- When can puppies eat puppy food?
Puppies can usually start eating puppy food when they begin the weaning process, around 4–6 weeks of age. At this stage, you’ll want to introduce it slowly by mixing small amounts of puppy food with their milk replacer or current diet over 1–2 weeks to avoid stomach upset, gradually increasing the puppy food portion until it becomes their main meal. Freshpet offers puppy-specific recipes formulated for their growth and development, which can be used during this transition.
- Can puppies eat fresh food?
Yes, puppies can eat fresh food as long as it’s formulated to support healthy growth and development. Look for a complete and balanced puppy recipe with the right levels of protein, fat, and essential nutrients for growing dogs. Fresh food can be easier to chew and digest, and many puppies enjoy the taste and texture.
- What are the benefits of puppy food?
Feeding fresh food has big benefits for puppies. A high-quality fresh puppy recipe gives them the extra calories and protein they need for growth, along with DHA and EPA fatty acids that support brain development, vision, and immune function. Because Freshpet gently steam-cooks real meats instead of using heavy processing or meat meals, more natural nutrients and flavor are preserved, which can make the food easier to digest and more appealing for picky pups.
- How much food should a puppy eat?
A puppy’s daily amount depends on their age, weight, and activity level, so always start with the feeding chart on your Freshpet puppy recipe and adjust as they grow. Young puppies usually do best with the recommended daily amount split into 3–4 small meals, then transition to 2 meals a day as they get older.
- When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
You should switch your puppy to adult food when they reach full maturity, which depends on size: small breeds around 9–12 months, medium breeds about 12–15 months, and large/giant breeds can take 18–24 months. Use this as a guideline, watch their growth and body condition, and check with your vet before making the switch to an adult Freshpet recipe.
