Puppy food for puppies
Puppy food is not just smaller kibble — it is formulated with higher levels of protein, fat and specific minerals to support a growing dog, and the right one depends on your puppy's expected adult size as much as their current age. Here is what the label terms actually mean, before the range below.
Why puppy food is formulated differently
A growing puppy needs more energy, protein and certain minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, than an adult dog eating simply to maintain their weight. A complete puppy food is built around those higher requirements, which is why an adult food is not a suitable substitute during the growth period.
The balance of calcium and phosphorus matters more than owners often expect, particularly for a puppy who will grow into a large or giant breed — too much or too little relative to their size can affect bone development, which is one reason breed size shows up on puppy food labels rather than just being marketing.
Small, medium and large breed formulas
Small and medium breed puppies grow relatively quickly and reach their adult size within around a year, so their food is formulated around that faster growth curve. Large and giant breed puppies grow more slowly over a longer period, and their food is typically formulated with a more moderate calcium and energy level to support steadier bone growth.
If you are not sure which category your puppy falls into, particularly for a mixed breed or a puppy from a rescue with limited history, a general puppy formula suited to their current weight is a reasonable starting point, with your vet able to advise if anything about their growth looks unusual.
Wet, dry and when to switch to adult food
Both wet and dry complete puppy foods can support healthy growth — the choice often comes down to what your puppy prefers and eats consistently, and dry food generally works out more economical for a growing appetite.
The age at which a puppy is ready for adult food varies by expected adult size, roughly twelve months for a small or medium breed and considerably later, sometimes up to eighteen to twenty-four months, for a large or giant breed. Ask your vet if you are unsure when to make the switch for your specific puppy.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Stainless Steel Pet Travel Water Bottle
A compact 304 stainless steel travel bottle with a leak-resistant cap and wrist strap for walks.
From£14.99
Ceramic Pet Food Bowl
A solid matte-glazed ceramic bowl with a heavy base that stays put through a keen eater's dinner.
From£10.99
Chicken-Wrapped Milk Stick Dog Treats
Chewy dog treats of soft milk sticks wrapped in real chicken for tasty, protein-rich rewarding.
From£12.99
No-Spill Slow-Drink Pet Water Bowl
A no-spill water bowl with a floating disc that lets pets drink freely while stopping splashes.
From£10.99
Dried Catnip & Cat Grass Leaf Treats
A tub of dried catnip and cat grass leaves to sprinkle over toys, scratchers and bedding.
From£8.99
LickiMat OH Bowl for Dogs — Slow Feeder with Tongue-Cleaning Tips
A vet-developed dog feeding bowl with raised rubber tips that clean the tongue as your dog licks — calming, dishwasher safe, and available in three sizes.
From£12.99
Paw-Shaped Silicone Cat Treat Spoon
A soft silicone feeding spoon with a cute paw-shaped scoop, made for serving lickable wet treats and purees straight from the pouch. Mess-free, easy to clean and ideal for hand-feeding and bonding.
£9.99
Airtight Pet Food Storage Container
A high-capacity airtight storage container that keeps dry dog, cat or bird food fresh and moisture-free. Sturdy thick walls, a sealed push-lid and a clear window let you check levels at a glance, with a built-in measuring cup included.
From£10.99
Whiskas 1+ Lamb Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete lamb dry food for adult cats in a practical 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Whiskas 1 Tuna Adult Dry Cat Food
Complete tuna dry food for adult cats, offered in several bag sizes
From£3.19
Whiskas Kitten Chicken Dry Cat Food
Complete chicken dry food for kittens, available in several bag sizes
From£3.19
Whiskas 7+ Senior Cat Complete Dry with Chicken
Complete chicken dry food for senior cats aged 7+ in a 1.9KG bag
£12.39
Common questions
- When should I switch my puppy from puppy food to adult food?
- It depends on their expected adult size — roughly twelve months for a small or medium breed, and considerably later for a large or giant breed, whose bones are still developing well beyond that age. Ask your vet if you are unsure which category your puppy falls into.
- Is wet or dry puppy food better?
- Both can support healthy growth when they are a complete puppy food formulated for the job — the choice mostly comes down to what your puppy eats consistently and what fits your budget, since dry food is generally the more economical option.
- Do large breed puppies really need different food?
- Yes, generally. Large and giant breed puppies grow more slowly over a longer period than smaller breeds, and food formulated for them typically has a more moderate calcium and energy level to support steadier, healthier bone development.
- Can I feed my puppy adult dog food if that's what I already have?
- It is best avoided during the growth period. Adult food is formulated to maintain a fully grown dog rather than support the higher protein, fat and mineral needs of a growing puppy, so a proper puppy formula is worth using until your vet advises it is time to switch.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.