As many of us welcomed new dogs into our homes over the Covid lockdowns and many families welcomed in new canine companions over the Christmas period, many of you will have a whole host of questions about your precious puppies that you need answering.
One of the most common questions we get at The Pets Larder is, “What is the difference between puppy foods and regular dog foods”? And in today's article, we will be demystifying this perplexing puzzle for you all, so you don't have to wonder any longer!
Most of us will be able to work out some of the differences in puppies' food when compared to that of adult dogs as we will have seen the differences in baby foods compared to what we eat when reaching maturity. Many of the same variances will be made, such as the size of food, digestibility and nutritional density, due to the smaller size and higher calorific output of young mammals.
Calorie density is the single biggest difference between adult dog foods and puppy foods, not only do puppies expend a lot more energy in their daily activities, but they also require additional calories in order to build new muscle, healthy bones and develop their essential organs to be as robust as possible. Puppies also struggle more than adult dogs to maintain their body temperature as they won’t have grown their adult coat or stored enough fats in order to do this naturally, another important factor in keeping the calories high in puppy foods. If adult dogs were to eat puppy foods it would put them in danger of becoming overweight and eventually obese, as the formulations would be far too calorie heavy.
The size of puppies' stomachs also affects the constituents of their food, puppy food is more nutrient-dense so smaller meals can deliver the nutrients the dogs need without overfeeding and risking obesity and other weight-related issues. Puppy foods will also contain higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals to aid in the healthy growth of bones, coat and essential organs, these can include, omegas 3 & 6 which aid in the growth of a healthy coat and nervous system, Vitamin D which is essential for the assimilation of proteins and fats in a healthy dog (both of which are necessary for productive growth), and ingredients that are packed full of amino acids, the building blocks of all proteins and the key to healthy maturity in all mammals.
At The Pets Larder we have fabulous foods that are formulated especially for your precious puppies. All of the dog foods on our shelves are chosen for their natural ingredients, healthy recipes and their ability to deliver the right nutrients to your dogs, whatever their age, size or breed. If you are unsure of what food is right for your puppy please don’t hesitate to contact us, as we are always happy to give advice based on our years of premium dog care experience. It is also good to talk to your vet when introducing a new canine companion to your family, as they will be able to advise you about the best ways to look after your dogs to ensure a happy and healthy life with you for as long as possible.
We love to supply our customers with the best all-natural pet food options and sometimes that simply means making them ourselves! Our very own Aflora Star Gazey is an all-natural puppy food that is packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals your puppy needs and is specially formulated to give young dogs everything they need to feed all of their energetic escapades. Made with a superb seafood based recipe, utilising all the taste and benefits of salmon, haddock and blue whiting, this perfect puppy food is not just nutritious it's delightfully delicious too.
TEDDY Talks was created by Katy Peck, a passionate dog advocate with years of hands-on experience in behaviour, training, and nutrition. As the co-founder of one of Cornwall’s busiest dog day care centres, Katy helped care for up to 80 dogs a day, learning first-hand what makes dogs feel calm, confident, and understood.
In 2018, she brought that knowledge into the world of natural nutrition by opening a pet shop focused on healthy, wholesome choices — supporting thousands of customers with thoughtful advice, honest information, and a personal touch.
TEDDY Talks is the natural next step: a way to take everything we’ve shared in person and make it available to every dog lover, everywhere. These free downloads and training tools are built from real experience, not just theory — and grounded in kindness, patience, and the belief that when we understand why, we can teach how.
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