Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Food

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

What is the Difference between Dry and Wet Puppy Food?

You probably already know that puppy food comes in two options – either wet or dry form.

Dry Puppy Food: This is the best type of puppy food simply because dry food is more cost-effective, has a longer shelf life, is easy to digest, contains more protein and, last but not the least, is good for dental health.

Wet Puppy Food: You can probably guess that this type of puppy food spoils quickly if not stored properly. However, wet dog food is far more palatable for dogs and has a better taste. It also contains about 70 to 75% water – making it a good option for dogs that face dehydration issues.

However, the higher water content means that wet puppy food contains fewer nutrients compared to the dry form.

What is the difference between large and small puppy breeds?

Puppies are categorized into “large” and “small” breeds in accordance with their adult weight.

If a breed has a full-grown adult weight of more than 57 pounds, it’s considered a “large” dog breed.

However, there are no official weight brackets for this classification.

Generally, small dog breeds are more popular as house pets. However, large breeds are known to be more loving towards their owners.

What is the healthiest dog food for puppies?

The healthiest food for a dog depends on its individual health condition and requirements.

However, any high-quality dry or wet food might be a great option for your pooch.

Also, buying a natural or organic puppy food might cost you more, but would certainly be worth the money as well.

Should I leave water out for my puppy all day?

According to the American Kennel Club, as puppies are weaned, they need about half a cup of water every 2 hours.

However, once puppies have successfully shifted to solid food, they’d need 0.5-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.

Can I give a puppy regular dog food?

It is highly advised that you do not feed your puppy regular adult dog food, especially if you own a large breed.

Puppies require roughly double the nutrients than adult dogs do, which is why regular dog foods fail at meeting the nutritional requirements of puppies.

But it gets worse:

Adult dog foods do not meet the calcium needs of puppies as well which can cause a number of bone crippling diseases, especially in large dog breeds.

How Do You Know How Long to Feed a Puppy Puppy Food?

As a rule of thumb:

You should feed your dog puppy food until it has grown up to 80% of its adult size.

However, if you’re confused, it’s better to continue puppy food for a longer period as you wouldn’t want your growing pup to be deprived of its required nutrients.

Usually, puppies attain 80% of their adult size in about 12 months.

How Many Times Should a Puppy be Fed?

The frequency at which you feed your puppy should be determined by its age.

From the point your pup is weaned up till 3 months of age, you should let your pup eat freely. Often, your puppy would pace its diet itself without your assistance.

From 4-6 months of age, feed your pup three times a day and cut down its initial burst of food intake from the first 3 months.

From 6-12 months of age, bring your pup down to 2 meals a day.

Can you Feed Your Dog Some “People Foods”?

You should never feed your dog any type of people food without prior research.

A lot of common people foods can cause serious problems for your pooch.

However, here are a few human foods that dogs can have:

What is the Ideal Amount of Food to Give a Puppy?

The ideal amount of food for puppies varies with breed, size, and the individual metabolism of your dog. In the first three months, it’s better to let your puppy eat freely.

After that, check out the individual feeding instructions on the backside of your puppy food and consult your veterinarian for a specific diet plan for your puppy.