Feeding a puppy

English cocker spaniel puppy eating dog food

Bringing a new puppy home is one of life’s biggest joys – those soft ears, wagging tails and clumsy little paws make every day feel special. But alongside all the cuddles and excitement comes an important question: how do you feed them right so they grow up healthy and happy? At Harringtons, we know that mealtimes matter. That’s why we’ve pulled together honest, down‑to‑earth advice to help you choose the right food, settle them in with confidence, and keep those bowls, and tails, happily full.

We’ve Been There Too

Bringing a puppy home is pure magic. But we know, from years of feeding our own pups and listening to thousands of dog owners, that mealtimes can bring a few questions.
How much? How often? Which food?
You’re not alone, every new puppy parent feels the same. And because we’ve been there ourselves, we can share what really works in the real world, not just what sounds good on paper.

Practical Know‑How For Growing Pups

Start With What They Know

Before your puppy arrives, ask your breeder:

  • What brand and exact food are they on?

  • How often are they fed?

  • Do they add anything, like warm water?

Sticking with their familiar food for the first week helps them settle without tummy upsets. A simple call or message to the breeder can make those first days so much easier.

Akita Inu puppy eating from dog bowl

Thinking About Changing Food? Do It Slowly

If you want to switch food later, do it gradually over 7–10 days:

  • Days 1–3: 75% old food, 25% new

  • Days 4–6: 50% old food, 50% new

  • Days 7–9: 25% old food, 75% new

  • Day 10: 100% new

Gentle steps mean happy bellies and fewer mealtime worries.

How Much and How Often?

Puppies grow quickly, so they need small meals often:

  • 8–12 weeks: 4 meals a day

  • 3–6 months: 3 meals a day

  • 6–12 months: 2 meals a day

Portion sizes depend on their breed and size, so always check the feeding guide on your chosen food and keep an eye on their body shape. A healthy puppy has a little waist and a glossy coat – and if you’re ever unsure, your vet will be happy to help.

Why So Many Owners Trust Harringtons

At Harringtons, we’ve spent years crafting natural, balanced pet food, and we take real pride in what we do. We know exactly what goes into our recipes because we make them ourselves – carefully and without shortcuts. Every bag or tray is created with your puppy’s wellbeing in mind.

Our puppy range is made with natural ingredients you can feel good about, with no artificial colours or flavours sneaking in. Each recipe is thoughtfully packed with vitamins, minerals and omega oils to support healthy growth, shiny coats and plenty of tail wags. And because every pup has their own preferences, we offer both dry kibble and tasty wet food, so you can choose what suits them best – or even mix them for a bit of variety at mealtimes.

Honest Advice From a Brand That Cares

We’re dedicated to giving you straight‑forward guidance, not jargon. The wellbeing of your puppy is at the heart of everything we do. When you choose Harringtons, you can trust:

  • Clear feeding guidelines on every bag.

  • Recipes developed with care.

  • Support from a team that truly loves pets.

Feeding your puppy doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with what they know, change slowly if you need to, feed them little and often - and choose a food you can feel good about.

With Harringtons, you’re giving your pup honest, wholesome food and setting them up for a lifetime of happy mealtimes.