Summary: Puppies have unique nutritional needs for healthy growth. Adult dog foods may not meet these needs, but all life stages dog food often does. Transition timing depends on breed and growth stages. Fish-based, all life stage food is an excellent option for nutrition, digestion, and taste.
Key Points:
- Puppies need specific protein, calcium, fatty acids, vitamins, and fiber for growth.
- Puppy formulas differ from adult food in energy density (calories) and nutrient profiles.
- "All life stages" food that meets AAFCO growth standards is an excellent option.
- Transition from puppy food to adult food depends on breed size and age.
- Fish-based, all stages dog food offers optimal digestibility, essential nutrients, and great flavor.
You’ve just welcomed a sleepy, active, silly, precious new puppy into your home! Your new best friend won’t be tiny for long. Small puppies have massive appetites, and the right diet can serve as a strong foundation for their healthy growth and development.
This begs the question: what should you feed your new best friend? Can puppies eat adult dog food, or do you need to purchase a puppy formula? What happens if a puppy eats adult dog food, and is it safe?
We’ve created this guide to help new pet parents find the safest and tastiest food for their growing puppy. Keep reading to learn more about your puppy’s nutritional needs.
What Growing Puppies Need
Puppies have unique nutritional requirements compared to fully grown dogs. Their food needs to support rapid growth, bone development, and brain and vision development. Additionally, it’s important that your puppy’s food is highly digestible. That ensures they are able to absorb all the nutrients in their food.
Here are the most important things to look for when choosing food for your puppy:
- 22%-32% protein on a dry-matter basis. Puppy food should meet (but not exceed) these levels to promote optimal growth. The amount of protein that growing dogs need decreases steadily as they age.
- Slightly more calcium than phosphorus. The recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratio falls within the range of 1.2:1 to 1.8:1. This is necessary for the formation of healthy teeth and bones.
- Essential Fatty Acids. Puppies need Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a range of reasons, including brain and vision development. These “healthy fats” promote shiny, healthy skin and coat and decrease inflammation throughout the body.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals. Vitamins support your puppy’s growth and metabolism. The most essential vitamins include Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Folic Acid, Boron, Vitamin D, and Choline.
- 2-5% crude fiber on a dry matter basis. A moderate amount of fiber supports gut health and helps ensure nutrient absorption. It also helps puppies maintain healthy digestion.
Any pet food that meets these minimum nutritional requirements is appropriate for a growing puppy. Consult your vet if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Puppy Formulas vs Adult Dog Food Formulas
Some pet food companies offer an adult dog food formula and a dedicated puppy formula. The biggest difference between these formulas is the energy density (more calories) and the level of vitamins and minerals.
Puppies are active, busy, rapidly growing little creatures! They need more calories to keep them energized and moving! That’s why puppy formulas typically have a higher energy density. They also have a vitamin and mineral profile tailored to a puppy’s unique needs.
Can a Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food?
Many pet owners choose a pet food specifically formulated for the dietary needs of growing dogs. Most adult dog foods do not meet a puppy’s unique needs. With that said, many dog foods are also formulated for “all life stages.” In this case, the nutritional content of the food is what’s most important.
According to AAFCO, food for all life stages must meet the higher nutrient requirements for puppies and lactating dogs. All-stages formulas must also be suitable for “adult maintenance”, which means it provides the calories adult dogs need to maintain wellness. This can make feeding pets easier in a multi-dog household. Small-breed dogs tend to do very well on all-ages formulas since they tend to grow quicker than large-breed dogs.
Ultimately, a puppy should not eat adult dog food, but all-stages dog food remains a great option. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to choose a diet tailored to your puppy’s unique needs.
When Can a Puppy Start Eating Adult Dog Food?
When can puppies eat adult dog food? That depends on the puppy…and the food! A puppy formula may be ideal during your puppy’s growth phase, which varies based on breed and adult size:
- Small breeds: Up to 9-12 months growth phase.
- Medium breeds: Up to 12 months growth phase.
- Large breeds: Up to 18-24 months growth phase (these breeds require careful calcium-to-phosphorus ratios to prevent bone disorders)
With that said, you can begin feeding your puppy an AAFCO-approved all-stages dog food at any time after weaning.
How to Choose an All-Stages Dog Food for Your Puppy
A fish-based pet food, like Simply Naked Pet Food, is an excellent choice for dogs of all ages and stages. That includes your spunky little puppy!
Here are tips for selecting all-stages dog food and why fish-based dog foods stand out.
- Check for AAFCO Compliance. This indicates that the food meets the nutrient requirements for growth, reproduction, and maintenance in puppies and adult dogs.
- Focus on High-Quality Ingredients. Choose foods with recognizable, whole-food ingredients, such as fish, as the first ingredient.
- Evaluate Protein Sources. Opt for a formula with high-quality protein sources. Fish, in particular, is an excellent protein source that’s easy to digest, allergy friendly, and rich in essential nutrients.
- Look for Omega-3 Fatty Acids. All life stages dog food should include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which deliver multitude of health benefits skin, coat, joint, heart, and brain health. Fish-based pet foods are naturally rich in Omega-3s.
Your Puppy Deserves a Fish-First Diet
Fish-based pet foods are packed with vital nutrients, most notably DHA and EPA. Those are crucial for eye and brain development in puppies and anti-inflammatory support for dogs of all ages.
Plus, fish is less likely to trigger food sensitivities or allergies compared to common proteins like beef or chicken. Fish-based pet food is also gentle on the digestive system. That makes it especially suitable for both young puppies and older dogs with sensitive stomachs. Research shows it soothes skin conditions and helps healthy dogs maintain shiny, glossy coats.
Most importantly? Puppies find fish-first dog food delicious! Even the pickiest eaters tend to enjoy the fresh flavors of the sea.
Your growing puppy and any fully grown dogs in your household deserve a delicious fish-first dinner! Browse our all-stages fish-first pet food and give your growing dog the foundation they need to thrive.
