Why special puppy kibble?
Puppy growth
A puppy is not a small adult dog; it is an animal in full development with very specific needs.
A puppy’s growth spans several months depending on the breed: from 7 to 8 months for a tiny dog like the Chihuahua to 18 months or even 24 months for a giant breed such as the Newfoundland.
This is an intense period when:
- The skeleton is developing
- The organs are growing
- The senses are developing
For all of this, the puppy needs the nutrients and energy provided by food. And they must be provided in adequate amounts.
Puppies’ protein and calcium needs are higher than those of adults. Food that is too deficient can lead to growth disorders such as rickets.
But conversely, excessive or unbalanced feeding can lead to health problems such as obesity or joint disorders (dysplasias).
The benefits of puppy kibble
Like all mammals, the puppy is first fed on mother’s milk. At about one and a half months old, solid food can be introduced.
Puppy kibble is a practical, economical, and safe option from a health standpoint.
The nutritional needs of a puppy are specific and it is difficult to perfectly meet them with a homemade diet (cooked at home from fresh ingredients).
With kibble, nutritionists have worked for you to create a food that perfectly matches the needs of growing dogs.
Provided you choose the right ones!
What criteria should you consider when buying puppy kibble?
Before buying a dry food for your puppy, you will need to take several factors into account such as the composition of the kibble, but also the age and breed of your new companion.
Composition of puppy kibble
Regarding growth foods, an unbalanced composition can have dramatic consequences. To choose the right puppy kibble, you can refer to the recommendations of pet-food professionals.
FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Federation) recommends the following minimum levels for a puppy (as % of the dry matter (DM) of the food):
- Protein: 25%
- Fat: 8.5%
As with adult dogs, animal-derived proteins (meat, eggs, fish…) are preferred, as their nutritional value is higher than that of plant-based proteins (wheat, rice, soy…).
Regarding minerals, both deficiencies and excesses can lead to possible bone growth disorders. The following levels are recommended:
- Calcium (Ca): 0.8 to 1.3%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.7 to 1.1%
- Ca/P ratio > 1.1
The balance between the different minerals is as important as their absolute amounts. Warning, you should never supplement a puppy with minerals receiving growth-specific kibble.
The fatty acids are essential to the development of the brain and retina. The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio must be less than or equal to 5.
Kibble should also contain various vitamins in sufficient quantities, such as:
- Vitamin A: 500 IU/100g DM
- Vitamin D: 50 IU
- Vitamin E: 5 IU
These basic minimums can be refined depending on the puppy’s age, and also on its adult size.
The puppy’s age
Some manufacturers distinguish growth foods 1st stage (up to 14 weeks) and 2nd stage (beyond 14 weeks). A puppy’s needs vary slightly between these two periods, with higher levels of protein, fatty acids and calcium for 1st-stage puppy kibble.
Moreover, before 14 weeks a puppy’s digestive capabilities are not yet optimal, so 1st-stage kibbles contain particularly digestible ingredients.
The puppy’s breed
This is a fundamental criterion to consider. Many manufacturers have developed two, even three, ranges of puppy kibble based on adult weight.
Large-breed puppies (over 25 kg at adulthood) have a longer growth period. They must grow slowly, without becoming overweight. For them, a lower-fat diet (maximum 16% fat) without excess minerals should be favored.
A good balance between energy, protein and minerals ensures giant-breed puppies grow harmoniously, respecting their bone and muscle development.
Organic puppy kibble
Why not get into good habits from the start?
Kibble made with ingredients from organic livestock and organic farming guarantees healthier, residue-free food. A genuine guarantee of longevity for your puppy!
How much kibble should I give my puppy?
The amount of kibble to give your puppy depends on its age, weight, adult size, and the product’s energy density… Don’t worry, the manufacturer usually provides a chart with all this information on the bag.
It’s important to measure the kibble precisely with a kitchen scale or measuring cup provided by the seller.
The amount of kibble should be divided into 3 meals per day, then it can be reduced to 2 from about 3 to 4 months of age.
As a general rule, it’s advised to weigh your puppy regularly to make sure it’s gaining weight, and to feel its chest (you should be able to feel the ribs) to check that it isn’t overweight.
If you need to change food, don’t forget to do a dietary transition by mixing the old and new kibble for a few days.
If your puppy shows digestive issues (vomiting and/or diarrhea), don’t delay consulting a veterinarian.
Where to buy puppy kibble?
From veterinarians
At your veterinarian’s office you’ll find premium brands and advice tailored to your puppy’s breed. Veterinary ranges make it possible to follow the animal throughout its life, from puppy to senior.
At pet stores
They offer kibble similar to that used in veterinary clinics. The very wide selection can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.
In supermarkets
Supermarkets generally offer kibble of lower nutritional quality, especially when prices are particularly low.
This is not necessarily a good choice for this very particular period — the demanding phase of a puppy’s growth.
Online
Warning! Before ordering online, check the site’s reliability, the origin of the kibble, and find out about the ingredients.
There are now online stores offering ranges exclusively for veterinary use where you can order with complete confidence. Check with your veterinarian.
To summarize
Quality puppy kibble:
1. Contain at least 25% animal-derived protein
2. Have a calcium level of around 1%
3. And a Ca/P ratio >1.1
4. Preferably organic
5. Preferably first-stage (puppy) if under 14 weeks
6. Are appropriate for your pet’s breed
7. Should be bought through specialized channels
