Chew On This: New Survey Shows Many Puppy Owners Don't Know How Long to Feed Puppy Food - Puppy Nutrition and Feeding Tips

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by sagouaw

Purina survey findings reveal that many puppy owners understand that dogs under a year are puppies, yet most do not realize breed size determines how long they should keep feeding puppy food. The report outlines feeding timelines for toy/small, medium, and large/giant breeds, and shares common misconceptions, including switching too early. It also highlights chewing behavior and recommends establishing a quiet feeding area, routine, and appropriate feeding frequency to support digestion, housetraining, and healthy growth.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Puppy feeding duration depends on breed size

Survey key findings from 1,000 U.S. puppy owners

Chewing and eating behavior insights

Feeding guidance: routine, environment, and schedule

Chew On This: New Survey Shows Many Puppy Owners Don't Know How Long to Feed Puppy Food, And The Reason Why Might Surprise You Purina to celebrate National Dog Day on August 26 with " Pup-Up" video livestream featuring adoptable puppies from North Shore Animal League America and tips around puppy nutrition and behavior ST. LOUIS , Aug. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ --A Purina survey , released today , found that while most puppy owners know dogs under a year old are considered puppies , the majority don't realize breed size determines how long their dog is considered a puppy and ultimately how long they need to eat puppy food. " Puppies have specific nutritional requirements to help support their rapid growth and development. Similar to babies , puppies' bodies are fast-growing , but unlike babies , puppies pack all their growth into one to two short years ," said Dr. Callie Harris, DVM , veterinarian at Purina. " It's important to feed a high-quality puppy food formula for at least the first 12 months and up to 24 months for large breeds. If you have a mixed breed or aren't sure where your dog falls in terms of breed size , it's best to consult your veterinarian. They can let you know when it's time to switch and help make it a successful transition." As a general rule , dogs less than one year of age are considered puppies , but different breeds mature at different rates. Here's how long you can expect to feed your dog puppy food based on his breed size: Toy and small breed dogs weighing less than 30 pounds may reach full maturity between 9 and 12 months of age Dogs weighing between 30 and 80 pounds , or medium breeds , take 12 to 16 months to fully mature Large and giant breeds over 80 pounds can take up to 24 months to reach full maturity The 2020 Puppy Owner Survey by Purina engaged 1 ,000 puppy owners in the United States and revealed the lengths people go to ensure their puppies get the nutrition necessary to become healthy adult dogs. Among other key findings: Over half (54%) of puppy owners in the U.S. currently have a puppy between 6-12 months While 41% of puppy owners are aware that dogs up to a year old are considered puppies , very few realize breed size affects the length of time a dog is considered a puppy 47% of small breed owners didn't realize their dog needs to be fed puppy food for up to a year , and 92% of large breed owners didn't realize their dog needs to fed puppy food for up to two years Nearly half (46%) of puppy owners consider their puppy's current size when finding the right food , despite the fact that breed – not current – size dictates the length of time a dog is considered to be a puppy For puppy owners who have stopped feeding puppy food , the main reason is a belief that their puppy has already reached adult size (36%) The survey also found that , even when they're not eating , puppies keep their little mouths busy while they wait for the next meal: 77% of puppy owners agree their puppy is always chewing on something 74% of puppy owners agree their puppy will eat anything that gets too close to their mouths 75% of puppy owners agree their puppy is always on the lookout for scraps of food " Puppies like to chew. It's what they do. Although it may seem that they're more inclined to eat our slippers ' ' " or furniture , it's our job to make sure we're helping them get the essential nutrients they need ," said Dr. Annie Valuska , Ph. D. , senior feeding behavior expert at Purina. "A few ways puppy owners can do this is by establishing a quiet feeding area away from distractions and temptations , like food prep areas and dining tables , and setting up a feeding routine or schedule by feeding him the same amount of food at the same times each day. Doing so will help keep his digestive system regular , make housetraining easier and keep him happy and healthy. And , while adult dogs should be fed twice a day , puppies require more frequent feedings , i

FAQs

What does the Purina survey show about puppy owners and feeding puppy food?

The survey found that while most owners know puppies are under a year old, very few realize breed size affects how long their dog should be considered a puppy and fed puppy food.

How long should toy/small, medium, and large/giant breeds be fed puppy food?

Toy and small breeds may reach maturity between 9 and 12 months, medium breeds between 12 and 16 months, and large/giant breeds can take up to 24 months.

What common belief leads some owners to stop feeding puppy food?

Many owners stop because they believe their puppy has already reached adult size.

What feeding practices does Purina recommend to help puppies stay healthy?

Purina recommends feeding in a quiet area away from temptations, setting a consistent feeding routine with the same amount at the same times, and feeding puppies more frequently (ideally three times a day).

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by sagouaw