth to joint and immune issues later in life. That is why pet parents need to make sure that puppy food includes all the essential nutrients for puppies, helping them grow into strong, healthy dogs. But what exactly constitutes a nutritionally dense diet for puppies?
Let’s take a look at the best recommended dog food for puppies and a vet-recommended puppy feeding guide:
Proteins: Building blocks for growth
The protein requirement for puppies is significantly higher than that of adult dogs. Dogs need 22 specific amino acids to stay healthy - of these, their bodies automatically produce 12 of them - the other 10 must come from their diet. That is why adding protein-dense foods to meals is essential. The amino acids in proteins are used to repair muscles, grow new cells, and build immunity. So how much protein does your dog really need? Vets recommend ensuring that puppy food contains at least 22-30% of protein. However, it’s not just about quantity. Quality matters: puppies that don’t get enough high-quality protein like chicken, meat, fish and egg experience slower growth, weaker muscles, and increased susceptibility to illness.
Essential Fatty Acids: Supports growing energy needs
Essential fats provide more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrates, making them an efficient source of energy. Fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 are crucial for brain and retinal development. Importantly, high-nutrient dog food rich in dietary fat helps puppies absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are vital for healthy growth and metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed oil, while plant-based oils such as corn, soybean, sunflower, and canola are good sources of Omega-6.
Vitamins and Micronutrients: Critical for optimal metabolism
Any good nutritious food for dogs must contain adequate vitamins and trace micronutrients essential for a pup’s optimal growth. Deficiencies in vitamins and micronutrients could stunt growth and cause skin lesions. For example, Zinc is critical for skin health and protein metabolism. Iron supports oxygen absorption, and insufficient iron can lead to weakness, lethargy, and digestive issues. Essential vitamins like vitamin D are also crucial, given that dogs cannot synthesize it from sunlight as humans do.
Water: Helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion
Puppies have higher fluid needs than adult dogs because of their rapid growth and faster metabolism. Water helps nutrients absorb better, regulates body temperature, and assists the kidneys in removing waste. Melbourne’s hot and humid weather can cause puppies to lose fluids quickly, leading to dehydration, which can affect a puppy’s energy levels, appetite, and growth. So, do ensure that your pup has access to clean, cool water at all times, particularly after play, walks, or time spent outdoors.
Homemade vs. vet-formulated meals
While homemade diets can work for adult dogs when properly formulated, puppies have little room for nutritional error. A 2023 analysis from the Dog Aging Project highlighted how homemade diets often fall short - only about 6% met full nutrient needs, with many homemade meals lacking calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D - all essential nutrients for puppies. Puppies on these imbalanced meals often develop hip dysplasia, bowed legs, or compression fractures - caused by nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the body leaches calcium from bones to compensate. On the other hand, excessive calcium intake can lead to Developmental Orthopedic Disease, where bones grow too quickly or incorrectly, leading to lifelong joint pain.
That is why a vet-certified, carefully constituted nutritionally dense diet for puppies, like the gently cooked meals from Brunswick Fur Food, is a safer and more reliable option during the crucial growth years. Formulated to exceed dog food industry standards, Brunswick Fur Food’s premium dog meals are made using wholesome, locally sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients. Tailored for all breeds and sizes, the meals from Brunswick Fur Food are 100% natural and contain no fillers or animal by-products, just real food perfectly portioned for your pup.
How often should you feed your pup?
Making sure your puppy is fed often enough is essential so they get the energy and nutrients they need. Because puppies have very small stomachs, they can’t eat large portions at once and instead do best with several smaller meals spread throughout the day. This is especially important for small-breed puppies, as they are more prone to low blood sugar and may need to eat more frequently.
However, do be vigilant about overfeeding. Those irresistible puppy-dog eyes can make extra treats hard to resist, but it’s important to keep in mind that feeding too much or too often can lead to long-term problems, such as gut health issues and excessive weight gain.
Paying close attention to the ingredients in your pup’s diet and understanding the signs of proper nourishment versus potential deficiencies can have a significant impact on their overall health. If you are still unsure of what to feed pups or have questions regarding essential nutrients for puppies, do check with your vet for detailed guidance.
FAQs
1. What is the best food for puppies to support healthy growth?
The best food for puppies is a nutritionally complete, well formulated diet rich in high-quality protein, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals. Puppies need more energy and nutrients than adult dogs to support rapid bone, muscle, and immune system development.
2. How much protein does a puppy need every day?
Puppies should receive 22–30% high-quality protein in their diet. Protein from sources like chicken, meat, fish, and eggs provides essential amino acids needed for muscle growth, tissue repair, and a strong immune system.
3. Why are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids important for puppies?
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids support brain and eye development, provide concentrated energy, and help puppies absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, essential for healthy growth and metabolism.
4. Is homemade food safe for growing puppies?
Homemade food is generally not recommended for puppies unless formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Most homemade diets lack critical nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which can lead to bone deformities and joint problems during growth.
5. How often should puppies be fed each day?
Puppies should be fed multiple small meals per day to meet their high energy needs and accommodate their small stomach size. Small-breed puppies may need more frequent feeding to prevent low blood sugar.
6. What are the signs of poor nutrition in puppies?
Signs of poor nutrition include slow or uneven growth, weak muscles, digestive issues, low energy levels, and poor coat condition. Long-term nutrient imbalances can also lead to joint, bone, and immune system problems.
