Nutrition for Puppies and Kittens

Feeding your puppy or kitten can feel overwhelming, especially with so many choices on the market. However, getting your pet’s nutrition right from the start is one of the best things you can do to support their long-term health, growth, and development. Puppies and kittens grow rapidly in their first year, and their dietary needs are very different from those of adult pets. At Forth Valley Vet Clinic, we’re here to help you choose a balanced, appropriate diet that suits your pet’s breed, size, life stage, and lifestyle. 

Nutrition Matters

WHY GOOD NUTRITION MATTERS

Nutrition affects every part of your pet’s body, from their bones, joints, and muscles to their skin, coat, teeth, and immune system. Feeding a high-quality, complete and balanced diet gives your pet the essential nutrients they need to grow strong and thrive.

Poor nutrition can lead to:

• Weak bones and joints

• Poor growth and development

• Digestive issues

• Dull coat and itchy skin

• Obesity or underweight

• Long-term health problems in adulthood

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY PUPPY OR KITTEN?

We recommend feeding a premium veterinary diet specially formulated for puppies or kittens. Brands like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba are scientifically backed, highly digestible, and nutritionally complete.

What About Supermarket or Home-Cooked Foods?

Supermarket pet foods often meet basic nutrition standards but can contain cheaper ingredients (like offal, cereals, or soy) that reduce digestibility and lead to flatulence, odorous stools, or poor skin condition. Quality pet foods are predominantly sold in pet stores and vets rather than supermarkets. Quality food is more about the ingredients than the price tag so read the label carefully.

Raw or home-prepared diets can seem like a natural option, but they come with significant risks, especially for growing puppies. Home-cooked meals are rarely nutritionally complete unless designed by a veterinary nutritionist. Even small imbalances in calcium, phosphorus, or essential fatty acids can lead to developmental issues, bone deformities, or skin conditions in growing pups.

PUPPY AND KITTEN FEEDING GUIDELINES

TRANSITIONING YOUR PUPPY TO A NEW FOOD

When you bring your puppy home from the breeder, it’s likely they’ve been eating a specific brand or type of food. While you might prefer to feed a different diet—such as a premium veterinary-recommended option—it’s important to transition gradually to avoid upsetting their sensitive digestive system.

Sudden changes in diet can lead to:

• Soft stools or diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Tummy discomfort

Start the transition once your puppy has settled in, usually after 3–5 days. A slow change over 7–10 days is ideal. During the transition always monitor your puppy’s stool consistency, energy levels, and appetite during this time. If you notice vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, or loss of appetite, pause the transition and give us a call.

Here’s a guide you can follow:

DANGEROUS FOODS FOR YOUR PET

HUMAN FOODS THAT ARE (generally) SAFE IN SMALL AMOUNTS

While your pet’s main diet should be complete and balanced, some human foods are safe as occasional treats:

• Cooked chicken (no seasoning, bones or skin)

• Cooked pumpkin or sweet potato

• Plain rice or pasta

• Apple slices (no seeds)

• Blueberries

• Green beans

• Carrot sticks

• Banana

• Broccoli

Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts.

If your pet has any vomiting, diarrhoea, or signs of allergy, discontinue and contact us.