Bringing home a new puppy is pure magic - wet noses, wagging tails, and a whole lot of love. But with all that cuteness comes one big responsibility: making sure your puppy gets the nutrition they need to thrive.

At Happy Hounds, we believe that starting your pup on fresh, wholesome food sets them up for a lifetime of good health. But how do you transition your puppy from commercial kibble or canned food to a fresh food diet without upsetting their sensitive tummy?

Don’t worry - we are here to guide you, step by step.

WHY CONSIDER FRESH FOOD FOR PUPPIES?

Just like human babies, puppies are growing at an incredible rate. That growth needs to be supported by:
 ✅ High-quality proteins
 ✅ The right balance of fats and carbohydrates
 ✅ Essential vitamins and minerals

Fresh food offers:

• Better digestibility (hello, fewer upset tummies and smaller poops!)
• Natural moisture (great for hydration)
• Fresh, unprocessed ingredients that give your puppy the best start in life

Plus, fresh food tends to be more palatable, which means even picky puppies usually dive in enthusiastically.

WHEN TO START TRANSITIONING

Ideally, puppies should stay on their mother’s milk until around 8 weeks old. After that, you can start them on solids - and yes, that can include fresh food!

However, if your puppy has been on kibble or another diet before coming to you, it’s important to transition slowly to avoid digestive upset. Puppies have delicate tummies, and any sudden change can result in diarrhea, vomiting, or a loss of appetite.

STEP-BY-STEP TRANSITION PLAN

We recommend a 7–10 day transition period. Here’s how:

Pro tip: Always monitor your puppy’s stools during the transition but slightly softer stools are normal and they will vary in colour depending on the protein.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PUPPIES

• Portion sizes: Puppies need more calories per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs. Make sure you’re feeding the right amount - check our feeding guide or reach out to us for personalised advice.
• Calcium & phosphorus: Essential for healthy bones and teeth. Fresh food formulations (like Happy Hounds) designed for puppies will have the correct balance.
• Frequent feeding: Puppies typically need 3–4 meals a day. Divide their daily portion accordingly.
  

BENEFITS YOU’LL NOTICE

Once your puppy has transitioned successfully, here’s what you’re likely to see:
 ✨ Shiny, soft coat
 ✨ Healthy, consistent stools
 ✨ Lots of energy and playfulness
 ✨ Eagerness at mealtime (no more food refusals!)

TRY OUR PUPPY PACK TO GET YOUR PUP STARTED ON FRESH FOOD

COMMON QUESTIONS

1. What if my puppy doesn’t like fresh food? Some pups are cautious about new textures or smells. Try warming the food slightly or adding a bit of warm water to make it more aromatic.
2. Can I mix fresh food with kibble permanently? While you can, we recommend feeding fresh food exclusively for the full benefits. However, we understand some families prefer a mixed diet - and we’re happy to help guide you on balanced portions.
3. Should I give supplements? A balanced fresh food formulated for puppies usually doesn’t need extra supplementation.

Transitioning your puppy to fresh food is one of the best gifts you can give them - setting them up for a lifetime of health, vitality, and happiness. With a little patience and care, you’ll both be on your way to a healthier, happier journey together.