The Daily Dog
Puppies 101 - Getting Started

The Best Diet for Your Puppy: from Kibble to Homemade Meals

By Mawoo Pets · 26 May · 4 min read
The Best Diet for Your Puppy: from Kibble to Homemade Meals

If you are a proud pet parent of a new puppy, you're probably navigating the complex world of puppy nutrition. Diet plays a crucial role in your little one's development, health, and overall well-being. With a myriad of choices, from kibble to homemade meals, it is crucial to understand what different options offer. 

The cost of raising a puppy can be overwhelming, and food is often one of the main components. But every diet has its pros and cons. Let us delve deeper into your puppy’s diet choices, to help you make an informed decision about your puppy’s diet.


Kibble: Easy & Efficient

Key advantage: Convenience

Kibble is the most common choice for puppy owners due to its convenience. Formulated to provide balanced nutrition, kibble is made by combining and cooking ingredients like meats, grains, and vegetables. It is then shaped into small, dry pellets that can be easily served and stored.

The primary advantage of kibble is its convenience. It boasts a long shelf life, easy storage, and hassle-free serving. It is also great for your puppy's dental health, as the hard pellets can help reduce tartar buildup.

But beware of lower-end brands, as they may use fillers and additives that are not particularly beneficial for your pup's health. You should try your best to opt for a high-quality brand that uses top-tier, nutritionally rich ingredients. 

Another potential downside of kibble is its taste. Some puppies may find the dry and often monotonous flavor less appealing than other foods.


Wet Food: A Tasty Alternative

Key advantage: Hydrating

Wet dog food is an excellent alternative to kibble, particularly for fussy eaters. Packaged in cans or pouches, wet food is typically higher in protein and moisture content than kibble.

The moist and often more diverse flavors of wet food can be particularly enticing to puppies, which can aid in their eating habits, especially for those who are a bit picky. The high moisture content in wet food also promotes hydration, which can be beneficial for puppies that don't drink enough water.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when opting for wet food. Once opened, it needs to be refrigerated and consumed within a couple of days, making it less convenient than kibble. Additionally, regular consumption of wet food, without proper dental care, could lead to dental issues due to its tendency to stick to teeth.


Raw Diets: Back to Nature

Key advantage: Nutrient-Rich

Often called Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diets, raw diets aim to replicate the diet dogs would have followed in the wild. Proponents of a dog raw food diet plan argue that it's a more natural diet choice, leading to benefits such as shinier coats, healthier skin, and higher energy levels.

However, transitioning to a raw diet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Raw food can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, posing potential health risks if the food isn't handled or stored correctly. Furthermore, achieving a balanced diet with raw foods can be challenging, as it requires a precise mix of meats, bones, and vegetables. This diet choice requires extensive research and possibly consultation with a pet nutritionist.


Homemade Meals: Customizable & Fresh

Key advantage: Personalized

For pet parents who prefer full control over their puppy's diet, homemade meals are an excellent choice. This option allows you to decide the ingredients, ensuring your puppy's meal is free of unwanted additives and fillers.

One of the key benefits of homemade meals is the ability to incorporate a variety of dog-safe fruits and vegetables into your pup's diet. Take asparagus, for instance. According to PetMD, asparagus has Vitamins A, E, C, K, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your puppy’s diet. That said, it should be served in moderation. 

However, creating balanced homemade meals requires considerable time, effort, and knowledge. You must ensure your pup is getting the correct balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It also helps to create a feeding schedule or calendar, which can also prevent puppy aggression. In the calendar, make a note of when to give specific types of puppy food for balanced nutrition. 


Conclusion 

Making an informed decision about your puppy's diet might seem overwhelming, but it's an essential part of raising a healthy, happy pup. Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the journey. Remember, you are not alone in this endeavor, and there is plenty of support available.

Embrace this exciting journey of raising your pup, knowing that each decision you make, including their diet, contributes to their health, happiness, and longevity.

Available Bernedoodle Puppies

Ashes - Bernedoodle Female

Ashes

$1575

BernedoodleGirl

Mary - Bernedoodle Female

Mary

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Draco - Bernedoodle Male

Draco

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

Zeus - Bernedoodle Male

Zeus

$1775

BernedoodleBoy

Nora - Bernedoodle Female

Nora

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Penny - Bernedoodle Female

Penny

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Percy - Bernedoodle Male

Percy

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

Peter - Bernedoodle Male

Peter

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related puppies for sale

Draco - Bernedoodle Male

Draco

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

Ashes - Bernedoodle Female

Ashes

$1575

BernedoodleGirl

Nora - Bernedoodle Female

Nora

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Zeus - Bernedoodle Male

Zeus

$1775

BernedoodleBoy

Peter - Bernedoodle Male

Peter

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

Percy - Bernedoodle Male

Percy

$2325

BernedoodleBoy

Mary - Bernedoodle Female

Mary

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Penny - Bernedoodle Female

Penny

$1775

BernedoodleGirl

Aspen Black Boy - Bernedoodle Male

BernedoodleBoy

Aspen Yellow Boy - Bernedoodle Male

BernedoodleBoy

Arleen - Bernedoodle Female

Arleen

$2200

BernedoodleGirl

Amelie - Bernedoodle Female

Amelie

$2200

BernedoodleGirl

Alice - Bernedoodle Female

Alice

$2200

BernedoodleGirl

Alexander - Bernedoodle Male

Alexander

$2200

BernedoodleBoy

Aladin - Bernedoodle Male

Aladin

$2200

BernedoodleBoy

Aiden  - Bernedoodle Male

Aiden

$2200

BernedoodleBoy

Abel - Bernedoodle Male

Abel

$2425

BernedoodleBoy

Adam - Bernedoodle Male

Adam

$2425

BernedoodleBoy

Ruth - Bernedoodle Female

Ruth

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Rachel - Bernedoodle Female

Rachel

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Noah - Bernedoodle Male

Noah

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Moses - Bernedoodle Male

Moses

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Leah - Bernedoodle Female

Leah

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Adam - Bernedoodle Male

Adam

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Solomon - Bernedoodle Male

Solomon

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Lucy - Bernedoodle Female

Lucy

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Anne - Bernedoodle Female

Anne

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Wesley - Bernedoodle Male

Wesley

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Zinnia - Bernedoodle Female

Zinnia

$4425

BernedoodleGirl

Oakley - Bernedoodle Male

Oakley

$4425

BernedoodleBoy

Any questions? Get in touch!

We are here to support you every step of the way. Our concierge service is here daily to answer your questions!

Chat or speak with our team Mon-Sat 9a-9p ET.

Ready to find your new best friend?

Mawoo Pets is a registered entity in USA and Canada.

Join the pack!

Sign up and stay up to date with lovely pups, deals, new articles, and more!

Find your puppy match!