Puppy Nutrition 101: What to Feed Your Puppy in the First Year
Rearring a puppy is a happy, at times disorderly adventure – full of snuggles, chewed footwear, and spidery zoomies. However, behind the fun, there is one extremely serious task: to feed your puppy the appropriate diet to ensure that he or she develops into a healthy and strong grown-up.
Similar to human infants, growing puppies have a highly specific nutrient-energy ratio during the first year of life that is required to sustain high growth, neurocognitive, and immune development. Giving them less may result in their slow growth, bone weakness and health complications in the later years.
You can be a first-time dog parent or a new member of the pack you are very much welcome here, but this guide will cover all the details you need to know about puppy nutrition in Nigeria and how Chewy Puppy Growth Formula can support you.
Why Puppy Nutrition Is Different
Puppies are not small dogs, but have different nutritional requirements which rapidly fluctuate in the initial 12 months.
Here’s why:
- Rapid development: Within weeks, puppies gain in body weight two to three times!
- IMMUNE development: They are developing resistance to illnesses.
- Brain development: Development in the brain, as well as the brain and eye development.
- Increased energy requirements: There are higher fuel requirements to play and learn.
Fun fact: Puppies have nearly two times more calories per kg of adult dogs!
When you feed your puppy as an adult dog or even worse, you feed him using human food, that can cause nutrient deficiencies or stomach problems.
What Nutrients Do Puppies Need?
Here’s a breakdown of the essential nutrients your puppy needs and why they matter:
1. High-Quality Protein
Supports muscle and organ development
Fuels their active little bodies
Should come from real meat sources (chicken, beef, fish)
2. DHA (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Crucial for brain and vision development
Improves trainability and memory
Supports nervous system growth
3. Calcium & Phosphorus
Builds strong bones and teeth
Prevents growth abnormalities
Must be balanced — too much or too little is harmful
4. Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin E & C: Support immune system
Vitamin A: Helps with vision and skin
Zinc: Promotes a healthy coat and healing
5. Easily Digestible Carbohydrates & Fiber
Provides energy
Keeps digestion smooth
Supports a healthy gut microbiome
Pro Tip: Look for puppy food that’s specifically formulated for growth — not just labeled “for all life stages.”
How Much Should You Feed Your Puppy?
Puppies’ food requirements change as they grow. Here’s a general guideline by age:
| Puppy Age | Meals per Day | Feeding Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 6–12 weeks | 4 meals/day | Small, frequent meals are best |
| 3–6 months | 3 meals/day | Portion sizes increase gradually |
| 6–12 months | 2 meals/day | Transition closer to adult routine |
Feeding Amount:
Always use the feeding chart of your puppy food bag (such as the one on Chewy Puppy Growth Formula). Modify according to breed, level of activity and the advice of the vet.
Malnutrition may retard growth. When over-eating, it may lead to obesity or joint problems.
Typical Puppy Feeding mistakes (to avoid).
These are some of the well-intended errors that Nigerian pet parents commit:
Feeding Human Leftovers
Most of the dishes in Nigeria include spices, onions, or salt, which are poisonous to dogs.
Mixing Brands Randomly
Rapid change of foods may produce digestive disturbance or diarrhea.
Over-treating
Less than a tenth of the calories that your puppy needs should be treats.
Feeding Adult Dog Food
It does not contain the optimal calcium protein and calories required by puppies.
Why Chewy Puppy Growth Formula is Ideal to Nigerian Puppies.
We are aware of the special issues facing the dog owners in Nigeria, such as bad climates and access to high-quality imported foodstuffs, at Chewy Pets Feeds.
This is why we designed Chewy Puppy Growth Formula, which is a vet-inspired, NAFDAC approved dog food that is specifically designed to suit the needs of Nigerian puppies by utilizing locally sourced ingredients that:
Strong Bones & Teeth
- Skeletal health balanced calcium and phosphorus.
Brain Development
- High in DHA to boost intelligence, memory and vision.
Digestive Health
- Soft on tender tummies, fiber to help digest.
Immune Boosting
- Vitamin-stuffed with necessary immunity and vitality.
High Palatability
- Puppies enjoy the flavor, so you have an easier time with meals.
And it has NAFDAC approval– safety and quality assurance to your pup.
How to Transition to a New Puppy Food
If you’re switching your puppy to Chewy Puppy Growth Formula, it’s best to do it gradually over 7 days to avoid upsetting their stomach.
| Day | Old Food | Chewy Formula |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3–4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5–6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7+ | 0% | 100% |
When to Switch to Adult Dog Food
Your puppy is now prepared to adult dog food when they:
- Gain approximately 80-90%, of their projected adult weight.
- Are 10-12 months (in small/med breeds)
- Or 12-18 months old (in large/giant breeds)
At that point, you can move to Chewy Premium Adult Dog Food – which is specifically designed to sustain muscle, energy, and immune health.
Final Thoughts: Feed with Love, Feed with Chewy
Bringing up of a healthy puppy begins in the food bowl. Since the initial wag of the tail up to the initial bark, your puppy relies on you in all aspects, more so, nutrition.
Feeding Chewy Puppy Growth Formula you are providing them with:
- A strong body
- A sharp mind
- The place to begin a good life.
Each Nigerian dog requires the best, and Chewy Pets Feeds are just the place where it can get it.