FAQ: Food for dogs

Up to about 3–4 months, puppies are usually fed 3–4 times a day, then 3 times, and from six months twice a day. Divide the daily amount according to the pack's table and the puppy's growth.

Large-breed puppies grow for a long time, and too much calcium and energy can cause overly fast growth and joint and bone problems. Large-breed puppy food has controlled energy and calcium levels.

A puppy eating a complete puppy food doesn't need calcium supplements, and an excess can harm bone development, especially in large breeds. Give supplements only if a vet prescribes them.

Small breeds usually switch to adult food at about 9–12 months, medium breeds at about 12 months, and large and giant breeds at 15–24 months. Make the change gradually and ask a vet if unsure.

The amount depends on age and expected adult weight, so use the puppy food table, which lists both. A puppy should grow up lean, with ribs you can feel easily.

Cow's milk isn't suitable for puppies, as many digest lactose poorly and can get diarrhoea. If a puppy needs milk, special puppy milk replacers are used.

Feed orphaned puppies a special puppy milk replacer from a bottle, following the maker's instructions and your vet's advice. Very young puppies need feeding often, even at night, so veterinary supervision is essential at this stage.

Yes, puppy food or a food made for breeding is recommended for many dogs in the last third of pregnancy and while nursing, because their energy needs rise sharply. Discuss the amount and timing with a vet.

Feeding an adult dog puppy food long term isn't recommended, as it is higher in calories and can lead to weight gain. Exceptions are pregnancy and nursing, or when a vet prescribes it.

Yes, if it is a complete puppy food. Wet food or soaked dry food is especially suitable during weaning, while the puppy's teeth are still small.

Usually because of stress and a change of food, so give the same food it ate before for the first weeks. If the diarrhoea lasts more than a day, there is repeated vomiting, the puppy is lethargic or there is blood in the stool, see a vet straight away.

Yes, puppy foods are often divided by expected adult size: small-breed puppies need more energy per kilogram and smaller kibble, while large-breed puppies need controlled growth. Choose by the dog's expected adult weight.

Better not: leftovers unbalance the diet, encourage fussiness and begging at the table, and some foods are poisonous to dogs. Use puppy treats or part of the daily food allowance as rewards.

A puppy should grow and gain weight steadily, be energetic, and have ribs that are easy to feel but not visible. Weigh the puppy regularly and discuss its growth with the vet at vaccination visits.

Senior food is usually suggested from 8–10 years for small breeds and from 6–7 for large ones. There is no need to switch if the dog is healthy and doing well on its current food; decide based on weight, activity and your vet's advice.

Senior food often has fewer calories, more easily digestible protein and fibre, and added nutrients to support the joints and brain. Recipes vary a lot between makers, as there is no single standard for senior food.

Healthy older dogs usually don't need less protein, as it helps them keep their muscle mass. Restricting protein or phosphorus is only needed for certain conditions, such as kidney disease, and only on a vet's advice.

An old dog may have sore teeth or a weaker sense of smell, so soaked or warmed food, a wet food topper or smaller kibble can help. If the appetite drops suddenly or the dog is losing weight, see a vet.

With age a dog moves less and its metabolism slows, so the same amount of food provides too much energy. Reduce the portion or choose a lower-calorie food and keep an eye on the weight.

Weight loss in old age can be linked to dental problems, muscle loss or illness, so it is always worth discussing with a vet. While the cause is being found, choose a tasty, easily digestible food and keep track of how much the dog eats.