Feeding Puppies: What the Science Says… and What I Did
Feeding a puppy can feel like a minefield. Between marketing claims, conflicting advice, and the overwhelming number of options on the shelves, it’s easy to feel unsure of what’s best. I’ve walked this path with my own puppies, not just relying on labels, but drawing from evidence, biology, and my own experience.
This article brings those threads together: what the research tells us about commercial diets, why nutrition during puppyhood is so critical, and what I personally chose to feed, from their first day home to their transition into adulthood.
Why Getting Puppy Nutrition Right Is So Important
Puppyhood is one of the most nutritionally demanding times in a dog’s life. After weaning, this is when they build the bones, muscles, organs, and immune systems that will carry them through adulthood. What we feed them during this period can influence everything from skeletal health to cognitive function, and getting it wrong can have lasting consequences.
Puppy Growth Is Fast And Complex
Dogs are one of the most diverse species in terms of adult body size, and different breeds mature at very different rates. Small breeds may be fully grown by 8–12 months, while large and giant breeds can keep growing for up to 24 months. This rapid growth demands a careful balance of energy and nutrients.
Bones: It’s Not Just About Calcium
Bones grow from ossification centres and remain soft and vulnerable while puppies are still growing. This makes calcium and phosphorus balance critical. While adult dogs are capable of regulating calcium absorption, it's less clear how efficient this process is in growing puppies. If the diet is poorly balanced, particularly in terms of calcium and phosphorus, it may contribute to skeletal abnormalities like bowed legs or weakened jaws. Fresh diets tend to offer more bioavailable forms of these minerals, while processed diets often rely on synthetic additions that may not be absorbed as efficiently.
Protein: More Than Just Muscles
Protein supports everything from healthy coats and strong muscles to immune function and tissue repair. Puppies need high-quality, highly digestible proteins rich in essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, and leucine. Many commercial diets are heavily processed, and cooking methods can reduce the availability of key amino acids due to Maillard reactions. This means protein may be present on paper but less usable by your puppy’s body.
Fats: Brain Food for Puppies
Fat is not only a dense source of energy but also essential for developing brains. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is especially important for nervous system development and myelin formation. Studies have even shown that puppies supplemented with DHA perform better in learning tasks. Unfortunately, many commercial foods don’t contain the appropriate amounts of these essential fats!
Too Much, Too Soon? Risks of Overfeeding
It’s not just about getting the right nutrients, it’s also about feeding the right amount. Overfeeding, especially in large breeds, can lead to rapid growth, which is strongly associated with orthopedic disorders like hip dysplasia. Studies in Labradors have shown that controlled calorie intake in puppyhood reduces the risk of joint disease later in life. Monitoring your puppy’s Body Condition Score (BCS) is a more effective guide than simply following the label.
When “Complete and Balanced” Isn’t Enough: Issues With Commercial Puppy Foods
Many pet owners understandably trust commercial puppy foods, especially those labelled as “complete and balanced.” However, this confidence may be misplaced. Several independent studies have revealed that not all commercially available diets actually meet the nutritional standards set out by national authorities such as FEDIAF (Europe) or AAFCO (USA).
One study found that many commercial foods marketed for growth or all life stages failed to meet FEDIAF guidelines, particularly when it came to mineral balance and energy density.
Another analysis of dry puppy foods revealed that some failed to deliver the required calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, putting puppies, especially large breeds, at risk of skeletal problems.
In several cases, protein content appeared sufficient by label claim but included low biological value sources or highly processed proteins that may not be efficiently digested or absorbed.
What About DHA and EPA?
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are crucial omega-3s for brain, eye, and nervous system development. But even when they’re listed on the label, they may not be present in meaningful amounts.
A 2023 study published in Applied Sciences found that actual EPA and DHA levels in five commercial puppy foods were significantly lower than stated, with one product showing a 99% shortfall. This suggests that label claims don’t always guarantee nutritional adequacy, particularly for nutrients as vital as these.
What I Chose to Do: My Strategy for Feeding Puppies
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I can share what worked for me, guided by science, common sense, and the dog in front of me.
From the day they came home, I fed a fresh, raw diet based on the 80-10-10 model, 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ (half of that liver). To that base, I rotated a variety of functional whole foods:
Raw eggs
Sprats
Kefir or yoghurt
Bone broth
Chicken necks
As my puppies grew, I adapted their diet:
I introduced larger oily fish like sardines and mackerel
I tailored the raw meaty bones to their size and chewing ability
I added wheatgrass powder and hemp seeds
For chews and enrichment, I used natural air-dried treats like lamb trachea, fish skins, tripe sticks, and lamb spaghetti.
When it came to portions, I didn’t follow a strict gram-per-kg formula. I fed to a Body Condition Score. If they were a little too lean, I fed more. If they were getting chunky, I scaled it back. Simple as that.
I did use Proflax Puppy Power - I’m not affiliated, but I do like that product. In addition, I’d have their Tummy Tastic Product in the cupboard for funky tummy episodes.
The decisions we make in those early months don’t just shape growth charts or glossy coats, they shape immune resilience, cognitive development, joint health, and even behaviour. Food becomes more than fuel; it becomes information, signalling to the body how to build, repair, and thrive.
There is no perfect diet, only a thoughtful one.