Excited barks, messy whiskers, and food spilling everywhere — these are just a few of the adorable moments that come with feeding a puppy. Bringing home a new puppy in India is one of the most joyful experiences, whether you're in a Gurugram apartment, a Mumbai bungalow, or a Bengaluru flat. But with India's diverse climate, seasonal ingredients, and a mix of home-cooked and packaged food culture, feeding a puppy here comes with its own unique set of questions.
From knowing what to feed them, to understanding portion sizes, navigating Indian kitchen staples, and knowing when to switch to adult food — this guide is built for Indian puppy parents. Join us as we dive into the world of feeding puppies and learn everything you need to know to keep your puppy happy and healthy!
From when they're born till they're 4 weeks old, puppies require their mother's milk for proper growth and development. If the mother isn't around, you can give them puppy milk replacer in a bottle 3–4 times a day. Once they reach 4 weeks, your puppy's baby teeth will appear, making them ready for the weaning process — the slow transition from mother's milk to puppy food.
HUFT Tip: Puppy milk replacer to puppies is what baby formula is to human babies. These are special formulas in powder or liquid form that give your puppy the same nutrition as their mother's milk.
Puppies are omnivores and can eat a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. It's important that your little one receives proper nutrition to grow into a healthy and happy adult dog. You can start by feeding them home-made foods and then gradually introduce nutritious puppy food (kibble). Adding wet puppy food to their diet is also a great way to ensure they stay hydrated — especially important during India's hot summers.
Here's what to look for in your puppy's packaged food:
Calcium — for bone and teeth development
High-quality protein — for body and muscle development
DHA & EPA — for vision and brain development
Fats and carbohydrates — for energy
Fibers, vitamins and minerals — for overall health
HUFT Tip: You can soak your puppy's kibble in warm water to soften them up. This makes it easier to eat and digest. If your puppy is allergic to certain foods or ingredients, consider hypo-allergenic or grain-free puppy food.
If you're an Indian puppy parent who trusts home-made food more, this part of our guide is for you. Indian kitchens are rich in wholesome ingredients, but some everyday staples can actually be harmful to your puppy. It's important to know what's safe and what's not.
Gajar (Carrots) — great for teeth and digestion
Lauki (Bottle Gourd) — light on the stomach and good for hydration
Kaddu / Pumpkin (boiled) — aids digestion, excellent source of fiber
Moong Dal (cooked, no salt) — easy plant-based protein source
Boiled Chicken (no masala) — excellent lean protein for muscle development
Dahi / Plain Curd — probiotics that support gut health
Anda / Boiled Egg — high protein, easy to digest
French Beans — low-calorie, fiber-rich vegetable
Apples (no seeds) — a crunchy, healthy snack in small amounts
Cucumber — hydrating and refreshing, especially in summer
Roti with salt or ghee-heavy preparations
Chai / milk tea of any kind
Samosas, pakodas, or any fried or oily snacks
Biryani or any masala/spiced rice
Mango — high natural sugar, avoid giving too much
Kaju / Badam / Nuts — toxic for dogs
Grapes and raisins — highly toxic, even in small amounts
Cow milk — can cause digestive issues and diarrhoea
Onions, garlic, chocolate, avocado, caffeine products
Any food with added salt or sugar
If your puppy accidentally ingests any of the above, immediately consult your veterinarian.
Here's a simple home-made khichdi (salt-free porridge) recipe you can whip up for your puppy!
Step 1: Pressure cook pumpkin (kaddu), French beans, carrots (gajar), rice and a little bit of turmeric in water.
Step 2: Top off the khichdi with some boiled, boneless pieces of chicken breast.
Step 3: Allow the food to cool to room temperature. Serve with a bowl of fresh drinking water.
Step 4: You can also top it off with a food topper for extra flavour and nutrition!
HUFT Tip: This recipe works especially well during India's monsoon season when puppies need warm, light food. You can substitute French beans with turai (ridge gourd) or lauki (bottle gourd) based on seasonal availability at your local sabzi mandi. Always remember to feed your puppy in quantities recommended by your vet.
It's essential that your puppy has a fixed meal routine from the start. Here's a general guide:
2–6 months: 4 meals a day — Space all meals at equal intervals. You can soak kibble in warm water to make it easier to eat and digest. If feeding home-made food, consult your vet for supplements.
6–9 months: 3 meals a day — Ensure they get plenty of calcium through their diet for complete bone and growth development.
12 months and above: 2 meals a day — Ideally all dogs should have puppy food till this age. Larger breeds should transition slowly and may need puppy food till 18–24 months.
HUFT Tip: Reach out to your vet before introducing kibble to your puppy. Always ensure that your puppy has clean drinking water available at all times. Use size-appropriate bowls for proper proportions.
No two puppies get hungry in exactly the same way! Each puppy is different, and so are their eating habits. Just like us Indians who adjust our eating around the weather, seasons, and daily routine — your puppy's lifestyle, activity level, and even the season can affect their appetite.
Observe your puppy and try to understand when they communicate that they're hungry — through whining at the sight of food or giving you those classic 'puppy eyes' around meal times.
Once you've chosen a healthy puppy food, check the feeding guidelines on the back of the packaging and adjust according to how hungry they seem.
We recommend consulting your vet or a nutritionist for a tailored diet plan that caters to your puppy's age, size, and breed.
If your puppy has had too many treats during training, adjust their meal quantities accordingly. Plenty of exercise helps them digest their food better!
India's extreme climate variations — from scorching Delhi summers to humid Mumbai monsoons to cold Shimla winters — can significantly affect your puppy's appetite and hydration needs. Here's how to adapt your puppy's feeding routine across the seasons:
Feed during cooler parts of the day — early morning and evening. Add more wet food or water-soaked kibble to maintain hydration. Keep fresh water available at all times. Puppies in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Nagpur are especially prone to dehydration during peak summer.
Avoid leaving food out for long periods as high humidity causes food to spoil quickly. Stick to fresh meals and clean bowls after every feeding. Puppies in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai need extra attention to food hygiene during monsoon.
Puppies in colder regions like Delhi NCR, Shimla, or Pune at night may need slightly more calories to maintain body heat. Warm khichdi is an excellent comfort meal during winter months.
Different dog breeds popular in Indian homes have varying nutritional needs. Here's a quick reference:
|
Breed |
Feeding Note |
|
Labrador Retriever |
Prone to obesity. Measure every meal carefully and avoid overfeeding treats. |
|
Golden Retriever |
High energy breed. Needs protein-rich puppy food for muscle development. |
|
Indian Pariah (Indie) |
Hardy breed. Thrives well on a home-cooked food and kibble mix. |
|
Shih Tzu |
Small portions needed. Consider grain-free if showing signs of food allergy. |
|
Beagle |
Very food-motivated. Monitor weight and avoid leaving food out between meals. |
|
German Shepherd |
Large breed formula needed. Transition to adult food only at 18 months. |
|
Husky |
High energy, needs nutrient-dense food. Extra hydration during Indian summers. |
|
Pomeranian |
Small breed with a tiny stomach. Multiple small meals work better. |
Puppies always seem to want more food! But if they're constantly hungry, it can also be a sign to get them dewormed. In India, puppies are particularly prone to intestinal worms due to environmental conditions. Deworming is a process of removing parasites from your puppy's stomach that might be causing digestive issues and nutrient absorption problems.
Here's a deworming schedule to follow:
First deworming at 2–3 weeks of age
Second dose two weeks after the first
Monthly deworming up to 6 months of age
Every 3 months after 6 months, or as recommended by your vet
Most vets across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai recommend common brands like Banminth, Canworm, and Drontal — but always use only on your vet's specific advice and dosage instructions.
Puppy parenting in India is a beautiful, sometimes messy, always rewarding journey. Whether you're whipping up a warm khichdi in your Delhi kitchen, sourcing seasonal vegetables from your local mandi, or figuring out the best kibble for your Labrador pup in Bengaluru — know that every step you take is an act of love.
Don't worry if you make a mistake here or there, or feel confused and overwhelmed at times. Trust the process, ask your vet for help, and remember to cherish this beautiful time in your life with your adorable pup!
Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs. Feed 4 meals per day from 8–12 weeks, 3 meals per day from 3–6 months, and 2 meals per day from 6–12 months. Always follow your vet's guidance based on your puppy's breed and size.
Portion sizes depend on your puppy's age, weight, and breed. Start with the feeding guide on your puppy food packaging and adjust based on body condition. Your puppy should have a visible waist and you should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs.
Look for food labeled "complete and balanced for puppies" or "all life stages" by AAFCO. Options include dry kibble, wet food, or a combination. Large-breed puppies benefit from food specifically formulated to support controlled bone growth.
Homemade and raw diets can be risky if not properly balanced, as puppies have very specific nutritional needs. If you prefer these options, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet meets all requirements.
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