What food should you feed a puppy? The complete buying guide
A puppy’s first months shape its adult health, and nutrition plays a central role in that foundation. With dozens of products on the shelves and online, it’s hard to know where to start. At Planète Pets, we’ve sifted through the criteria that genuinely matter to help you choose with confidence. For a full overview of puppy gear, see our dog hub.
Why a dedicated puppy formula is essential
A puppy is not a miniature adult dog. Rapid growth demands a markedly higher energy intake, more high-quality protein (ideally 28 to 32% on a dry-matter basis) and a carefully controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for sound bone development. The “puppy” or “junior” ranges from reputable manufacturers such as Royal Canin or Orijen are calibrated precisely to meet these needs.
Feeding adult food to a puppy risks deficiencies; keeping a dog on puppy food for too long encourages excess weight. The switch to an adult range generally happens around 10 to 12 months for a small dog, and as late as 18 or even 24 months for a large breed.
The key criteria for choosing
- The protein source: look for a clearly named meat or fish at the top of the ingredient list.
- Kibble size: suited to the jaw, to encourage chewing without any choking risk.
- The breed-size format: mini, medium and maxi ranges account for the growth rate specific to each build.
- Digestibility: firm, low-odour stools are a good everyday indicator.
The grain debate comes up constantly: we devote a full article to grain-free dog food, because the misconceptions are legion.
How much should you budget?
Prices vary widely with ingredient quality. For a well-made 3 kg bag of puppy food, expect to pay €20 to €45. Premium ranges in larger bags (12 to 15 kg) usually sit between €60 and €110, which brings the cost per kilo down to a more reasonable level. A low price per kilo can mask a low nutritional density: the puppy then has to eat more, which erodes the real saving.
Getting the food transition right
Any change of food should be spread over 7 to 10 days: start with 25% new kibble mixed into the old, then gradually increase the proportion. A puppy with persistent diarrhoea, a dull coat or growth that seems off should be seen by a vet: only a vet can rule out an underlying health problem and confirm the right ration.
Our Planète Pets advice
Don’t switch brands abruptly when the puppy arrives: keep feeding what the breeder used at first, then transition to the food of your choice. Think about mealtime equipment too, in particular a slow-feeder bowl if your puppy inhales its ration in seconds. Find all our comparisons in the dog food section.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.