Designed for Puppy Needs – Puppy Feeding Under the Magnifying Glass
What is puppy food? How do Alvar's puppy recipes differ from each other? What should be considered in a puppy's diet? Our veterinarian Henna explains!
The Basics of Puppy Feeding
During the growth period, special attention should be paid to a dog's diet. A puppy needs just the right amount of energy (calories), sufficient protein to support growth and development, and the right balance of minerals required for bone development. The ideal concentration of essential fatty acids, fibers supporting intestinal health, and protective nutrients like vitamins complete a balanced diet.
What Are Alvar's Puppy Recipes Like – Differences and Common Features
Three recipes from Alvar’s product range are specifically designed for puppies, taking into account the nutritional requirements during the growth period. The main difference between these recipes is the energy and fat content of the products.
All of Alvar’s puppy foods contain fish oil, providing long-chain fatty acids, EPA & DHA, which are crucial for the development of the puppy's nervous system. The food’s good digestibility and customized fiber composition with prebiotics support the ideal functioning of the puppy's digestive system and the formation of a proper gut microbiome. Added vitamins, along with Nordic berries and herbs, provide antioxidants that help boost the puppy’s natural immune system development.
Alvar Pet Performance/Chicken dry food
Performance/Chicken is a highly energy-dense kibble with a high fat and protein content. It is especially suitable for small breed puppies that need a lot of nutrients and calories to support their rapid and intense growth. This energy-dense food allows for a moderate serving size suitable for small stomachs. Performance/Chicken is also suitable for all very young puppies, starting from around three weeks old, that are in the weaning stage. Nutrient profile to match the needs of puppies and pregnant and whelping bitches. Omega fatty acids and correct mineral balance for healthy development. Antioxidants and prebiotics to support natural defences.
Alvar Pet Puppy/Chicken dry food
Puppy/Chicken is suitable for puppies of many sizes due to its nutrient composition with the right serving size. It contains plenty of protein and fat. Puppy/Chicken best meets the needs of small and medium-sized puppies as well as large, active puppies. A nutrient profile tailored for the needs of growing puppies, supporting healthy development. Antioxidants and prebiotics to support natural defenses.
Alvar Pet Sensitive/Fish dry food
Sensitive/Fish is a recipe specifically designed for larger breed puppies. Its more moderate energy and fat content, along with a customized calcium amount, supports safe bone growth for large breeds. The recipe’s fiber composition is tailored for large dogs' digestion and contains cartilage-building components to support joint development. Nutrient profile tailored to the needs of large breed puppies, supporting healthy growth with balanced minerals and omega fatty acids.
Time to Grow into an Adult – Transitioning Your Dog to Adult Food
It is always important to choose a recipe specifically designed for the needs of a growing dog when feeding a puppy. Adult dog foods may not contain enough or the right balance of nutrients essential for puppies. These deficiencies might not be immediately obvious from the product label, especially if it concerns a specific amino acid that a growing puppy might lack, so it is safest to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Once the puppy matures, feeding often needs to be adjusted to be slightly lighter, as the extra energy required for growth is no longer needed. At this point, it is common to switch to a recipe meant for adult dogs. However, adult dogs can also be fed “puppy foods” if they match the dog’s energy needs and other requirements. The biggest risk of feeding energy-dense puppy food to adult dogs is excessive energy intake.
Is It Necessary to Switch Food?
In Alvar's product range, the puppy recipes are specifically formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of puppies, but they are also recommended on a case-by-case basis for adult dogs. Our recommendation tool allows for precise portioning, so we can recommend all of the recipes from our range for adult dogs based on their individual needs. For puppies, we only recommend food designed specifically for their needs.
