🐶 Puppy Nutrition and Exercise – A 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Raising a puppy is a joyful journey—but also a big responsibility. The early months shape your dog’s lifelong health. In this updated 2025 vet guide, Dr Duncan Houston explains the essentials of feeding, exercising, and nurturing growing puppies safely and responsibly. 🐾

🥗 1. Why Nutrition Matters for Puppies

Puppies grow fast—and that growth demands specific nutrition. Their needs differ dramatically from adult dogs:

• 🧬 Higher calorie needs
• 🦴 Increased calcium and phosphorus for bone development
• 💪 More protein and essential vitamins

Always choose a diet labeled for “growth” or “all life stages”. Look for AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statements to confirm that the food meets the needs of puppies—especially if your pup will grow into a large or giant breed adult. ❗

🐕 2. Puppy vs Adult Food

Can’t I just feed my puppy adult food? The short answer: no. Here’s why:

• 📉 Adult formulas may lack essential minerals for growth
• ⚠️ Incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratios can harm bone development
• 🐕 Large-breed puppies are especially sensitive to nutritional imbalances

Stick with growth formulas until your pup reaches about 80% of their expected adult size—typically:

• 🐶 Small/Medium breeds: ~12 months
• 🦮 Large/Giant breeds: 18–24 months

🔍 3. Regular vs Large-Breed Puppy Diets

Large-breed puppy diets have carefully reduced calorie and mineral levels to prevent overly rapid growth, which increases the risk of orthopedic disease. Key differences include:

• 📉 Lower energy density
• 🦴 Controlled calcium & phosphorus
• 🔬 Designed for skeletal safety

⚖️ 4. Controlling Calories Without Compromise

Worried about your puppy gaining weight too quickly? Don’t switch to adult food—instead:

• 📊 Learn to assess Body Condition Score (BCS)
• 🧮 Adjust food amount—not the type
• 💬 Ask your vet to help determine the right portion

Staying lean reduces the risk of hip dysplasia and other joint issues. A BCS of 4/9 is ideal during growth!

🛑 5. Dangers of Homemade Diets

Thinking about cooking for your pup? Be cautious—generic recipes lack precise mineral control and may be harmful during development. Risks include:

• 🚫 Inaccurate calcium/phosphorus ratios
• 🧮 Missing essential vitamins
• 🦴 Severe orthopedic consequences

If you’re serious about homemade feeding, consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for a custom-balanced recipe.

💡 6. What If My Puppy Is Overweight?

Puppy pudge isn’t cute—it’s risky. To safely reduce weight:

• 🥄 Reduce food amount slightly
• 🚶 Increase low-impact activity (leash walks, swimming)
• 🔄 Monitor progress weekly

Extreme calorie restriction is not safe for puppies—get professional advice first.

🩺 7. Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD)

If your puppy shows signs of limping or joint problems, diet and exercise must be adjusted immediately:

• 🩺 Veterinary diagnosis is essential
• 🥗 Nutrition should be evaluated
• ⚠️ Unchecked, DOD can lead to lifelong issues

🏃‍♂️ 8. Exercise Guidelines for Puppies

While puppies love to run and play, their bones and joints are still developing. Forced exercise can do more harm than good:

• ❌ Avoid long jogs or runs with puppies under 12–15 months (especially large breeds)
• ❌ Don’t overdo jumping, rough play, or agility training early on
• ✅ Allow self-directed play with age-matched dogs
• ✅ Focus on short walks, swimming, and training games

Think of your puppy like an 8-year-old child—active, but not ready for marathons!

🧠 9. Enrichment: Mental Workouts Matter

Engaging your puppy’s brain is just as important as physical exercise:

• 🦴 Puzzle toys and treat dispensers
• 👃 Scent games to explore their environment
• 🎓 Short training sessions (sit, stay, recall)

Mental activity reduces boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior.

✅ Final Tips from Dr Duncan Houston

✔️ Feed a complete & balanced puppy diet ✔️ Monitor your pup’s body condition weekly ✔️ Avoid premature switching to adult food ✔️ Don’t force exercise—protect those growing joints ✔️ Ask your vet before making any big diet or activity changes

Raising a puppy right takes patience, planning, and partnership with your vet. But the reward? A happy, healthy dog for life. 🐕❤️

📲 Get Help with Ask A Vet

Have questions about your puppy’s diet, exercise, or development? Download the Ask A Vet app to connect with licensed professionals like Dr Duncan Houston—anytime, anywhere. 🐾📱