What to feed a new puppy

The first week: stick with what they know

Ask your breeder or the rescue you got your puppy from exactly what they have been eating, including the brand and, ideally, take a small bag of it home with you if you can, since a sudden supply gap is a common reason owners end up switching food faster than planned. Feed the same food, at similar times, for at least the first several days while your puppy settles in.

This period is about giving your puppy's digestion one less thing to adjust to while everything else — the house, the people, the smells, the routine — is already new. It is not about the food being right or wrong for the long term; it is about timing the change sensibly.

How to transition if you're changing food

Once your puppy has settled in, typically after a week or two, introduce a new complete puppy food gradually over 7 to 10 days: start with mostly old food and a small amount of the new, and shift the ratio a little each day until the new food has fully replaced the old. This slow swap gives the gut bacteria time to adjust rather than being overwhelmed by a sudden change in ingredients.

Watch your puppy's stools through the transition — some softening in the first day or two of introducing something new is common, but ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting or a puppy that seems unwell means slowing the transition down or, if it does not settle, speaking to a vet rather than pushing through.

Choosing a complete puppy food

Whatever you choose, make sure it is labelled as a complete food for puppies, appropriately sized for your puppy's expected adult size — small, medium or large breed formulas differ in calorie density and, for large breeds, in calcium levels to support slower bone growth. A breeder or vet can advise on which category fits your specific puppy if you are unsure.

Feed set meals rather than leaving food out all day at this age, both to establish a routine and to make it easier to notice if your puppy's appetite changes, which is often one of the first signs something is not quite right.

Common questions

Can I switch my new puppy's food straight away?

It is better to wait until they have settled in for a week or so first. A sudden food change on top of a new home is one of the more common causes of an upset stomach in a puppy's first days.

How long should I take to switch my puppy to a new food?

Around 7 to 10 days is a sensible pace, gradually increasing the proportion of new food while decreasing the old each day. This gives your puppy's digestion time to adjust rather than reacting to a sudden switch.

What if my puppy won't eat in the first few days at home?

A slightly reduced appetite for a day or two while settling in is common and often resolves on its own as your puppy relaxes. If they refuse food entirely for more than a day, or seem lethargic or unwell, speak to a vet rather than waiting to see.

Should I feed my puppy on a schedule or leave food out?

Set mealtimes rather than food left out all day work better for a new puppy, both for house-training routine and because it makes changes in appetite easier to spot early.