How To Choose The Right Food For Your Puppy and Kitten
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time filled with cuddles, playtime, and plenty of decisions. One of the most important choices you’ll make early on is how to feed your new furry friend. The right nutrition helps support healthy growth, brain development, immune health, and long-term wellbeing. It’s a decision that can definitely feel overwhelming! With so many options out there, how do you know what’s best? That’s why we’ve pulled this handy guide together, to help you choose the right food for your puppy or kitten.
The most important thing…
One of the most important things to look for when choosing a diet is that it’s complete and balanced for puppy or kitten nutrition. This means the food must meet the nutritional profiles established by Internationally recognized nutrient profiles which typically include AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Association). A complete and balanced diet ensures your puppy or kitten receives all the essential nutrients – like protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals – in the correct ratios to support healthy growth and development.
To ensure quality and safety, choose a food that meets the Australian Standard AS 5812 and is made by brands committed to transparency, safety, and stringent third-party audits – such as those that are members of the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA).
Now, where to start?
Kibble, wet, gently cooked or raw feeding – there are so many different options worth considering. The best choice will come down to what suits your pet’s individual needs, your lifestyle, and your values around nutrition.
Some pet parents prefer the convenience of kibble, while others seek out the moisture content of wet food, the minimal processing of gently cooked meals, or the fresh, wholefood appeal of raw feeding.
How to introduce a new diet
When bringing home a new puppy or kitten, it’s always a good idea to find out what diet they were previously fed – particularly by the breeder or rescue centre – so you can transition them gradually to their new diet. Sudden dietary changes can sometimes cause digestive upset, so a slow and steady introduction is best, particularly if their old and new diets are quite different (moving from kibble to raw and vice versa).
Start slow – Gradually introduce the food over the first 7 days, offer 25% of the new food mixed with 75% of their previous diet. Over the week, gradually increasing the amount of the new food. It’s normal for your puppy or kitten to experience some mild digestive changes during this transition period.
How frequently do I feed my new puppy or kitten?
Feeding amounts will vary depending on age, breed, activity level, and the type of diet chosen (for instance, some might be more nutrient dense than others). Generally, puppies and kittens have higher energy requirements than adult dogs and cats because they are growing so rapidly. Even though their stomachs are smaller, they will actually be eating more than a high-activity adult! Young pets typically eat three to four meals a day, gradually decreasing to two as they grow. All good pet food brands will have a feeding guide available for puppies and kittens, for you to follow.
What should I do if my young pet is refusing their food?
It’s very common in the early days for puppies and kittens to be fussy with their food, particularly if they are transitioning to a new diet. The stress of a new environment, unfamiliar routines, and the excitement (or nerves) of settling into their new home can all affect appetite. If your puppy or kitten isn’t eating, try offering meals in a quiet, calm area away from distractions. Some pets find raw or wet food more appealing due to its higher palatability, so this can be a helpful option to consider. Stick to regular mealtimes and avoid offering too many treats in between, as this can reduce their interest in main meals. If your pet refuses food for more than 24 to 48 hours or shows signs of illness, it’s important to consult your vet.
What about milk, or feeding human food?
While mother’s milk is essential in the first weeks, once weaned, most pets don’t need milk. Clean, fresh water and a complete and balanced diet are the best foundations for growth. And as for human food – our recommendation is to stick with pet foods that are specially formulated to meet their dietary needs. Some human foods – like lean means or certain vegetables – can be safe in moderation, but many others are not. Ingredients like onions, chocolate, grapes should be avoided. Human Foods that shouldn’t be fed to pets | PFIAA
And when do I switch to adult food?
Switching too early can leave puppies and kittens without the nutrients they need to grow. As a general guide, kittens can start transitioning to adult food from 12 months of age, small-breed puppies around 11 to 12 months, and large-breed puppies closer to 18 months. Some brands also offer foods that are complete and balanced for both puppies and adult dogs – or kittens and adult cats – which can be another convenient and nutritionally sound option to consider.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right food for your puppy or kitten doesn’t have to be daunting, and hopefully this article has helped demystify everything you need to consider. By focusing on complete and balanced nutrition, considering your pet’s individual needs, and taking the time to transition gradually, you’ll be setting your new companion up for a healthy, happy life. Whether you choose kibble, wet, gently cooked or raw feeding, what matters most is that your pet is thriving – and that you feel confident in the choices you’re making. And if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.