Puppy Food, Diets and Health Concerns | Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Food Should a Puppy Eat?

Puppies may be small, but their appetite can be surprisingly large, making it essential to feed them the right amount. Both overfeeding and underfeeding can lead to health problems, so getting the balance right early on is key. Common signs of overfeeding include:

• excessive weight gain
• low energy levels
• persistent begging for food

If left unchecked, this can result in:

• digestive issues
• joint strain
• bloating
• other long-term complications

Feeding quantities vary depending on the type of food. Raw puppy food diets are often based on a percentage of body weight, while wet and dry foods follow brand-specific guidelines, typically measured in grams. Mixed feeding requires adjusting portions to maintain the correct calorie intake.

Several factors influence how much a puppy should eat, including age, breed, activity level, food type and overall health. For example, highly active or working breeds may need more food, while larger breeds require careful feeding to avoid rapid growth that can affect joints.

Treats should be limited to no more than 10% of daily calories. Using low-calorie options or portions of regular meals can help maintain balance. Feeding charts and consistent routines can support healthy growth and prevent obesity.

To find out more, you can read our previous guide concerning puppy food amounts here.

When Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

Puppies need a careful and gradual transition from puppy food to adult dog food to support healthy development. Feeding adult food too early is not recommended, as it lacks the higher levels of protein, fat and key nutrients puppies require for growth. Over time, this can lead to issues such as nutrient deficiencies, weak bones and digestive upset.

Most puppies are ready to move onto adult food between 9 and 18 months, depending on their breed size. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster and can switch earlier, while larger breeds may need longer on puppy food to support controlled growth and joint health.

The transition itself should be done slowly over 7–14 days. Begin by mixing a small amount of adult food with their usual puppy food (around 25%), then gradually increase the proportion of adult food while monitoring for any signs of digestive discomfort. A steady approach helps avoid stomach upsets and ensures your puppy adapts well to the new diet.

Signs your puppy may be ready for adult food include a slower growth rate, reduced appetite, calmer behaviour and reaching most of their expected adult size. At Fetch, we recommend brands such as Nourish Rite , Carnilove and Naked Pup for a smooth transition.

How Do I Transition My Puppy Food to Adult Food?

Transitioning your puppy from puppy food to adult food is an important step in their development. Puppies need high levels of protein and calories to support rapid growth, but as they mature, their energy needs decrease, meaning a switch to adult food is necessary.

Most puppies are ready to transition between 9 and 18 months , depending on their breed. Signs your puppy may be ready include:

• Reduced energy levels compared to their usual hyperactivity
• Leaving food in their bowl or showing a smaller appetite
• Reaching around 80% of their expected adult size

The transition should be gradual to avoid digestive upset. Typically, this process takes 7–14 days , starting with a mix of puppy and adult food and slowly increasing the adult portion over time (e.g. 75% puppy to 25% adult, then moving to a full adult diet). Monitoring your puppy during this period is essential, as sudden changes can cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

If your puppy is hesitant, adding simple toppers like plain boiled chicken can help encourage eating.

You can find out more about transitioning your puppy to an adult diet in our previous guide here.

How Do I Help My Puppy Lose Weight?

Helping a puppy lose weight requires a careful, balanced approach to avoid harming their growth and development. Puppies can be prone to overeating, so managing their diet early is key to preventing obesity and related health issues.

Safe weight loss should be gradual. Most puppies lose around 1–2% of their body weight per week , with noticeable results taking several months. Rapid weight loss should be avoided, as it can lead to health problems.

To begin a weight loss programme:

• Set clear goals based on your puppy’s ideal weight
• Measure meals accurately rather than guessing portions
• Increase exercise , including walks and active play
• Reduce treats , keeping them well below 10% of daily calories
• Monitor progress by weighing your puppy every 2–4 weeks

Diet also plays a major role. Avoid high-fat or low-quality foods, as well as:

• Table scraps
• Dairy products like cheese and milk
• High-calorie, processed treats

Instead, opt for a balanced diet and healthier, low-calorie treats such as vegetables.

Before starting any plan, it’s important to confirm whether your puppy is overweight and rule out underlying health issues with a vet. You can craft a bespoke diet plan with a canine nutritionist during a wellbeing consultation to ensure your puppy is living a healthy life.

Can I Feed My Puppy Wet and Dry Dog Food?

Mixing wet and dry puppy food is perfectly safe and can be a beneficial way to feed your puppy. It allows you to combine the convenience and dental benefits of dry puppy food with the taste and moisture content of wet food, helping to create a balanced and appealing diet.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Improved palatability , making meals more appealing for fussy eaters
• Increased hydration , as wet food contains much higher moisture levels
• Balanced nutrition , combining the strengths of both food types
• Better portion control , as wet food can help puppies feel fuller

When introducing a mixed diet, it’s important to do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. A transition period of around 7–10 days is recommended, starting with small amounts of wet food added to dry kibble and slowly increasing the ratio. For younger puppies, softening dry food with water can also help ease the transition.

However, there are a few considerations. Owners must carefully measure portions to avoid overfeeding, as combining foods can increase calorie intake. Wet food also requires refrigeration and can be messier to serve.

You can find out more about feeding puppies both dry and wet food in our previous guide here.

Why Does My Puppy Keep Throwing Up Their Food?

It is quite common for puppies to occasionally vomit, especially as their digestive systems are still developing. Simple causes such as eating too quickly or picking up scraps can lead to regurgitation. However, frequent or severe vomiting may indicate a more serious issue and should be monitored closely.

Common reasons puppies may vomit include:

• Eating too fast or overeating
• Sudden changes in diet
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Stress or anxiety in new environments
• Parasites or infections
• Swallowing foreign objects

While occasional vomiting is usually harmless, there are times when veterinary advice is essential. Seek help if your puppy vomits repeatedly within 24 hours, shows signs of lethargy, cannot keep water down, or has symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever or blood in vomit.

To help manage vomiting, start by reviewing your puppy’s feeding routine. Feeding smaller portions, introducing new food gradually and using slow-feeder bowls can all help. In some cases, a short fasting period followed by a bland diet like plain chicken and rice may settle their stomach. Ensuring access to water is also important to prevent dehydration.

You can find out more in our previous guide here.

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