No Products in the Cart
Bringing a puppy into your life is an exciting adventure, filled with milestones and learning moments. The first year of your puppy’s life is full of rapid physical and emotional changes, and understanding what to expect during each stage can help you support their growth. Let’s take a look at the growth timeline for your puppy—and how you can support them with the right nutrition!
Weeks 1–4: The Early Days – A New Beginning
During the first few weeks, your puppy is heavily reliant on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and comfort. If you’ve brought a puppy into your home at this stage, they will still be developing essential social skills.
Physical Development: At this stage, puppies are gaining weight, with their eyes and ears starting to open, and they begin to explore their surroundings.
Nutritional Needs: Puppies need nutrient-dense food for growth. At this stage, formulas like Wild Islands Pacific Catch provide high-quality proteins from New Zealand salmon, mackerel, and hoki, delivering essential omega fatty acids to support brain development and healthy skin.
Weeks 5–8: Socialization – The Critical Learning Period
From 5 to 8 weeks, puppies become more active and curious, exploring their world and starting to socialize. This is the time to begin introducing them to a variety of experiences, people, and other dogs.
Physical Development: They’re growing fast! Their limbs become more coordinated, and they start to move around more freely.
Nutritional Needs: This is a crucial stage for bone and muscle development. Wild Islands Pacific Catch supports this rapid growth with nutrient-dense fish proteins, green-lipped mussel for joint support, and DHA for brain and eye development.
Months 2–3: Teething & Play – Developing Independence
At this age, puppies start to wean off their mother’s milk and begin eating solid food. They also start to exhibit more playful and independent behavior, which is a great time to begin potty training and establishing routines.
Physical Development: Their teeth come in during this period, so teething can be intense, leading to increased chewing.
Nutritional Needs: As their nutritional needs increase, choosing the right food is vital. Wild Kangaroo & Apples Recipe is a great option—featuring novel kangaroo protein, it’s hypoallergenic, easy to digest, and ideal for sensitive tummies.
Months 4–6: Midway Mark – Growth Spurt
At 4 to 6 months, puppies experience a significant growth spurt. They become more energetic and curious, and their coordination improves. However, they may still be a bit clumsy.
Physical Development: They begin to grow rapidly, especially in large breed puppies. Their legs may seem too long for their body as they go through a bit of an awkward phase.
Nutritional Needs: Wild Kangaroo & Apples Recipe delivers lean, high-quality protein and fiber-rich apples to support steady growth, muscle development, and digestive health, without triggering common food allergies.
Months 6–9: Adolescence – Testing Boundaries
Just like human teenagers, puppies between 6 and 9 months can go through a rebellious phase. They may start testing boundaries and need a little extra patience from you.
Physical Development: This is when puppies start to resemble their adult size, although large breed dogs will continue to grow for a bit longer.
Nutritional Needs: Wild Islands Pacific Catch continues to support their needs with a high-protein, fish-based formula, ideal for maintaining lean muscle mass while fueling their boundless energy.
Months 9–12: Becoming a Teen – Maturing Into Adulthood
By the time they reach 9 to 12 months, most puppies have reached their full size (though large breed dogs may still be growing). They’ll start to mature both physically and emotionally, becoming a little more settled, though still full of energy.
Physical Development: Many puppies will reach their adult size by 12 months, though their bodies will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass.
Nutritional Needs: Wild Kangaroo & Apples Recipe supports this final transition with balanced nutrients that maintain energy levels, muscle tone, and optimal digestion as they approach adulthood.
Your puppy’s first year is a whirlwind of milestones and rapid development, both physically and emotionally. Providing the right nutrition—such as Wild Islands Pacific Catch for protein-rich, fish-based nourishment or Wild Kangaroo & Apples Recipe for sensitive stomachs—ensures they receive the essential nutrients needed to thrive.
With the right food and plenty of love, your puppy will continue to grow and flourish—embracing each life stage with vitality and joy!
Explore Addiction’s full range of premium dog foods, including:
Complete & Balanced: Formulated for overall health and vitality, suitable for dogs of all breeds and life stages.
Sensitive Care: Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, featuring novel proteins and limited ingredients.
Wild Islands: High-protein, whole prey-inspired diets crafted with premium New Zealand ingredients.
Discover the perfect match for your puppy’s unique needs and set the foundation for a long, healthy life.
Copy the coupon code & use it at checkout
