Why special puppy kibbles?
Puppy growth
The puppy is not a small adult dog; it’s an animal in development with very specific needs.
The growth of a puppy spans several months depending on the breed: from 7 to 8 months for a mini-dog like the Chihuahua to 18 months or even 24 months for a giant breed dog like the Newfoundland.
It’s an intense time when:
- The skeleton develops
- The organs grow
- The senses come into play
For all this, the puppy needs nutrients and energy provided by the diet. And they must be supplied in the right amount.
Puppies’ protein and calcium needs are higher than those of adults. A diet that’s too poor can lead to growth disorders such as rickets.
But conversely, excessive or unbalanced nutrition can cause conditions such as obesity or joint disorders (dysplasia).
The benefits of puppy kibbles
Like all mammals, the puppy is initially fed by maternal milk. At the age of 1.5 months, solid food can be introduced.
Puppy kibbles are a practical, economical, and safe option from a health perspective.
The nutritional needs of a puppy are specific, and it’s challenging to perfectly meet them with a homemade diet (cooked at home from fresh ingredients).
With kibbles, nutritionists have worked to create a food that perfectly meets the needs of growing dogs.
Provided you choose the right ones!
Which criteria should be considered when buying puppy kibbles?
Before buying a dry food for your puppy, you’ll need to consider several factors, such as the composition of the kibbles, as well as the age and breed of your new companion.
Composition of puppy kibbles
Regarding growth foods, an unbalanced composition can have dramatic consequences. To select the right puppy kibbles, you can refer to the recommendations of pet-food industry professionals.
The Fediaf (The European Pet Food Industry Federation) recommends the following minimum levels for a puppy (in % of dry matter (DM) of the food):
- Protein: 25%
- Fat: 8.5%
As with adult dogs, animal-based proteins (meat, eggs, fish…) are preferred for their higher nutritional value compared to plant-based proteins (wheat, rice, soy…).
Regarding minerals, both deficiencies and excesses can be sources of potential bone growth problems. The following rates are recommended:
- Calcium (Ca): 0.8 to 1.3%
- Phosphorus (P): 0.7 to 1.1%
- Ca/P ratio > 1.1
The balance between different minerals is as important as their total amount. Be careful, you should never supplement minerals in a puppy receiving special growth kibbles.
Fatty acids are essential for the development of the brain and retina. The Omega 6/Omega 3 ratio should be less than or equal to 5.
Kibbles should also contain various vitamins in sufficient quantities, such as:
- Vitamin A: 500 IU/100g of DM
- Vitamin D: 50 IU
- Vitamin E: 5 IU
These basic minimums can be refined based on the puppy’s age and also its size once adult.
The age of the puppy
Certains fabricants distinguent des aliments croissance 1er âge (jusqu’à 14 semaines) et 2éme âge (au-delà de 14 semaines). Les besoins du chiot varient un peu entre ces deux périodes avec des taux en protéines, d’acides gras et de calcium plus élevés pour les croquettes chiot 1er age puppy kibbles.
De plus, avant 14 semaines, les capacités de digestion du chiot ne sont pas encore optimales, les croquettes 1er age kibbles contain particularly digestible ingredients.
The breed of the puppy
This is a fundamental criterion to consider. Many manufacturers have developed 2 or even 3 ranges of puppy kibbles based on adult weight.
Large breed puppies (over 25 kg at adult weight) have a longer growth period. They must grow slowly, without being overweight. For them, a less fatty diet (maximum 16% lipids) without excess minerals should be prioritized.
A good balance between energy, protein, and minerals ensures giant breed puppies a harmonious growth that respects their bone and muscle development.
Organic puppy kibbles
Why not develop good habits from the start?
Kibbles made with ingredients from organic farming and breeding are the guarantee of a healthier food without residues. A real asset for your puppy’s longevity!
What quantity of kibbles should I give my puppy?
The amount of kibbles to give your puppy depends on their age, weight, adult size, and the product’s energy density… Don’t worry, the manufacturer usually provides a chart with all this information on the bag.
It is important to measure the exact amount of kibbles with a kitchen scale or a measuring cup provided by the seller.
The quantity of kibbles should be divided into 3 meals a day, then reduced to 2 starting at 3/4 months.
As a general rule, it’s advised to regularly weigh your puppy to ensure they are gaining weight. And feel their chest (you should be able to feel the ribs) to check that they are not overweight.
If you need to change food, remember to make a dietary transition by mixing the old and new kibbles for a few days.
If your puppy shows digestive disorders (vomiting and/or diarrhea), don’t delay in consulting a veterinarian.
Where to buy puppy kibbles?
At the veterinarians
At your veterinarian, you will find premium brands and advice depending on your puppy’s breed. Veterinary ranges allow you to support the animal throughout its life, from puppy to senior.
In pet stores
They offer similar kibbles to those in veterinary clinics. The very broad choice can sometimes be a little overwhelming.
In supermarkets
Supermarkets generally offer lower-quality kibbles in terms of nutrition, especially if the prices are particularly low.
This is not necessarily a good choice for this very specific and demanding growth period of the puppy.
Online
Beware of the danger! Before ordering online, check the site’s reliability, the origin of the kibbles, and inquire about the composition.
There are now online shops offering exclusively veterinary ranges where you can order with peace of mind. Check with your veterinarian.
In summary
Quality puppy kibbles:
1. Contain animal-derived proteins at a minimum rate of 25%
2. Have a calcium content of around 1%
3. And a Ca/P ratio >1.1
4. Are preferably organic
5. Are preferably for first age if less than 14 weeks
6. Are adapted to the breed of your little companion
7. Are purchased in specialized circuits
