Puppy Food: Importance for Nutrition and Health

What is puppy food?

Puppy food is a Dog Food specially formulated for the growth phase, with adjusted levels of energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It meets the increased nutritional needs of a growing dog for bone, muscle, and organ development—needs that, according to the European FEDIAF guidelines (2024), differ significantly from those of an adult dog.

Not all puppy food is created equal. Requirements vary depending on adult weight (small, medium, large, and giant breeds) and growth stage (early growth up to about 14 weeks, late growth until growth is complete). Large breeds require a different calcium-phosphorus profile than small breeds—a difference that is relevant to health and related to skeletal development.

Background and scientific context

The scientific basis for puppy food is well established. FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry Federation) publishes detailed minimum and maximum nutrient levels for growth diets, which are regularly updated based on the latest research.

The most frequently cited finding comes from Hazewinkel et al. (1985): An excess of calcium during the growth phase leads to skeletal disorders such as osteochondrosis and growth abnormalities in large-breed dogs. The study on young Great Danes remains the basis for the maximum calcium levels in puppy food to this day. Schoenmakers, Hazewinkel et al. (2000) later confirmed these findings and demonstrated that an insufficient calcium intake also has negative consequences—the right amount matters, not as much as possible.

Lauten-Schlatter and Fascetti (2012) pointed out that home-cooked or BARF diets are often nutritionally unbalanced. A study by Stockman et al. (2013) found that over 90 percent of the homemade diets examined did not provide sufficient amounts of at least one critical nutrient. Dimopoulou et al. (2017) confirmed similar deficiencies in raw food recipes.

Vitomalia-Position

We recommend a high-quality puppy food that meets FEDIAF standards and is appropriate for the dog’s size class. Large breeds need a specific junior food for large dogs—not the same product as a Yorkie. We expressly reject blanket BARF recommendations for puppies without veterinary nutritional guidance. The risks of nutritional deficiencies during the growth phase are well-documented and irreversible.

We also oppose overfeeding. A puppy that grows too quickly is not a healthy puppy, but a health risk.

When does puppy food become relevant?

Puppy food is important from the time supplementary feeding begins at the breeder’s (around 3–4 weeks) until the puppy has finished growing. The end of the growth phase depends on the breed: small dogs are fully grown at about 8–10 months, large dogs at 12–18 months, and giant breeds only at 18–24 months. Until then, puppy or junior food is the nutritionally sound choice. Topics such as puppy training and feeding are closely intertwined—mealtimes are learning opportunities and moments to bond.

Practical application

1. Determine the size category: Estimate the expected adult weight (consult your veterinarian if necessary). Then choose the appropriate puppy or junior food.
2. Check for FEDIAF compliance: Reputable manufacturers provide transparent labeling. If in doubt, consult a nutritionist.
3. Adjust portion sizes: Use the manufacturer’s recommendation as a starting point, then adjust individually based on the Body Condition Score (BCS). The goal is steady, not maximum, growth.
4. Meal schedule: Up to 4 months, 4 meals a day; after that, 3 meals; from 6 months on, usually 2 meals.
5. Do not give supplements: In particular, do not give additional calcium. High-quality puppy food is nutritionally complete.
6. Monitor growth: Weigh regularly and check body condition score (BCS). If in doubt, consult a veterinarian.

Common Mistakes and Myths

• "More calcium is better." Wrong. Hazewinkel et al. (1985) clearly demonstrated that excessive calcium intake causes skeletal damage in large-breed puppies. More is not better—the FEDIAF levels are target values, not minimum values.
• "My puppy isn't growing fast enough; I need to feed him more." Rapid growth isn't healthy—it's risky. Large breeds are supposed to grow slowly.
• "BARF is more species-appropriate." Studies (Dimopoulou et al. 2017) show that BARF diets often have nutritional deficiencies. This is particularly critical for puppies.
• "Adult food works too." Adult food does not meet the increased energy, protein, and mineral requirements needed for growth.
• "Extra vitamins won't hurt." Actually, they can—fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D can be toxic if taken in excess. High-quality puppy food doesn't need any supplements.

State of the art in 2026

The evidence regarding puppy food and growth nutrition is robust: the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is critical, FEDIAF guidelines are reliable, and nutritional deficiencies during the growth phase have long-term consequences. Unresolved questions concern the role of individual micronutrients, the influence of early feeding on the microbiome, and individualized nutritional approaches. Initial evidence suggests that early nutrition may contribute to the later risk of allergies and obesity (Hemida et al. 2021).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you feed puppy food?

Until they are fully grown—small dogs around 10 months, medium-sized dogs up to 12 months, large dogs up to 18 months, and giant breeds up to 24 months.

Dry food or wet food for puppies?

Both options are possible, provided the ingredients are fully declared. A mixed diet can be a good choice. What matters is the overall nutritional balance, not the consistency.

My puppy isn't eating—what should I do?

See a veterinarian first to determine the cause. In healthy puppies, this is usually a normal phase of fluctuating appetite. Do not overfeed them with treats.

How can I tell if puppy food is good?

FEDIAF compliance, clear labeling, appropriate for the size category, manufacturers with nutritional expertise. Marketing claims don’t mean much.

Related terms

• Puppy Training
• Raw food diet
• Dietary transition
• Overweight
• Expansion joints
• Food allergy
• Amount of food

Sources and further reading

1. Hazewinkel, H. A. W., Goedegebuure, S. A., Poulos, P. W., & Wolvekamp, W. T. C. (1985). Influences of chronic calcium excess on the skeletal development of growing Great Danes. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 21, 377–391.
2. Schoenmakers, I., Hazewinkel, H. A. W., et al. (2000). Effects of diets with different calcium and phosphorus contents on the skeletal development and blood chemistry of growing Great Danes. Veterinary Record, 147(23), 652–660.
3. FEDIAF (2024). Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. European Pet Food Industry Federation.
4. Dimopoulou, M., Stylianaki, I., et al. (2017). Evaluation of nutritional adequacy of homemade raw diets for adult dogs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 101(S1), 70–73.
5. Stockman, J., Fascetti, A. J., et al. (2013). Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1500–1505.
6. Hemida, M., Vuori, K. A., Salin, S., et al. (2021). Identification of modifiable pre- and postnatal dietary and environmental exposures associated with owner-reported canine atopic dermatitis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8.