Choosing Puppy Food for Different Breeds | Puppy Food for Small, Medium and Large Breeds

Puppy Food for Small Breeds

Choosing the right food for a small breed puppy can feel overwhelming, but it’s especially important because their nutritional needs differ from larger dogs. They grow quickly, burn energy fast, and need a diet that supports both development and daily activity.

There are a few clear signs that a puppy may not be getting the nutrients they need. These include:

• Struggling to gain weight or having visible ribs and hips
• A dull or uneven coat
• Low energy or unusual tiredness
• Digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhoea
• Pale gums
• Eating things like dirt or grass

If any of these show up, it’s worth speaking to a vet, as a simple diet change can often make a big difference.

When it comes to what’s actually in their food, quality matters. Small breed puppies do best with:

• High-quality protein to support muscle growth
• Healthy fats for energy
• Omega-3 fatty acids for brain development and a shiny coat
• Easily digestible carbs like sweet potatoes or brown rice
• Minimal fillers such as corn or white rice

Food designed specifically for puppies is usually the best fit, as it's tailored to support rapid growth and higher energy needs. Options such as Nourish Rite small breed puppy food has everything your pup needs.

Because small breeds burn through energy quickly and have smaller stomachs, their feeding routine looks a little different:

• Meals should be more calorie-dense
• Smaller portions given more frequently work best
• Keeping blood sugar stable is important to avoid hypoglycaemia
• Dental health should be considered, as small dogs are more prone to plaque
• Nutrients that support long-term health, like heart and joint function, are beneficial

A mix of wet and dry food often works well, balancing hydration and dental support. Most small breed puppies can transition to adult food around 9–12 months. Grain-free options can be helpful for puppies with sensitivities, but they’re not essential for every dog.

You can find out more about small breed puppy food in our previous guide here.

Puppy Food for Medium Breeds

Feeding a medium breed puppy properly is key to supporting healthy growth. Unlike small or large breeds, medium-sized dogs develop at a more moderate pace, so their diet needs to strike the right balance between energy, nutrients, and portion control.

When it comes to how much to feed, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on factors like age, weight, activity level, and the type of food. As a general guide, medium breed puppies need around 55–75 calories per kilogram of body weight each day. For example:

• A 5 kg puppy may need roughly 100–150g of dry food daily
• A 10 kg puppy might need around 180–250g

That said, feeding guidelines on the packaging are usually the most reliable place to start, with adjustments made based on your puppy’s condition.

There are plenty of suitable food options available. While some brands don’t specifically target medium breeds, high-quality puppy formulas still meet their needs. The best options tend to include a high meat content for muscle development, balanced nutrients with added vitamins and minerals, and ingredients that are easy to digest to support gut health. Some owners also opt for raw or cold-pressed food to provide a more natural-style diet.

In terms of nutrition, medium breed puppies need a well-rounded mix of protein, fats, and essential nutrients to support growth. This includes high-quality protein for muscle repair, healthy fats (including omega-3 and omega-6) for energy and brain development, healthy carbohydrates, and carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. Popular brands include Naked Pup for raw meals specially targeted at puppies.

When choosing a food, it’s important to focus on quality and suitability. Look for:

• “Complete and balanced” labelling for puppies
• Puppy-specific formulas rather than adult food
• Suitability for medium breeds (adult weight around 10–25 kg)
• Good ingredient quality with minimal fillers
• Kibble size that’s appropriate for your puppy

A mix of wet and dry food can work well, and meals are typically split into 2–3 portions per day. Any changes to your puppy’s diet should be introduced gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.

You can find out more about medium sized breed puppy food here.

Puppy Food for Large Breeds

Feeding a large breed puppy properly is essential for supporting healthy, controlled growth. Unlike smaller dogs, large breeds take longer to mature and need a carefully balanced diet for an extended period (often up to 18–24 months). Rapid growth without the right nutrition can lead to serious health problems, particularly affecting bones and joints.

While standard puppy food can be suitable, formulas designed specifically for large breeds are usually the better choice. These are tailored to provide the right balance of calories, calcium, and phosphorus, helping puppies grow steadily rather than too quickly. This controlled development is important for reducing strain on joints and supporting overall health.

A good large breed puppy diet should focus on quality and balance. Key features to look for include:

• Controlled calorie levels to prevent excessive weight gain
• High-quality protein (such as chicken or beef) for muscle growth
• Balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development
• Moderate protein levels to support steady growth
• Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and joint health
• Added prebiotics and probiotics for digestion
• Nutritious carbohydrates like sweet potato (featured in brands like Nourish Rite )

Feeding routines also play a role, with most puppies doing best on 2–3 meals per day, gradually reducing as they get older.

Without the right diet, large breed puppies are at risk of several health issues. These include developmental orthopaedic diseases like hip dysplasia, joint stress from excessive growth, obesity, and even heart conditions linked to poor nutrition. Overfeeding or giving the wrong nutrient balance can have long-term consequences. Consult with a canine wellbeing specialist to get the very best diet for your pup from the get-go.

A mix of wet and dry food can work well depending on preference, and any changes to diet should be introduced gradually over 7–10 days. Ensuring your puppy stays lean and grows at a steady pace is one of the most important factors in supporting their long-term health.