Bringing a new puppy home is an immense joy, but one question quickly arises?: what's the best way to feed them?? Faced with a market saturated with marketing promises, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As a product expert at Joybuy, my role is to help you decode the labels and give you the keys to making an informed choice for your companion.
Choosing the right diet from a young age is crucial, especially for medium and large-breed puppies, whose rapid growth is particularly demanding. Yet, many owners fall into common pitfalls—mistakes that can be costly without actually meeting their pet's real needs.
The 2 Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Puppy Food?:
To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to understand a few criteria that define a high-quality diet for a growing puppy.
A puppy, especially a large-breed one, has high protein needs to build muscle mass and develop its organs. Look for high-protein puppy food, ideally with a level above 30%. This protein should come mainly from high-quality animal sources. Fats are just as important as an energy source, but their level should be controlled (around 18-20%) to ensure balanced growth without the risk of excess weight, which could put stress on a still-developing skeleton.
Quality trumps quantity. A good lamb-based kibble for large-breed puppies should clearly identify its meat source. Lamb is a protein known for its high digestibility. When paired with low-glycemic carbohydrates like pumpkin or legumes (peas, lentils), lamb provides sustained energy and promotes excellent digestive health. This is where the Farmina N&D Pumpkin puppy range stands out, with a formula designed around these principles.
The growth of a medium or large-breed puppy puts significant strain on their joints. The presence of glucosamine and chondroitin in the formula is a major benefit for supporting healthy cartilage development. Likewise, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (often from fish oil), are essential for proper brain and vision development.
Rather than an endless list, here are a few options that fit specific profiles, in line with the selection criteria we've just discussed.
Why we chose it : This large format is aimed at owners of large-breed puppies who are looking for a stable diet over several months. The 12 kg Farmina puppy bag offers an excellent price-to-quantity ratio without compromising on quality, ideal for covering the high nutritional needs during the most intense growth phase.
The ingredient list is transparent : it lists fresh lamb and dehydrated lamb among the first ingredients. This ensures a concentrated and reliable protein supply, far from the illusion of "fresh meat" alone.
According to Farmina, 96% of the protein is of animal origin. The formula is enriched with glucosamine (1400 mg/kg) and chondroitin (1100 mg/kg) for joint support tailored to large breeds.
Why we chose it : Perfect for owners of medium-breed puppies or for those who want to test the formula before committing to a larger bag. This 2.5 kg bag allows you to confirm the food's palatability and digestibility for your pet without a large initial investment.
This formula avoids the "grain-free" trap of being packed with starches. Pumpkin is used as the main source of fibre and carbohydrates, an ingredient known for its digestive benefits and low glycemic index.
This is the exact same recipe as the large-format bag. You are therefore assured of high-quality nutrition in a smaller package, which is practical for a transition or for moderate consumption.
Why we chose it : For puppies that are sometimes picky or for owners who want to vary protein sources, this formula combining chicken and lamb is an excellent alternative.
This recipe is gluten-free but includes so-called 'ancient grains' like millet and oats, which are excellent sources of fibre and slow-release energy. This proves that a quality formula can indeed contain grains, as long as they are well-chosen.
The main ingredient is fresh chicken (26%), supplemented with lamb and krill (a sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids) for a healthy, shiny coat. The formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
We have curated a full range of products that meet our strict selection criteria and current regulations.
The daily amount depends on your puppy's age, current weight, estimated adult weight, and activity level. It is essential to refer to the feeding chart printed on the bag. Weigh the portion with a kitchen scale for greater accuracy. If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.
A dietary transition should always be gradual to avoid upsetting your puppy's digestive system. The process usually takes 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing about 25% of the new kibble with 75% of the old. Gradually increase the proportion of the new food every two or three days until you reach 100%.
What matters most is not the absence of grains but the overall quality of the formula. A grain-free diet like the Farmina N&D Pumpkin range is perfectly suitable. It uses low-glycemic carbohydrate sources, and its formula—rich in high-quality animal proteins and joint supplements—is ideal for ensuring the healthy growth of a large-breed puppy.