Alimentation et nutrition des chiots

Why your puppy’s diet is so important

Puppies grow fast, and their bodies quickly catch up to those big ears and paws. However, inside, their digestive and immune systems are still developing, so their food needs are different from adult dogs. What they eat early on helps set the stage for their future health. Choosing puppy food designed for their needs helps them grow, play, and socialize while getting all the right nutrients.

How do puppies’ needs differ from those of adult dogs?

Puppies have different dietary needs than adult dogs or humans. While they grow, play, and learn, they require specific nutrition to support their developing bodies. Their food should be more energy-dense to fuel their rapid growth and have the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development. Since puppies can have a difficult time regulating their food intake, it's important for you to control their portions. Eating too much and growing too fast can lead to obesity and various health issues, affecting their quality of life, including bone and joint problems and digestive disorders.

How do your puppy’s healthy development needs change?

Puppies' dietary needs change as they grow into adulthood, which happens at different ages depending on their breed size. Larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers reach adulthood around 15 months, while smaller ones like Jack Russell Terriers do so around 10 months.

To ensure your puppy's diet supports their growth with all the necessary nutrients, follow feeding guidelines based on weight and age. If you're unsure, consult your vet.

Birth to 1 month

During the first month, puppies transition from mother's milk to solid food, needing balanced nutrients to support their delicate digestive system.

2 to 4 months

Between 2 to 4 months, puppies require regulated amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D for skeletal development. Stick to their current food initially to ease the transition into their new home.

4 to 7 months

From 4 to 10 months, puppies continue to build mass and need protein-rich food to support growth. Overfeeding can cause issues, so follow recommended portions based on breed and age.

10 months to adulthood

From 10 months to adulthood, puppies need extra support for joint health, particularly for larger breeds. Adjust their food intake accordingly and seek advice from a feeding chart or your vet if needed.

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When should you begin mixed feeding?

Your vet can guide you on when to start mixed feeding, but transitioning gradually over several days reduces the risk of digestive issues. Portion sizes should be monitored, and you should consult a mixed feeding table to ensure the right balance.

You can serve wet and dry food separately or together, depending on your preference and your puppy's taste.

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Getting into a routine

Whatever type of food you choose, it’s a good idea to create a feeding routine for your puppy with fixed mealtimes, the same food, and the same bowl.

Refer to the feeding table that corresponds to the size of your dog’s breed to find out when your puppy is ready to start eating dry food.

How much should your puppy drink?

Your puppy's water requirements depend on factors like their diet (dry, wet, or mixed), activity level, breed, size, and environmental temperature. Ensure they always have access to fresh water and clean their bowl regularly to prevent parasites. Opt for ceramic, glass, or stainless-steel bowls as plastic may have a scent that bothers sensitive canine noses. If possible, place several water bowls in quiet areas around your home to make it easy for your puppy to stay hydrated.

The science behind ROYAL CANINⓇ puppy nutrition

At Royal Canin, we specialize in promoting puppy health through tailored nutrition, recognizing that each puppy has unique needs. Our focus isn't just on providing energy, but also on supporting overall well-being. We offer an optimal blend of nutrients that help in building and maintaining healthy cells, supporting immunity, healthy growth, digestion, joint, and age-related problems.

Puppy feeding FAQs

When should I stop feeding puppy food?

When your puppy should switch from puppy to adult food depends on their breed and size, which fall into five categories. A `toy’ dog such as a Chihuahua will reach their adult weight (around 20 times their birth weight) at around 8 months. Meanwhile, a Great Dane, classified as a ‘giant’ breed, will not reach adulthood until between 18 and 24 months, but will by then have grown to 100 times their birth weight!

Can puppies eat adult dog food?

They should not—puppies need specially developed food that contains all the nutrients and energy needed to support their growth. 

What foods are poisonous for a puppy?

Puppies shouldn’t be eating human foods anyway, but some can be particularly harmful. It’s extremely important to avoid giving them chocolate, artificial sweeteners, grapes, garlic, onions, dairy products, nuts and fatty foods. The best way to do that is by sticking to a specially developed puppy food.

Should dogs and puppies only eat meat?

Dogs are considered omnivores. Their diet needs to provide the right balance of energy, protein, amino acids, and vitamins for their health. That's why it's best to feed them specially formulated food designed for their breed, size, and life stage.

Can puppies eat chicken?

Dogs may be man’s best friend but they shouldn’t share the same eating habits. Feeding them specially formulated dog food, whether wet or dry, ensures they get the right nutrition. Avoid giving them extra treats or leftovers from human meals outside of fixed mealtimes to prevent obesity and discourage bad behaviour like begging at the table.

Welcoming your puppy into their new home is an exciting time for everyone involved. Getting their food right from the beginning can make their transition smoother and ensure a stress-free start to your life together. Providing optimal nutrition tailored to their life stage from the beginning will set them up for a healthy, energetic life with you.