Good nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your puppy. Puppies need a balanced diet with the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to grow, learn and thrive. 

We know it can be difficult; there are so many options and conflicting pieces of advice about what’s best for your dog. Let’s get back to the basics. Every dog is unique, as are their dietary needs. We’re here to help you feel confident in the choices you make for your puppy.

Why is nutrition in puppies so important?

Puppies are building bone, muscle, organs and a healthy immune system. The quality of their nutrition has lifelong effects. 

• A poor-quality or unbalanced diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and contribute to illnesses such as skin disease and tummy problems. 

• For some conditions (allergies are a common example), the right diet can make a dramatic difference to your dog's symptoms and comfort.

• Overfeeding can lead to obesity. Overweight dogs are at higher risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart problems and many other long-term conditions. Overfeeding a large-breed puppy can lead to serious developmental problems, especially involving joints and bones. 

• Whereas underfeeding can cause poor growth, vision problems, and a weakened immune system.

• A dog’s gut health directly influences their behaviour and stress levels. Poor nutrition or imbalances can trigger hyperactivity and anxiety in sensitive dogs.

Choosing the right food for your puppy

There’s no single diet that’s “best” for every puppy. The right choice depends on their:

• Life stage (a 4-week-old puppy has different requirements than an 11-month-old)

• Breed and expected adult size

• Lifestyle and activity level

• Current weight and body condition score

• Health issues (including sensitivities)

The diet must be complete and balanced. In the UK, look for diets formulated to meet FEDIAF guidelines, and ideally produced by a company that can answer questions like:

• Who formulates the diet, and what are their qualifications?

• Is a veterinary nutritionist involved (for example, someone with an MSc or PhD in Animal Nutrition)?

• What quality control processes are in place?

• Has the product been tested or supported by feeding trials or research?

Puppy feeding guide: portion sizes

It’s ok to start with the feeding guide on the pack (in grams or cups) and then adjust based on your puppy’s growth. If your puppy is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, ask your vet team to help you calculate a more tailored plan. 

Factors that affect how much to feed include:

• Age: Puppies in a rapid growth phase (e.g. around 4 months old) have higher energy requirements than older puppies.

• Weight and body condition

• Activity level: More active puppies require more energy than those with a sedentary lifestyle. 

• Neuter status: Neutered dogs often need fewer calories.

Keeping stable portion sizes and a regular feeding schedule helps to prevent overeating.

How often should you feed your puppy?

Young puppies have small stomachs and an immature digestive system, so they can’t comfortably eat all their daily intake in one or two big meals. 

Predictable mealtimes help puppies feel settled and secure. Again, no one-size-fits-all, and it may take some trial and error to find the perfect balance for both you and your dog.

A rough guide:

• 8 weeks to 6 months: split the daily amount into 3 to 4 meals

• 6 months to 12 months: 2 to 3 meals suit most dogs

• Over 12 months: usually 2 meals (some dogs do well on 1)

Avoid exercising right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat, especially in deep-chested dogs! 

Comparing puppy food types

You’ll see a wide range of options, including:

• Dry food

• Wet food

• Vegan diets

• Raw diets

• Insect-based diets

• Home-cooked diets

The most common choice for dog owners is commercial wet, dry, or a mix of both.

Wet food: common advantages

• Helps with hydration

• Can support portion control because it’s less calorie-dense per serving

• Great for picky eaters (pâtés, stews, chunks in gravy)

• Often easier to hide medication

Dry food: common advantages

• Long shelf life and less waste

• Convenient for grazers, automatic and puzzle feeders

• Higher energy density, which is helpful for puppies and larger breeds with high requirements

Offering a variety of different foods can overwhelm the digestive system of puppies and also risk creating bad eating habits, especially in small-breed dogs. The best (and most convenient) approach is to choose one good-quality food and avoid changing it. Most dogs are very happy eating this way, especially if it’s what they’ve been used to from a young age.

How to safely switch your puppy's food

If you’re planning on changing your puppy’s food, remember to do so gradually (over about 7 to 10 days) as sudden diet changes can lead to tummy upset:

• Days 1–3: 75% old food, 25% new

• Days 4–6: 50/50

• Days 7–9: 25% old, 75% new

• Day 10: 100% new

Treats and “extras”

Treats can be great for helping with training, but they should count as part of your puppy’s daily calorie allowance, and no more than 10% of total intake. 

Too many extras can lead to weight gain and obesity. Frequent unplanned snacks, including table scraps can encourage begging, fussy habits, and can even cause issues like anxiety or difficulties with training.

Harmful and toxic foods to avoid

Some human foods commonly cause tummy upsets, such as:

• Dairy products

• Highly processed foods (ham, sausages)

• Very salty, spicy or heavily seasoned foods

• Cooked bones (risk of splintering and intestinal damage)

And some are toxic to dogs, especially chocolate, raisins, onions, alcohol and xylitol. 

When to switch from puppy to adult food

Making the switch is recommended once your dog has finished growing. This depends on their size: 

• Small dogs (under 10 kg adult): ~8–12 months

• Medium dogs (10–25 kg adult): ~12–18 months

• Large/giant dogs (over 25 kg adult): ~18–24 months

Your vet may advise changes earlier or later, depending on neutering, weight, or growth patterns.

Q&A: Puppy Food

Q: Is it normal for my puppy to skip meals?
A: This can be normal, especially as puppies approach the end of growth and their needs drop. But if your puppy skips several meals in a row, or has other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, low energy), contact a vet.

Q: Are grain-free diets better for puppies?
A: Not generally. There’s no good evidence that grain-free diets are “healthier” for most puppies. True grain allergies are less common than allergies to certain meat proteins.

Q: Can I feed my puppy a raw diet?
A: Raw diets are heavily debated. Most major veterinary nutrition bodies advise against feeding raw to growing puppies because of infection risks and the difficulty of getting the nutrient balance right during growth. If you choose to feed your dog raw food, make sure to use a reputable company.

Q: How can I tell if a food is good from the label?
A: Labels can be confusing. Look for “complete” (not “complementary”), check it’s appropriate for growth, and choose brands that follow recognised standards and can explain their formulation and quality control.

Q: Should I buy breed-specific puppy food?
A: Breed-specific foods can be a great option, as they are usually adapted for particular characteristics of the breed. However, a good-quality puppy food will have similar benefits.  

Q: Can I feed my puppy home-cooked food?
A: It is possible to feed a puppy a home-cooked diet, but balancing the essential nutrients is complex. Make sure to discuss a diet plan with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This will prevent nutritional deficiencies that could have lifelong consequences. 

Q: What foods do vets recommend?
A: Vets often recommend established brands like Hill’s or Royal Canin. Why? It’s pretty simple — these companies spend a lot of time researching and testing their food to make sure it’s safe. Plus, they make it easy to find a specific recipe that fits your dog’s unique breed, age, or health needs.

Support is always at hand. Team Joii is available 24/7. Whether you’re unsure about your dog’s weight, portion sizes, or which diet to choose, download the app and chat with a professional anytime.