A food formulated for growth
A puppy needs a food specifically formulated for "growth" or "puppy," higher in protein, calcium, and phosphorus than an adult food, to support bone and muscle development. Kibble size is usually matched to the puppy's jaw size.
Meal frequency by age
- Up to 3 months: 4 meals per day
- 3 to 6 months: 3 meals per day
- 6 months to 1 year: 2 meals per day
The length of the "puppy" period varies by expected adult size: around 12 months for small breeds, up to 18-24 months for very large breeds, whose growth takes longer.
Transitioning to adult food
The switch to adult food should be gradual, over 7-10 days, mixing the old and new food progressively to avoid digestive upset. Excess calcium in growing large-breed puppies can contribute to joint development issues — sticking to recommended portions matters, without unprescribed supplementation.