Choosing the right food for a puppy or a kitten is one of the first important nutritional decisions we make as pet owners. The first weeks and months of life shape the physical, immunological and cognitive development of the animal: quality nutrition at this stage is an investment in health for their entire life.
How does puppy food differ from adult food?
Puppies and kittens have very different nutritional needs to those of an adult:
Higher protein intake: they need 25-35% high-quality protein for muscle development and cell regeneration.
Specific fat profile: the fatty acids DHA and EPA (Omega-3) are essential for brain and visual development. DHA is particularly critical in the first months.
Calcium and phosphorus in balance: essential for bone mineralisation. The calcium:phosphorus ratio should be 1.2:1 for medium and large breeds. Excess calcium can cause bone deformities.
Higher calorie density: puppies need more calories per kilogram of body weight than adults, as they grow fast and have a higher metabolic rate.
Puppy food for small, medium and large breeds
This distinction matters. Large breeds have slower, more prolonged growth, so they need formulas with specifically calibrated calcium and phosphorus. Food with excessive minerals for large breeds can cause hip dysplasia or other joint problems. Small breeds, on the other hand, mature earlier and may need to transition to adult food sooner (from 8-10 months).
When to transition to adult food?
The transition depends on the breed:
Small breeds (up to 10 kg as adults): from 8 to 12 months.
Medium breeds (10-25 kg as adults): from 12 to 15 months.
Large and giant breeds (over 25 kg as adults): from 18 to 24 months.
Explore our selection of puppy food to find the most suitable formula for your dog's stage.
What ingredients should a good puppy food contain?
Identified animal protein: fresh chicken, salmon or lamb as the first or second ingredient.
Healthy fats: salmon oil or linseed oil for DHA/EPA supply.
No artificial colours or synthetic preservatives: puppies are especially sensitive to chemical additives.
Prebiotics and probiotics: a puppy's gut microbiota is still developing. Prebiotics (MOS, FOS) help establish a healthy bacterial flora.
Which food to choose for kittens?
Kittens have even more specific nutritional requirements than puppies, because cats are obligate carnivores. From the first months of life, their body depends on nutrients found only in animal tissue.
Key nutrients that must not be missing from kitten food
Taurine: an essential amino acid found only in animal proteins. Its deficiency causes retinal degeneration and serious heart problems. It must be present in any cat food.
Arachidonic acid (AA): unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesise it. It must be supplied directly through animal fats in the food.
High protein (minimum 35-40%): kittens need high protein levels to support their rapid muscle growth. Look for formulas with fresh chicken, turkey or fish as the first ingredient.
DHA for brain development: omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are crucial for cognitive and visual development in the first months of life.
Calcium and phosphorus: essential for the formation of healthy bones and teeth during the growth phase.
Dry food vs. wet food for kittens
Cats have a low thirst drive and are prone to kidney problems from an early age. For kittens, combining dry food with wet food is particularly recommended. Wet food provides direct hydration and is more palatable for the smallest kittens, making it easier for them to adapt to solid food during weaning.
From 4 weeks of age, when the kitten begins weaning, dry food soaked in warm water can gradually be introduced. This eases the transition and improves digestion.
Growth phases of kittens
0-4 weeks: feeding exclusively with mother's milk or specific kitten milk formula.
4-8 weeks (weaning): gradual introduction of moistened kitten food. The kitten learns to eat solids while still taking mother's milk.
2-6 months: phase of rapid growth. Needs 3-4 daily meals of a specific kitten food with high energy and protein density.
6-12 months: growth rate slows down. Meals can be reduced to 2-3 per day. Many kittens can continue with junior food until one year.
From 12 months: gradual transition to adult cat food over 7-10 days.
Find the right food for each stage in our selection of food for baby and junior cats. You can also explore our full cat food section.
How often should a puppy eat per day?
Puppies need more frequent meals than adults because their stomach is smaller and their metabolism faster:
2-3 months: 4 meals per day.
3-6 months: 3 meals per day.
6-12 months: 2-3 meals per day depending on breed.
Kittens follow a similar pattern: it is preferable to always leave a little food available until 6 months.
How to transition food correctly
Always gradually, mixing the new food with the previous one for 7-10 days and progressively increasing the proportion of the new food. An abrupt change can cause diarrhoea or vomiting, both in puppies and kittens.
Discover also our mealtime section to complement your puppy's feeding with the best bowls and accessories.
