What to Feed a Small Puppy: Complete Nutrition Guide for Healthy Growth

Bringing a small puppy home is exciting and joyful. But one of the biggest questions new pet owners ask is: “What should I feed my small puppy?” Proper nutrition is very important during the early months of a puppy’s life. A balanced diet helps your puppy grow strong bones, develop a healthy brain, build immunity, and maintain high energy levels.

In this complete guide, you will learn what to feed your small puppy, how often to feed, safe and unsafe foods, and tips for healthy growth.

Why Proper Nutrition Is Important for Small Puppies

Puppies grow very quickly, especially in the first year. During this time, their body develops:

• Bones and joints
• Muscles
• Teeth
• Brain
• Immune system

If a puppy does not get proper nutrition, it can lead to:

• Weak bones
• Poor growth
• Low energy
• Weak immune system
• Digestive problems

That is why choosing the right food is extremely important.

1. Mother’s Milk (0–8 Weeks Old)

For newborn puppies, the best and most natural food is mother’s milk. It contains:

• High-quality protein
• Healthy fats
• Important vitamins
• Antibodies that protect against disease

Mother’s milk gives puppies the immunity they need in their early weeks.

What If the Mother Is Not Available?

If the mother dog is not available, you should use a puppy milk replacer recommended by a veterinarian.

⚠ Never give cow milk to puppies.
Cow milk can cause diarrhea and stomach upset because puppies cannot digest it properly.

2. Puppy Food (8 Weeks and Older)

After 8 weeks, puppies can start eating solid food. At this stage, you should give them puppy-specific food, not adult dog food.

Why Not Adult Dog Food?

Adult dog food does not contain enough nutrients for growing puppies. Puppies need:

• More protein
• More calories
• DHA for brain development
• Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones

Always choose food labeled “Puppy Formula” or “For Growth.”

Types of Food for Small Puppies

1. Dry Food (Kibble)

Dry puppy food is one of the most common options.

Benefits:

• Easy to store
• Helps clean teeth
• Affordable
• Long shelf life

For small puppies, choose small-sized kibble that is easy to chew.

If your puppy is very small, you can soak kibble in warm water for 10–15 minutes to make it softer.

2. Wet Food

Wet puppy food contains more moisture and is softer.

Benefits:

• Easier to chew
• Good for picky eaters
• Helps with hydration

You can mix wet and dry food together for balanced nutrition.

3. Homemade Food (Carefully Balanced)

Some people prefer homemade food. This is possible, but it must be balanced properly.

Safe homemade options include:

• Boiled chicken (no salt, no spices)
• Plain rice
• Boiled carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato
• Fully cooked eggs

Important rules:

• No salt
• No chili
• No oil
• No masala or spices

Before switching fully to homemade food, consult a veterinarian to avoid nutrient deficiency.

Feeding Schedule for Small Puppies

Small puppies need frequent meals because they have small stomachs.

8–12 Weeks Old

Feed 4 times per day.

3–6 Months Old

Feed 3 times per day.

6–12 Months Old

Feed 2 times per day.

Always provide fresh, clean water throughout the day.

How Much Should You Feed?

The amount depends on:

• Puppy’s age
• Breed size
• Weight
• Activity level

Check the feeding chart on the puppy food package. Start with the recommended amount and adjust if your puppy:

• Looks too thin
• Is gaining too much weight

If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for guidance.

Healthy Treats for Small Puppies

Treats are good for training but should not exceed 10% of daily calories.

Safe treats include:

• Small pieces of boiled chicken
• Small banana slices
• Apple slices (without seeds)
• Carrot sticks
• Plain cooked pumpkin

Avoid giving too many treats to prevent obesity.

Foods You Must Never Give Your Puppy

Some foods are dangerous and toxic for puppies.

❌ Chocolate
❌ Grapes and raisins
❌ Onions and garlic
❌ Avocado
❌ Caffeine
❌ Alcohol
❌ Raw meat
❌ Bones (especially cooked bones)
❌ Salty snacks
❌ Sugary foods

These foods can cause serious health problems and even death.

Signs Your Puppy Is Eating Well

A healthy puppy will:

• Have shiny fur
• Be active and playful
• Have normal stool
• Gain weight steadily
• Have clear eyes

If your puppy shows:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness

Consult a vet immediately.

Importance of Water

Water is just as important as food.

Make sure:

• Water is clean
• Bowl is washed daily
• Fresh water is available all the time

Dehydration can be dangerous, especially for small puppies.

When to Change Food

If you want to change your puppy’s food brand, do it slowly over 7 days.

Example:

Day 1–2: 75% old food + 25% new food
Day 3–4: 50% old food + 50% new food
Day 5–6: 25% old food + 75% new food
Day 7: 100% new food

This prevents stomach upset.

Supplements: Are They Needed?

If your puppy eats high-quality puppy food, supplements are usually not needed.

Do not give calcium or vitamins without vet advice. Too much calcium can harm bone development in small puppies.

Special Care for Small Breed Puppies

Small breed puppies (like toy breeds) have:

• Faster metabolism
• Smaller stomachs
• Higher energy needs

They may need calorie-dense food made especially for small breeds.

They are also at risk of low blood sugar, so do not skip meals.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfeeding
• Feeding table scraps
• Giving spicy food
• Sudden food changes
• Ignoring portion control
• Feeding only treats

Consistency is very important.

When to Switch to Adult Dog Food

Small breed dogs usually switch to adult food at around 9–12 months of age.

Ask your veterinarian for the correct timing based on your puppy’s breed and growth.

Final Thoughts

Feeding a small puppy properly is one of the most important responsibilities of a pet owner. During the first year, your puppy needs high-quality nutrition to grow into a healthy and strong adult dog.

Remember:

• Give mother’s milk (0–8 weeks)
• Use puppy-specific food after 8 weeks
• Feed small meals multiple times a day
• Avoid toxic foods
• Provide fresh water daily
• Consult a vet when unsure

With proper care, love, and the right diet, your small puppy will grow happy, active, and healthy.