Puppy food

Puppies need nutritional support to grow up as healthy and happy dogs. This is why our Purina experts have created a range of high-quality puppy food made with natural ingredients and all the essential nutrients a growing puppy needs. Our puppy food is carefully designed to keep their teeth and bones healthy and strong as they grow up. Plus the tasty puppy food recipes can boost their natural defences and giving puppies the energy to explore the world every single day. With Purina, you can be sure that you’re giving your pet nutritious dog food in a complete and balanced meal that is also tail-wagging delicious.

Is puppy food good for senior dogs?

Feeding your senior dog puppy food is usually not a good idea. Keep in mind that pooches in their golden years have different nutritional needs compared to their younger counterparts. Puppy and senior dog food contain different levels of nutrients and formulas, meaning that feeding your senior dog puppy food can lead to some health concerns. 

Is puppy food higher in calories?

Yes! Puppy food contains a much higher amount of fat and protein. Puppies use much more energy than senior dogs, which is why puppy food has more calories as well as giving them all the nutritious support they need. Find out more about a puppy's nutritional needs with our guide.

Is puppy food necessary?

Yes. Puppies grow rapidly, and the food you choose plays an important role in setting them up for a healthy adulthood and can even influence behaviour. Because an active puppy can use up to twice as many calories as an adult dog, they need a complete and balanced puppy food during their early years. Purina puppy food is formulated to provide targeted nutrition for key areas including muscle development, healthy teeth and bones, and brain and vision support. Puppy food also contains a high level of protein, which could give your senior dog more energy, therefore making them much more hyperactive. 

Should puppy food be softened?

When it comes to feeding your puppy, there are no set rules to follow. However, it is recommended that you should soak your puppy’s food from 3 weeks to 12 weeks of age. This will be softer on their mouths during your puppy's teething periods. If you do soften dry food, remember crunchy kibble can help remove plaque, so you may want to support dental care in other ways and always keep overall daily calories in mind. Consult your vet for specialised recommendations for your puppy.

What is the best dog food for puppies?

There is no single “best” puppy food for every puppy, because needs vary by breed size, activity level, and individual health requirements. A good choice is a high-quality, complete and balanced puppy food that matches your puppy’s life stage and breed size. Purina's puppy food formulas are backed by decades of research and crafted with high-quality ingredients to support your puppy’s health and development at every stage.

When to transition puppy to dog food?

Transitioning a puppy to adult dog food is an important milestone in their development. Most puppies transition from puppy food to adult food between 1 and 2 years, depending on breed size. Small breeds often reach maturity earlier, while large and giant breeds can take longer and may need puppy food for up to 24 months. Here are some guidelines to help you determine the best time to make the switch:

• Small Breeds: Age: 9-12 months
• Medium Breeds: Age: 12 months
• Large Breeds: Age: 12-18 months
• Giant Breeds: Age: 18-24 months

Signs Your Puppy is Ready

• Slowed growth rate
• Stable appetite
• Mature teeth

Tips for Transitioning

• Consult Your Vet: Get personalised advice.
• Gradual Transition: Mix increasing amounts of adult food with puppy food over 7-10 days.
• Monitor Health: Watch weight and health during the switch.
• Choose Appropriate Adult Food: Match food to your dog's size and health needs.