The owner’s main task is to provide the puppy with the most balanced nutrition possible. While the baby is growing, he needs a diet that will provide the growing body with vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates. It is at this age that the foundation of health is laid, with which the dog will live its entire life. Nutritional flaws during this period will definitely make themselves felt at a conscious age. From the article you will learn how to choose the right food, what to look for when choosing dry food, what are the feeding rules and much more.
Puppy Nutrition Basics
From the age of two months, the puppy begins to feed on its own; during this period, the diet should contain an increased percentage of proteins and fats. When feeding your puppy food, you must follow the following rules:
- serving size - do not overfeed the dog to avoid unnecessary stress on the internal organs and prevent early obesity. The portion is calculated based on the weight of the puppy - for each kilogram take 20 grams of dry food. If in doubt, you should check the table that each manufacturer places on the food packaging;
- An additional measure that helps to avoid obesity is that the food bowl is put out at the same time and removed immediately after the dog loses interest in food. In addition, it helps to develop a routine;
- soaking dry granules. It is permissible to soak them with water. Do not use fermented milk products or milk. This can cause gastrointestinal upset and lead to dehydration of the dog;
- Mixing with wet food is effective during the period when the puppy is changing teeth. Dry food becomes softer and does not injure the baby’s inflamed gums;
- change of feed. If the puppy was fed a specific brand at the breeder's house, it is necessary to provide him with similar nutrition. If you plan to change food, introduce it gradually - mixing part of the new food with a portion of the old one;
- number of feedings - up to 5 months, portions of dry food are given to the puppy up to 5 times a day, from six months they are switched to three meals a day. From the age of one year, the dog is fed twice a day;
- access to water. Clean, fresh water is a must when feeding your dog dry food.
Important: do not leave a bag of dry food in a place where a baby, or even an adult dog, can reach it and eat on their own. For babies, the granules are made very small; if inhaled, they can suffocate.
How to choose quality food for your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are pets that need to be fed only with special food. Ordinary “human” food is absolutely not suitable for them. In this case, you should pay attention to the following points:
- the fat indicator must be at least 6%;
- The optimal amount of protein for a Chihuahua is 20%.
Veterinarians claim that these foods are the most nutritious and beneficial for pets of this breed.
Unlike large breeds, Chihuahuas require a nutritious diet with high energy value.
Chihuahua puppies need to be fed up to 4 times a day. But when the dog gets older, the frequency of meals is halved. The first feeding should be carried out at 7-9 am, the last - at 19-21 pm. But you should never give your puppy food just before going to bed.
Having chosen the optimal food option for your pet, you should try not to change it again. This applies not only to Chihuahuas, but also to all other dog breeds.
Classification of dry food
All dry food on the market is usually divided into classes. The classification is not based on the cost of the feed, but depends on the quality of the ingredients used in the production of the feed and production technology.
Important: this division is conditional. There are no legally established norms and rules that define the requirements for a particular category. The division was proposed by veterinary specialists and breeders who know from their own experience what effect certain components have on the dog’s health.
Economy
From the name it becomes clear that this food is low in cost. It is due to the low cost of the ingredients used by the manufacturer. When choosing this type of food, you need to understand that it is absolutely not suitable for feeding a young dog.
A special feature of economy feeds is the presence of allergenic cheap ingredients: corn, soy, by-products. This type of food contains practically no meat; flavor enhancers are used, which are quickly addictive. In addition, the nutritional value of economy feed is very low, which will require a large consumption of pellets.
Premium
The composition of food for puppies with o is not much different from economy class. But you can already find higher quality ingredients in them. Distinctive features:
- more detailed composition;
- most often cereals come first, but meat components can also be found;
- artificial colors and preservatives are used;
- often found on the shelves of large supermarkets.
We can say that premium puppy food consists of only 30% meat (most of which is by-products, that is, production waste). About 65% is carbohydrates, and less than 10% is minerals and vitamins. This class is not suitable for young dogs.
Super premium
Distinctive features of the feed class are:
- presence on the packaging of a mark about the age, condition of the animal, breed;
- the packaging contains explanations of how this or that ingredient works and what effect it has on the dog’s health;
- detailed formula;
- up to 35% meat, a small proportion of offal;
- Fish is often found containing beneficial ingredients necessary for the puppy’s health;
- there are specialized useful additives that have a narrowly targeted effect - chondoprotectors, increased calcium content, etc.;
- only natural preservatives;
- no artificial colors or flavor enhancers are used;
- a variety of vitamin supplements.
Super premium food is suitable for feeding a young dog. Most often they are sold through a network of specialized pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
Holistic
The holistic approach to medicine aims to prevent rather than cure disease. Dog food manufacturers have adopted this philosophy, believing that a balanced diet with the maximum amount of natural ingredients from different groups will help raise a healthy and strong puppy. This health will remain with him for the rest of his life.
Peculiarities:
- use of specific formulas;
- a lot of meat;
- use of phyto-components;
- natural preservatives.
These dog foods are quite expensive.
"Biological Compliance"
A class of dog food that has appeared relatively recently. The “biologically appropriate” label means that the manufacturer adheres to the point of view that the dog’s DNA is almost 99% identical to the DNA of the wolf. Even the smallest puppy's diet should contain meat, not grain and waste. In such food, the manufacturer tries to replicate the diet that a dog could get in the wild.
Premium class
Premium puppy food is made from natural, high-quality ingredients. They have a higher meat content, which affects their price. A special category is holistic food. They contain components suitable for human consumption. They are enriched with prebiotics, which activate the immune system, improve digestion and the general condition of the animal.
Dog food GO! Sensitivity + Shine duck 2.72 kg
pros
- Good for dogs with allergies and sensitive digestion
- Nutritious, satisfying
- Flat granules
- No soy, wheat, corn
- Improves coat condition
Minuses
- Large granules for mini breeds
From 1,615 RUR
This universal dry food of the holistic class is suitable for the menu of puppies and adults of all breeds. It is developed based on duck meat. As a side dish it contains potatoes and oatmeal. The necessary mineral and vitamin composition is provided by the introduction of rapeseed oil, flax seeds, algae, vitamins A and D3, potassium and calcium compounds, zinc, copper, and iron.
Royal Canin puppy food 4 kg (for large breeds)
pros
- Makes it easier to transition your puppy onto solid food
- Strengthens immunity
- Soaks well
Minuses
- It is not indicated which poultry meat was used for production
From 1,100 ₽
This dry food is designed specifically for puppies from 8 weeks of age, as well as bitches during pregnancy and lactation. It is used in the nutrition of bulldogs, shepherd dogs, Labradors and other large breeds. The predominant ingredients of the feed: rice and poultry. It combines the nutrients contained in mother's milk. Its composition is enhanced by the addition of vitamins B, D3, choline, and folic acid.
Monge Daily Line Bone & Joint Health Chicken (Medium Breed)
pros
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Suitable for sensitive digestive systems
Minuses
- The opened package does not close
From 1,160 ₽
This premium food for medium breeds attracts puppies with the aroma of chicken. It is based on chicken and salmon. Sources of carbohydrates and fiber are beets, oats, and corn. A positive effect on the skeleton of a growing animal is achieved due to the presence of spirulina, cartilage, crustaceans, and hydrolyzed yeast.
Rating of the best dry food for puppies
The rating presents the best food for young dogs, according to veterinary experts and owners. Despite the fact that economy class food is not suitable for constant feeding of a puppy, we suggest considering ready-made diets for young dogs in this category.
Food for small breed puppies
Puppies of small decorative breeds grow faster than their relatives, who grow into giants. You should definitely choose food that has a mark on it - for puppies of small breeds. In addition, some manufacturers offer puppy diets divided by breed. For example, there are diets for Yorkshire terriers, French bulldogs, etc.
Bosch
The food belongs to the super-premium segment. The diet is based on chicken meat (about 26%). Rice and millet are the most gentle ingredients for the puppy’s stomach as a source of carbohydrates. The food granules are adapted to the size of the baby's mouth, and the special (not too dry) structure does not injure the delicate mucous membrane.
The food formula contains an increased percentage of fatty acids, which have a positive effect not only on the appearance, but also on the intellectual development of the dog.
The disadvantage of the food is the presence of components that can cause allergies.
ROYAL CANIN Size Mini Starter
Royal Canin Starter food is suitable not only for small breed puppies, but also for pregnant (nursing) bitches. A special feature of the ready-made diet is that it is intended for the little ones - you can start feeding the puppy with it from the moment it is weaned from its mother. The food formula is supplemented with special nutrients that will not cause harm to the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. The granules are easily soaked in water and have an attractive taste. They help the baby’s gastrointestinal tract painlessly transition from milk to porridge, and then granules.
Royal Canin dog food – reviews and analysis of the line
TRAINER Fitness (duck, rice)
Italian food intended for feeding dogs aged 3 months to one year. It is a complete monoprotein nutrition. The composition is based on: freeze-dried duck meat (20%) and rice (35%). Suitable for dogs prone to food allergies. Contains a special mix of herbs, roots and the patented Echinacea complex to protect the dog's growing body and activate immune processes.
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Small & Mini (chicken)
Special small granules contain:
- docosahexaenoic acid - for the development of the dog's brain;
- high-quality protein for muscle development;
- minerals for bone strength;
- a mixture of natural antioxidants.
Hill's dog food - complete review of the line
Food for medium breed puppies
Food for dogs that grow up to weigh 25-27 kg. These include Labrador, German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, Husky, etc.
Monge (Puppy and junior)
Italian food Monge is suitable for puppies and young dogs. Suitable for animals from 2 months to 1 year. There are three flavors in the line for your pet to choose from: chicken, salmon, and lamb. Advantages:
- first place for meat ingredients - about 30% dehydrated meat and about 12% fresh;
- carbohydrates are represented by rice, beets and oats;
- rich vitamin supplement.
Cons : contains corn.
Monge food for dogs - reviews from veterinarians and a detailed analysis of the line
Eukanuba medium breed
The food is produced in the USA, Russia, and Holland. The composition practically does not change depending on whether the puppy is a small, medium or large breed. The choice of flavors includes chicken, rice and lamb. Carbohydrates are represented by corn, rice, and wheat. Rich vitamin component. The meat content reaches 35%. One of the disadvantages of the composition is the presence of corn, which can cause allergies in the baby.
Eukanuba dog food - reviews and composition analysis
SIRIUS for puppies and young dogs
The product from the Russian company is suitable for any puppies and young dogs under 12 months. Sirius brand food contains: pectin complex, chamomile, echinacea, dried cranberries, Yucca Schidigera. Only natural antioxidants are used. Ingredients: dehydrated meat 29% poultry and 8% lamb, rice, wheat, corn, dietary fiber, dry yeast, salmon fat, special ProStor Bio Care complex.
Sirius dog food – advantages and disadvantages, reviews from veterinarians
Brit Care Puppy (grain-free)
Grain-free food for puppies of all breeds with salmon and potatoes. The product does not contain chemical ingredients, GMOs or hormones. A daily portion of food satisfies all the needs of a young dog for vitamins and minerals. The pleasant aroma of salmon oil attracts even the most demanding animals with its natural aroma. The absence of grains allows the food to be quickly absorbed and does not cause bloating and flatulence. In addition, the product is suitable for puppies prone to allergies.
Brit dog food - expert reviews and detailed analysis of the composition
Food for large breed puppies
Food for puppies of such giants as Cane Corso, St. Bernard, Alabai, etc.
Grandorf
Holistic from Belgium is presented in two versions: from 3 weeks of age and from 4 months. It is based on lamb and rice, turkey. The meat component reaches 60%, because protein is so important for large dogs during the period of active growth. The carbohydrate component is rice and a complex of dried fruits. There are no synthetic additives or GMOs in the composition.
Grandorf dog food - full review of the line and reviews from experts
Acana Puppy and Junior
Akana dog food from Canada is suitable for puppies of all breeds. Contains 30% dehydrated meat (this can be turkey, chicken, lamb) and 10% bone meal. The peculiarity of Akana is its complex of dried vegetables, fruits and berries. In addition, it contains whole eggs, herring and flounder.
Akana dog food - full review of the line
Go
Gou is another holistic practitioner from Canada. The product is suitable for both puppies and adult dogs. The special feature is an interesting composition, including 4 types of meat, poultry, oatmeal flakes, and salmon. In addition, it contains dried vegetables, fruits and berries. The protein component reaches 60%.
Dog food GO!: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists
Pedigree
Economy food from an American manufacturer. The puppy line starts at 6 months of age. It is from six months that the baby will be able to digest the amount of fiber that is named in the composition - more than 50%. And only 15% is protein. Nevertheless, the manufacturer is constantly among the sales leaders, since its food is available in any supermarket.
Dog food Pedigri - analysis of the recipe, reviews from owners and veterinarians
What dry food is best to feed a puppy - special or universal?
Manufacturers offer two types of food for puppies: special, that is, created only for feeding dogs up to the age of 1 year, and universal, that is, suitable for animals of all ages. What are the best dry food for puppies? And is there a difference between them?
To answer this question, you need to turn to nature, which, in fact, is the main starting point for determining the physiological needs of an animal. So, in nature, babies begin to eat the same food as adults immediately after stopping breastfeeding. There is no special “baby” food for them. Another thing is that the diet of animals in nature fully corresponds to their physiological needs, which, unfortunately, cannot be said about all dry food.
Since a deficiency of certain substances, which may be tolerable in adults, is critical in children, manufacturers produce food with a special, enriched composition. As a rule, they contain more calories, sources of animal protein, animal fats, vitamins and microelements, so choosing such diets for your puppy may be quite justified.
In the Acana Heritage line and in the Orijen brand you will find food for puppies of different breeds, however, we also have universal diets in our assortment. Their composition is such that it fully satisfies the needs of both adult animals and puppies - it’s just that the daily requirement for babies is much higher. Thus, the main thing in any dry food is its composition, which determines whether your puppy will receive everything he needs or not.
How much food to give a puppy
The table shows approximate serving sizes depending on the weight and age of the puppy. The feed portion is indicated in grams/day.
Important: It is recommended to check the table on the food packaging or consult a veterinarian.
The amount of food may vary depending on the health or activity of the dog (these tables are based on the recommendations of the ProPlan food manufacturer).
| Puppy weight | 1.5 - 3 months | 4 - 5 months | 6 - 8 months | 9 – 11 months | 12 – 24 months |
| 1 kg | 50-55 gr | 85-75 | — | — | — |
| 5 | 60-90 gr | 125-140 | 80 | 100 | 100-150 |
| 10 | 80-120 gr | 160-180 | 145 | 150 | 150-200 |
| 15 | 85-145 gr | 170-190 | 200-220 | 220 | 250-270 |
| 20 | 90-155 gr | 225-245 | 220-240 | 240-250 | 260-300 |
| 25 | 100-195 g | 260-310 | 300-355 | 355-370 | 380-420 |
| 35 | 110-215 g | 280-355 | 365-480 | 490-520 | 550 |
| 45 | 125-245 gr | 400-520 | 405-680 | 600-650 | 600-650 |
| 50 | 145-340 gr | 445-615 | 600-765 | 670-700 | 845-900 |
Feed selection
It happens that the puppy has stopped eating dry food. The reason may be:
- lack of physical activity;
- that the baby is experiencing stress;
- features of physiology;
- health problems arose, for example, stomatitis.
Also, the reason that a dog does not eat dry food well may be directly in the food. It may be good, but the puppy simply cannot tolerate a particular component, or it causes an allergic reaction. In this case, you should either find a brand that suits your dog, or return to natural food.
You can try Holistic nutrition. It consists of 3-4 meat ingredients belonging to the Human Grade class, that is, suitable for humans. The basis of such products is meat, various vegetables and fruits, berries, herbs and, of course, fatty acids, prebiotics, probiotics, as well as digestive enzymes and a vitamin complex. Such products are represented by the brands Acana, Orijen, Earthborn, Go Natural, Earthborn.
Experienced dog breeders can determine that problems have arisen by the condition of:
- wool - it should be smooth and shiny;
- eyes – the presence of redness and discharge is unacceptable;
- ears - there should be no rash or redness;
- puppy stool, which should be regular and formal.
Foods intended specifically for puppies are characterized by an increased amount of protein, minerals, and vitamins. These elements are especially important for the growth and development of the animal. Puppy kibble is made small to make it easier for dogs to chew.
We produce dry food for puppies of large breeds, as well as medium, miniature and small breeds. Gradation is possible depending on the age of the dog, as well as specific breeds. Each brand produces a line of hypoallergenic foods.
Important : vitamins are not given in addition to dry food, and it is also impossible to feed mixed food, natural and industrial food at the same time. This approach is fraught with mineral imbalances, excess protein and stomach problems.
Reviews from dog owners
Oleg R. We buy Dog Chow food for dachshund puppies. We often have a foster puppy living in our house, which is given to us after mating. If the baby is very small, then we cancel Dog Chow and give ABBA wet food for a while.
Irina K. We have been buying Akana or Brit food for a long time. It is not always possible to find Acana in our stores. It is important for the breeder that the puppy is healthy, its fur is shiny and there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. There were no problems with these feeds.
What to feed small breed dogs
Dog Chow: food for dogs and puppies of large and small breeds
The choice of food for small dogs is based on two basic characteristics of pets - high energy consumption and small jaw size. The frequency of feedings should be higher than for large breeds - 2-3 times a day. Special food for small dogs has a higher calorie content, and its kibble is smaller to make it easier for the animal to bite.
Note! Adult small dogs should not be given puppy food as it increases the risk of obesity.
Briefly about the main thing
- To feed a puppy you need to select a special diet.
- The choice is made from super premium and higher lines.
- Recommended portion sizes must be followed.
- The dog should always have water available to him.
We recommend choosing food from any of the manufacturers listed in the article that your puppy or young dog will like. What kind of food do our readers feed or did feed their pets when they were little? Share your opinion, please.
