What should I feed a puppy?

Feeding a puppy - what, how much and how often by age

The first weeks: the foundation for a healthy life

Luna comes home to you at eight weeks old. Small, clumsy, curious - and hungry. What you feed her in the first months has a direct effect on bone growth, muscle development, the immune system and your dog's wellbeing for the rest of her life.

Puppy-specific food: why normal dog food isn't enough

Puppies have very different nutritional needs from adult dogs. They need more protein and energy for their fast growth. At the same time, be careful with calcium and phosphorus: too much - especially in large breeds - can lead to skeletal development problems.

So always buy puppy-specific food (labelled 'Puppy' or 'Junior'). For large breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors or Great Danes there is even special large-breed puppy food - with an adjusted mineral ratio for controlled, healthy growth.

Wet or dry food: both work. Dry food is more practical and good for the teeth. Wet food contains more moisture, which is good for the kidneys. Many dog parents combine the two.

How often and how much to feed?

8 to 12 weeks: 4 meals a day. A puppy's stomach is still very small - small portions, but often.

3 to 6 months: 3 meals a day. The portion size grows with the dog.

6 to 12 months: 2 meals a day. Most medium-breed dogs can switch to two meals now.

From 12 months: 2 meals a day, and start the transition to an adult range. Keep large breeds on puppy food until 18 to 24 months.

Rule of thumb for the amount: read the food bag - and go by the target weight, not the current weight. Overweight puppies carry a risk of joint problems.

What puppies should not eat

No chicken bones (risk of splinters). No onions, grapes or chocolate (toxic). No raw pork (risk of Aujeszky's virus). No sharp spices or salty foods. No cow's milk in large amounts (lactose intolerance is common).

If you're unsure about feeding: the Lassie app has courses on nutrition and health topics - specially for the first months of life. You can also ask a vet directly by telemedicine.