Puppies and adult dogs have very different nutritional needs. Understanding what your puppy needs at each stage of development can help support healthy growth and lifelong wellbeing. 

One month: Supporting natural defenses 

Between four and 12 weeks, puppies enter an “immunity gap”. Protection received from their mother’s milk begins to decline, while their own immune system is still developing. 

During this stage, nutrients such as vitamins E and B help support their natural defenses. Mannan-oligosaccharides can also encourage beneficial bacteria in their delicate digestive system. 

Two months: Building a healthy skeleton  

At two months, your puppy needs carefully balanced amounts of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone development. 

This is particularly important for larger breeds, whose developing skeletons will eventually support greater muscle and body mass. 

Four months: Maintaining the right balance 

Your puppy’s skeleton is still developing, so the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus remains essential. 

Young puppies cannot effectively regulate how much calcium they absorb. Excessive calcium intake may affect healthy skeletal development, so always choose a complete and balanced puppy diet, follow the recommended feeding amounts and avoid adding supplements unless advised by your veterinarian. 

Seven months: Developing muscle and body mass 

By seven months, your puppy begins building more body mass and requires high-quality, easily digestible protein. 

Protein provides amino acids that support healthy body tissue, natural defenses, skin and coat. As puppies grow rapidly, they need a higher protein-to-calorie ratio than adult dogs. However, portions should still be carefully managed to prevent excess weight gain. 

Ten months: Supporting joints and continued growth 

By ten months, extra-small and small breeds may be approaching adulthood, while larger breeds still have more growing to do. 

At this stage, large and giant breeds require continued nutritional support for their developing joints. Nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin help nourish cartilage and support normal joint function. 

Adulthood: Maintaining a healthy weight 

As your puppy reaches adulthood, transition them to a carefully balanced adult diet that supports a healthy weight. 

Excess weight can place unnecessary pressure on the bones, joints and organs, affecting your dog’s health and quality of life. Providing precisely balanced nutrition throughout puppyhood—and following the recommended feeding amounts—helps establish a strong foundation for adulthood. 

If you are unsure which nutrition is right for your puppy’s age, breed size or lifestyle, speak to your veterinarian for personalized advice.