: Feeding your puppy

How long do I need to use puppy food?

During the growth period a pup's requirements are significantly different to those of an adult dog. This is particularly true for protein and energy as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus involved in bone formation.

Even when the pup appears to be close to its adult weight, its requirements are still those of a pup. For example, by the time the pup reaches 80% of its adult weight, it requires 1.2 times as much energy on a per kg basis as an adult dog, and needs a different calcium/phosphorus ratio.

Smaller breeds do reach maturity at a much earlier age than larger breeds. A Yorkshire terrier for example may progress to an adult food at approximately 6 months of age, whereas a Newfoundland would require a growth formula until approximately 2 years of age. The following graph could be used as a guide.