In recent times pet parents are becoming increasingly aware of what they are feeding their puppies and adult dogs. However, with all of the different dog food formulas and brands, it can be hard to figure out what really makes a dog food nutritious and balanced. Right nutrition is not just vital in the early months but getting it right can set your pup up for a very healthy and long life.
This article will explain everything you need to know about dog nutrition and will provide a guide for what you need to look out for when planning a feeding plan for your growing puppy.
It is important to note that energy requirements for dogs can vary depending on many factors. It is important to meet your dog’s specific energy requirement to sustain their daily lifestyle. Some factors include:
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Growth
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Reproduction (intact vs. altered)
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Adult age groups (young, middle, and older)
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Activity level
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Breed
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Medical and behavioral conditions
Why Puppy Nutrition Matters
If you have seen newborn puppies barely able to open their eyes and slowly take their first steps to life, you must have marvelled at the miracle to see them rapidly grow up to be a bouncing ball of fun. Well, it is indeed remarkable just how quickly dog’s grow, most dog’s do 80-90% of growing up in their first 6-12 months - think about this.
Those early months are incredibly important for their overall development - so what we feed them, what nutrition dog food provides in those years and the quality of ingredients becomes really important. In fact, great nutrition can support a lifetime of good health, steady energy, and fewer vet visits so invest in the right puppy food for growth
On the contrary a diet with poor nutrition in these early months can lead to:
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Bone and joint issues later in life
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Weakened immunity
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Behavioural or cognitive delays
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Lifelong digestive sensitivities
What to Look for in Healthy Food for Puppies
Not all canine food is created equal, especially when it comes to feeding puppies. Let’s look at the fundamental ingredients you need to be feeding your puppy. A complete and balanced dog food diet includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals - noting that water is also essential to life and is needed daily.
Protein
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Puppies require protein to build muscles, to repair tissues, and to support healthy organs. That’s why we recommend always looking for real meats like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, kangaroo, or fish not vague "meat meals" or by-products. Animal protein sources have the highest amounts of essential amino acids. Look for high protein dog food options for your pup and don’t compromise on the quality of protein on offer. Always use high-quality proteins, those that are highly digestible and contain all essential amino acids, they are better absorbed by a dog’s body and contribute more effectively to muscle development, immune function, enzyme production, and overall growth.
Healthy Fats (Especially Omega-3s and Omega-6)
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Fat provides energy and helps with brain and eye development (especially DHA from fish oil).When it comes to healthy fat, look for fat from meat, flaxseed, or fish oil, not excessive grease or filler oils. Fat has many roles in the body, such as providing energy and helping with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. One of the most important roles is providing essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs help with inflammation at the cellular level and help dogs maintain healthy skin and coat quality. There are two important polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Balanced Calcium and Phosphorus
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Calcium and phosphorus are vital for bone growth, but too much (or too little) can lead to orthopedic issues. AAFCO recommends a ratio of minimum 1:1 to maximum 2:1 for growth stage dogs. Large breed puppies especially need properly balanced mineral levels.
Soluble and Insoluble Fibre
Fibre is often overlooked in puppy diets, but it’s essential for healthy digestion and gut development. It supports regular, firm stools (less mess for you!). Like us humans, dogs too have a whole ecosystem of gut bacteria which benefits from fibre, especially important for puppies developing their immune system. It also helps prevent constipation or diarrhoea during food transitions
Good Sources of Fibre:
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Pumpkin
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Sweet potato
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Carrot
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Flaxseed
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Oats
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Green veggies (e.g., spinach, zucchini)
Carbohydrates
Dogs don’t require carbohydrates like humans do, they can convert protein and fat into glucose for energy - and hence carbs are considered non-essential ingredients for dogs. However, carbs can still be beneficial, especially if they come from high-quality and whole food sources like pumpkin, sweet potato, quinoa etc.
A healthy gut starts early. That’s why Brunswick Fur Food includes gentle, natural fibre in every meal, no synthetic fillers, just whole food goodness. < Add CTA - Try our Trial pack today>.
Pros and Cons of different types of food available for your puppy’s nutrition
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Type |
Pros |
Cons |
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Dry (Kibble) |
Convenient, shelf-stable |
Highly processed, lower moisture, may cause bloating |
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Canned (Wet) |
More palatable than kibble |
Often still processed, high in fat/sodium |
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Raw |
Natural ingredients, unprocessed |
Risk of bacteria if not handled properly |
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Fresh Cooked |
Gently cooked, digestible, visible ingredients |
Requires refrigeration/freezing |
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Homemade |
Full control over ingredients |
Nutrient balance is difficult without expert help |
Fresh cooked food (like Brunswick Fur Food) gives your pup real nutrition with none of the nasties, it’s the best of both worlds.
Puppy Feeding Chart by Age
Puppies grow fast and need frequent meals:
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Age |
Meals Per Day |
Notes |
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8–12 weeks |
4 meals |
Small portions, every few hours |
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3–6 months |
3 meals |
Maintain consistency |
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6–12 months |
2 meals |
Transition to adult routine |
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Always provide fresh water
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Monitor weight gain to avoid overfeeding
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Large breeds may benefit from slower transitions
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
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Free-feeding without measuring
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Switching foods too quickly
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Feeding adult dog food too early
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Assuming all “puppy” labels mean high quality
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Ignoring individual needs (breed, allergies, sensitivities)
Why Fresh Food is a Great Option for Puppies
At Brunswick Fur Food, we believe puppy food should look like food, not a brown pellet mystery.
Here’s why fresh matters:
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Whole food ingredients like real meat, veggies, and grains
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Gentle cooking that preserves nutrients without harmful bacteria
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Balanced meals tailored to growing dogs
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More flavour even picky puppies lap it up
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Better digestion and smaller, less smelly poos
Your puppy only gets one shot at growing up right. Choosing the right food now can make all the difference in their energy, immunity, behaviour, and long-term health.
At Brunswick Fur Food, we make it easy to feed fresh with pre-portioned, vet-reviewed meals delivered frozen to your door.
Give your puppy the nutrition that gives them the best start.
Try our Puppy Starter Pack today.
Real food. Real results. Real happy dogs.
FAQs
What do you feed a growing puppy?
A growing puppy needs a balanced, nutrient-dense diet packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, calcium, and digestible carbohydrates. Look for food made with real meat, vegetables, and whole grains to support muscle development, strong bones, brain growth, and a healthy gut. Fresh or gently cooked meals are ideal, as they’re easier to digest and free from the additives often found in kibble.
What should the first 3 ingredients be in puppy food?
The first three ingredients should be whole, recognizable foods ideally starting with a named animal protein like chicken, beef, or lamb, followed by vegetables such as sweet potato, pumpkin etc. Avoid foods that list vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-product" early on, as these are often signs of low-quality formulations.
What is a healthy food for puppies?
Healthy food for puppies is one that’s formulated for growth, with real ingredients and balanced levels of protein, fat, calcium, and omega-3s. Fresh or gently cooked food, like Brunswick Fur Food, is highly digestible and naturally rich in nutrients supporting everything from brain development to immune health without the nasties found in highly processed kibble.
How many times should we give food to a 3 month old puppy?
A 3-month-old puppy should be fed three to four small meals a day. Their stomachs are small but their energy needs are high, so spreading meals throughout the day supports healthy growth without overloading their digestive system. Try to stick to consistent meal times and gradually reduce to two meals as your puppy matures.
How much to feed a puppy
The amount to feed your pup depends on their age, breed, weight, and activity level. Always follow portion guidelines provided by your food supplier, and adjust based on body condition & ribs should be felt, not seen.
When do you start feeding puppy food
Puppies can start on solid food from around 3–4 weeks old, usually alongside their mother’s milk. By 8 weeks, they should be fully weaned off and ready for complete meals formulated for puppies. It’s best to start with soft, easy-to-digest food like fresh, gently cooked meals to support their sensitive tummies.
Does the quality of protein matter?
While looking for high protein dog food, also remember that research has consistently shown that the quality of protein in a dog’s diet is just as important as the quantity of protein. Studies published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition and the American Journal of Veterinary Research highlight that dogs fed highly digestible, animal-based proteins (like fresh meat, fish, or eggs) show better lean mass retention and improved gut health compared to those fed lower-grade by-products or plant proteins. Simply put, the source matters, real meat outperforms rendered meals or grain-based substitutes in delivering the nutrients puppies need to thrive
