🐶 Vet Guide 2025: Nutrition & Exercise for Growing Puppies by Dr Duncan Houston
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🐶 Vet Guide 2025: Nutrition & Exercise for Growing Puppies by Dr Duncan Houston
Your puppy’s first year shapes a lifetime of health. In this 2025 vet-approved guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains how to fuel and move your pup for optimal growth—covering diet, body condition, large-breed special needs, and safe exercise routines.
👩⚕️ Speak to Your Veterinarian
Your vet is your puppy’s health partner. Questions today help prevent issues tomorrow—especially during rapid growth.
🥦 Nutrition: Feeding for Growth
Why Puppies Need Specialized Diets
- Puppies require more protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, and calories than adults :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- Look for an AAFCO statement: “complete & balanced for growth” or “all life stages (growth ≥70 lb adult).”
When to Switch to Adult Food
Feed growth diets until about 80% of adult size: ~12 months for small/medium breeds, and ~18–24 months for large/giant breeds :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Large‑Breed Puppy Nutrition
These diets have lower calories, calcium (0.8–1.2% DM), and phosphorus to prevent rapid growth and orthopedic issues :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Adult Food Isn’t the Answer
Switching to adult dog food at six months can unbalance calcium/phosphorus or increase calories :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Manage Body Condition
Adjust portions to maintain a lean score (BCS 4/9). Even large-breed growth diets can promote weight gain if free-fed :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Homemade Diets Require Experts
DIY puppy meals often lack essential nutrients. Consult a board-certified pet nutritionist before hand-preparing food :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
🏃 Exercise: Building Strong Bodies Safely
Growth Plates & Risk of Injury
Forced or repetitive exercise before growth plate closure can cause developmental damage :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
When Growth Plates Close
Small breeds: ~6–12 months | Large breeds: ~12–16 months | Giants: ~18–24 months :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
What Counts as Forced Exercise?
Any sustained activity beyond puppy’s normal play: jogging, fetch, long hikes, repeated jumping :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Safe Activities for Puppies
- Short, leash walks—non-demanding
- Free play with similar-aged pups
- Swimming—low joint stress :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Mental enrichment—sniffing, training, puzzles
Begin Low-Impact Training Early
Around 4–6 mo., introduce core and coordination exercises: backing up, pivoting, supervised stair use, gentle strength work—not jumps :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Delayed Intensity Until Growth Plates Close
Vigorous exercise—jogs, sports, agility—should wait until bone maturity (~12–16 mo large breeds, later for giants) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
🧠 Tracking Your Puppy’s Progress
Monitor weight, body condition, appetite, energy, stool, and growth monthly. Prompt vet reviews for any concerns.
📈 Feeding & Exercise Summary Table
| Stage | Diet | Allowed Exercise |
|---|---|---|
| Birth–4 mo | Puppy formula → growth diet | Play, short walks, gentle handling |
| 4–6 mo | Growth diet; adjust portions | Leash walk, swimming, training games |
| 6–12 mo (large) | Large-breed growth diet | Increase leash play; avoid running/jumping |
| 12–24 mo (giant) | Continue growth diet to skeletal maturity | Gradually add more intense exercise after growth plate closure |
📣 Ask A Vet Support
Need help choosing a puppy diet, adjusting exercise, or assessing growth safely? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App for 24/7 support from expert veterinarians. 🐾📱
✅ Final Takeaway
By feeding a life-stage appropriate, nutrient-balanced diet, managing portions, and engaging in suitable exercise, you support optimal growth and minimize long-term health risks. With guidance from your veterinarian and responsive care, you’re setting your puppy on the path to a strong, healthy life! 🌟
