Feeding your puppy.

Choose food for growth.

An adult-maintenance food is not the same as a food intended for puppy growth. Look beyond the name on the front of the pack and check which life stage the diet is designed to support.

Ask your vet to help check the nutritional information if the label is unclear. A product called “Puppy” is not, on its own, enough information to establish suitability.

Take extra care with large breeds.

Large-breed puppies have particular nutritional and mineral needs during growth. Choose a diet intended for that growth stage rather than assuming any puppy food is interchangeable.

If you are unsure about your puppy’s expected adult size, discuss it with your vet. There is no size calculator or Good Dog product recommendation in this guide.

Make meals manageable.

Puppies have small stomachs and high nutritional needs. Several smaller meals can help meet those needs. Your vet can help you choose a routine appropriate to your puppy.

Keep a record of the food, treats and extras being given so the whole feeding picture can be reviewed.

Follow growth, not the biggest portion.

As your puppy grows, their portions may need to change. Check weight and body condition with your vet instead of feeding to achieve the fastest possible growth.

The right time to move to adult food varies with size and maturation. A single birthday is not a reliable rule for every puppy.

Ask before adding extras.

An appropriate complete and balanced diet should not routinely need extra vitamins or minerals unless your vet recommends them. Adding more nutrients does not automatically make a diet better.

Check any supplement with your vet, including products sold for bone or joint development. Do not change a prescribed supplement without veterinary advice.

Bring useful questions to your vet.

A short list helps keep the discussion focused on your puppy’s needs.

• Is this food appropriate for growth and my puppy’s expected adult size?
• How should we monitor weight and body condition?
• How should meal size and frequency change as my puppy develops?
• When should we review the transition to adult food?