Bringing a new puppy home is arguably the most exciting time ever. But it can seem a little daunting if this is your very first go at pet parenthood. What do you need to know about puppy nutrition to keep them healthy and thriving? We’ve got you covered with answers to some of your most common puppy questions, and tips for starting your pet on a fresh food diet. It’s our pleasure to introduce you to the best puppy pet food on the market today.
“When considering the ingredients of the food your puppy will eat, look no further than the kinds of food you eat yourself: fresh, real ingredients. Not only do recipes made with fresh ingredients taste better, but eating fresh is healthier for your puppy. Feeding a new puppy fresh food will establish a great nutritional base for years to come.”
Walking your puppy regularly for bathroom breaks, exercise and play is crucial. And consistency is key! So, make sure to stay consistent with a schedule, especially when housetraining. There are plenty of apps to track and monitor exercise to make it part of your daily routine.
Pay attention to your dog’s energy level. If you have an especially young pup, they may not have enough muscle to sustain long periods of exercise. So, if they start to overheat and get tired, give them some water and a rest. On the opposite end, if your puppy has lots of energy, it could mean they could use a little more outside/play time!
The simple answer? Yes! All Freshpet puppy pet food recipes start with fresh and 100% all-natural ingredients, and our Vital and Nature’s Fresh lines are AAFCO-approved for all life stages, making them an excellent choice for puppies. We believe we offer the best puppy pet food because it provides superior nutrition and tastes great!
Freshpet gently steam-cooks real chicken, turkey, and beef instead of using low quality “meat meals” you might find in kibble because cooking at lower temperatures helps retain the nutrients your puppy will need as they grow. And with recipes made especially for young pups with added EPA & DHA for growth and development support, you can feel good knowing they’re getting what they need to grow healthy and strong.
In general, puppies from two to fourteen months old should be fed up to twice the normal adult requirement. Every couple of months, as their growth rate slows down, you will need to reduce the amount they eat to keep them from becoming overweight. To sustain their energy levels even throughout the day, we recommend splitting their daily feeding amount into three or four smaller meals.
Our feeding guidelines are drafted for puppies weighing 5 lbs or more. For puppies weighing less than 5 lbs, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to develop the appropriate feeding regimen for their size.
Our Freshpet Select and Vital recipes for puppies are formulated for use throughout their first year. Puppies reach adulthood at different ages depending on their breed. Small breeds and toy breeds can reach their adult body weight as early as six months, whereas large and giant breeds can take 18 months or longer. Feel free to discuss with your veterinarian about when to upgrade to adult recipes if you’re unsure. But after a year works for most.
For the first week or two after you bring your new pet home, it’s best to continue feeding them the same type and brand of food they were eating before. Changing their diet too quickly can sometimes cause tummy upset. Once they’re settled and you’re ready for a change to a new food or a Freshpet recipe, gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food over a period of 7-10 days or until they are eating 100% of the new food.
Hi All, I wanted to write to tell you what a huge difference we see in our Retriever Boh. She has been very "puppy-like" since we have started her on this diet. Benny, our other rescue, is always a little wild, but Boh is able to keep up now. Your food has been so wonderful for our Babies and we appreciate all of you. Sincerely, Sue, Mike, Boh, and Benny
Our newest addition to the family "Diesel" wanted to send a shout-out and thank your team for always having his favorite food available at the stores. After a lot of research, we determined Freshpet was the best food and Diesel totally agrees.