Puppies grow at an incredible rate and require nearly twice the nutritional needs of an adult dog. Feeding a puppy like an adult dog can leave them lacking essential nutrients, which is why it’s so important to tailor their diet to their specific needs.
A puppy’s food intake is significantly higher than an adult dog’s—typically double the amount. They should be fed three times a day until they reach six months of age. This ensures a steady source of nutrition, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
What Puppies Need More Of:
More Calories & Nutrients – Growing bodies demand more fuel.
More Fat & Protein – Essential for energy, growth, and muscle development.
More Amino Acids – Crucial for cellular function and repair.
More Fat-Soluble Vitamins – Vital for immunity, vision, and bone health.
More Calcium & Phosphorus – Supports strong bones and teeth.
Iron: The Powerhouse Mineral
Puppies need 55 times more iron than humans. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in hemoglobin, and without it, they can experience fatigue and weakened immunity.
One of the best sources? Heme iron from animal proteins. Red meat and organ meats, particularly spleen, are excellent sources. I highly recommend adding Empawraw Spleen Powder for an easy, natural boost.
Non-heme iron from plant foods (such as lentils and beans in kibble) has a lower absorption rate, making it an inadequate source for puppies.
Animal Protein: The Building Blocks of Health
Protein is critical for muscle growth and repair, but did you know it also plays a key role in immune function?
Proteins help form immunoglobulins (antibodies), which fight infection. Without enough high-quality animal protein, a puppy’s immune system can be compromised, leaving them vulnerable to illness.
Calcium & Phosphorus: Bone Development Essentials
Calcium and phosphorus work together to support bone growth and metabolism.
Simply feeding muscle meat alone won’t provide enough calcium—it’s high in phosphorus but low in calcium. The best natural source of both? Raw meaty bones.
Not only do bones supply these essential minerals, but they also help strengthen the jaw and develop the palate. Puppies require more bones than adult dogs—aim for 15-20% bone content in their diet, compared to 10-15% for adult dogs.
Fats & Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Energy & Development
Fat is a puppy’s primary energy source, fueling growth, development, and cellular function.
Fat-soluble vitamins are also essential:
Vitamin D supports calcium and phosphorus balance for strong bones.
Vitamin A promotes healthy eyesight, immune function, and cell growth.
Omega-3: Brain & Nervous System Support
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is essential for brain development and cognitive function.
DHA makes up over 90% of the omega-3s in the brain and plays a key role in nervous system development. The best sources? Marine-based foods such as:
Salmon, sardines, mackerel, brains, and shellfish
Fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, and calamari oil
(Important note: Plant-based omega-3s, like flaxseed oil, do not contain DHA.)
Why the First 6-12 Months Matter Most
The first year of your puppy’s life sets the foundation for their long-term health. Feeding a fresh, whole-food diet ensures they receive the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive.
Early exposure to a variety of foods can also reduce the risk of food sensitivities and allergies in adulthood. Just like babies, puppies benefit from a diverse diet, so keep introducing new ingredients.
What to Avoid:
Stay away from processed kibble and inflammatory ingredients such as:
Wheat, gluten, soy, corn, vegetable oils
Rice, legumes, beans
Dealing with Picky Eaters
If your puppy is hesitant about certain foods, don’t stress! Puppies, like babies, need time to adjust to new smells, textures, and tastes.
Organ meats, especially liver, are often the toughest to introduce. Try lightly cooking it in coconut oil at first, then gradually transition to raw. Persistence is key!
How Much Should You Feed?
Puppy feeding amounts change as they grow. To determine their needs, multiply their current weight by the recommended percentage for their age.
You can download a free feeding guide to make it easier!
Smooth Transitions & Immune Support
Moving your puppy from kibble to fresh food? Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is a must-have supplement. It acts as a safety net, preventing digestive upset and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
Puppies also have immature immune systems until around 12 months, making them more vulnerable to illness. Bovine Colostrum and Saccharomyces boulardii are my top picks for strengthening immunity and protecting against pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Pair these with real, whole foods to build resilience and give your puppy the best possible start in life.
Final Thoughts: Nourish for a Lifetime
Your puppy is in their most vulnerable stage of life. What you feed them now shapes their future health.
Providing real, nutrient-dense food supports healthy development and helps prevent long-term issues like allergies and gut problems. Make the choice today that will give them a strong, thriving life ahead.
Give your puppy the best start—choose fresh, whole foods and immune-supporting supplements.
If you need 1-1 support, you can book my 'Puppy Nutrition Consult' where we can deep dive into your puppy & provide you with bespoke advice to ensure they are getting everything they need.
P.s for a limited time you can use code 'puppy' and get 15% off Saccharomyces boulardii and Colostrum!
Comments