Finding a puppy that suits your lifestyle is not as tricky as getting the right puppy food for your beloved pet. Many first-time dog owners know whether they can feed adult dog food to puppies and, if not, what the difference is between pup food and adult dog food. We know it can be pretty confusing and overwhelming, primarily because of the various products available in the market. Making a choice gets hard as your urge to get the best puppy food for your furry friend increases.

So, how would you know which dog food puppies prefer and whether it suits your canine friend’s health? Apart from consulting your vet, this blog can help you understand the necessities of a pup’s diet, including the nutrient requirement and type of food.

What Is Puppy Food And Can I Make My Own Puppy Food?

Similar to kitten food, puppy food is a specially formulated diet to fulfill the nutritional requirements of growing dogs, especially in puppyhood. This stage of the dog’s life continues for 1 or 2 years of the canine’s initial life, after which the dog transitions into adulthood, as we explained in dog years. However, during those first two years, your furry friend can not depend on adult food needs as the nutritional requirements of growing pups vary from adult dogs. While the mother dog’s milk is sufficient for newborns, puppy food is required to ensure proper growth and development.

Can you make my own puppy food? Fortunately, yes. You can make food for your pup at home by utilizing home-based ingredients such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, barley, or oats and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, green beans, spinach, and squash. However, the best option would be to rely on store-bought products formulated based on expert advice and scientific research.

Finding The Best Puppy Dog Food

Based on customer reviews and dog experts ‘ advice, we have formulated a list of the best puppy food products. Remember to experiment and consult with your vet to find which suits your furry friend best before making the final decision. The products mentioned below are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure high quality and prevent the use of harmful dog ingredients.

Diamond Puppy Food

The Diamond Puppy is a formulated and balanced diet for dogs of all ages and breeds. This feed is suitable for puppies as well as pregnant or nursing adult dogs as it contains a proper balance of fat, protein, and other essential nutrients for proper growth. The main ingredients of the product, as listed on the label, include whole grain ground corn, wheat flour, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dried beet pulp, egg product, natural chicken flavor, flaxseed, fish meal, salmon oil (a source of DHA) and other minerals and vitamins. With a 4.8 overall rating, the Diamond Puppy Food is a safe product for your pup.

Blue Buffalo Puppy Food

Here is what a puppy parent said about Blue Buffalo Puppy food on Reddit,

“I’ve been feeding my puppy Blue Buffalo (puppy formula, chicken and rice — I do not use grain-free) since she was 6 weeks old (she’s 8mo), and she’s been doing fine on it. Great weight, muscle mass has been good (not something I aim for, but definitely something I notice), energy levels, and all the poops and pees have been very consistent and regular (unless she ate something weird that’s made her sick).”

However, remember that not all dogs or dog breeds are the same or have similar dietary requirements. Blue Buffalo offers a variety of dry puppy food products, depending on the breed and size of your pup.

Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

Simply put, puppies should not eat adult food as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Moreover, puppies and adult dogs have different dietary needs and digestive abilities, making it difficult for puppies to adjust to adult dog food. But how does puppy and adult dog food differ?

Higher Proteins

Pet owners notice prominent body changes in puppyhood, including muscle and bone growth. To meet these physical growth requirements, puppy food must include many proteins and amino acids. Adult dogs, on the other hand, might not need too much protein, as their increasing age demands vitamins, minerals, and fiber supplements.

A Fatty Diet

While puppies can enjoy a higher percentage of fats in their diet because of their over-energetic personalities, adult dogs need a low-fat diet. In this regard, adult dog food can not provide enough fats to puppies who need enough fat to help absorb specific vitamins (known as fat-soluble vitamins).

 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Now, this is one of the significant components that is equally essential in adult dog food and puppy diets. In adult dogs, omega-3 fatty acids help prevent joint and bone problems, while in puppies, these acids support brain development, vision, and skin health.

For your big boy, you can add supplements; however, puppies should get fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from their diet, usually from a fish or fish oil source.

How Much Food To Feed A Puppy?

Now that you know what to feed a puppy, your main concern would be how much to feed the pup before you make the poor one bloated and obese. That won’t be a good dog-parent thing, right? This is why it is essential to understand the amount of food that your puppy needs for normal growth.

Unfortunately, there is no simple rule for this. Your dog’s size, breed, and health condition will determine the amount of food it should get. Before you get confused, look at the puppy feeding chart below to get the basics right. Remember, this is just a suggestion; the best thing you can do is consult a vet and follow expert advice.

Credit to Purina.com