Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s greatest joys from those tiny paws, the snuggles, the zoomies, and, yes, even to the puppy breath! But along with the cuteness comes a wave of decisions and questions: What should I feed them? How often? Are they getting the right nutrients? At Dr. Harvey’s, we know that laying the groundwork for a healthy, happy life begins with nutrition and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
I know this firsthand because I just brought home a new puppy myself!
On August 1st, our family grew by one tiny, fluffy, adorable Maltipoo named Blaze. At just 2 pounds, Blaze may be small in size, but he’s already full of personality and he’s quickly settling into his new role as the little brother to Asher, our lovable Aussiedoodle. Watching the two of them bond has already been such a joy (and sometimes pure chaos!), but even with all my years working in the natural pet food industry, bringing home a new puppy reminded me just how many decisions come at once.
That’s why I wanted to share this guide: to help fellow puppy parents feel empowered, confident, and supported as they begin this exciting new journey. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding to your pack like we did, this blog is your go-to resource for starting your pup off on the healthiest paw possible with help from Dr. Harvey’s.
Why Nutrition Matters from Day One
Puppyhood is a time of rapid growth, development, and learning. What your puppy eats in the first few months of life will directly impact their digestion, brain development, immune system, coat health, and even long-term wellbeing.
Just like human babies, puppies need real, whole foods not ultra-processed kibble filled with synthetic additives and low-quality ingredients. That’s why thousands of puppy parents trust Dr. Harvey’s: our foods are made with gently dehydrated vegetables, and natural whole-food nutrients. No fillers, artificial preservatives, or dyes.
Which Formula Should I Start With?
We typically recommend starting puppies on our Canine Health formula. It’s a gentle and balanced base mix that you simply combine with your choice of protein and healthy oil. With six organic grains, vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s designed to support optimal puppy development.
But in Blaze’s case, I made a slightly different choice. Because he was only two pounds when I brought him home, I chose to start him on our Veg-to-Bowl Fine Ground formula. This version of our popular grain-free mix is ground into a finer consistency that’s ideal for extra-small breeds or puppies with tiny mouths and teeth still coming in. It gives him the same benefits of whole vegetables and natural nutrition, but in a more manageable texture for his size.
It’s also important to note that many doodles, including Blaze’s big brother Asher, can be sensitive to grains, especially early on. If you notice any itching, digestive upset, or excessive licking, don’t panic. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect formula for your puppy and that’s completely normal.
We offer a variety of options, from grain-inclusive to grain-free, and we’re happy to help you choose the one that fits your puppy’s individual needs.
Don’t Forget the Calcium
Puppies need additional calcium support during their growth period to help build strong bones and teeth. While Dr. Harvey’s base mixes offer a natural nutritional profile, puppies under 18 months of age need an extra boost of calcium to meet the demands of their growing bodies.
That’s why we recommend adding 2 out of the 3 calcium rich foods below. The amounts will depend on your pups age and will be indicated on our puppy feeding guidelines:
Cottage Cheese (preferably full-fat and plain)
Plain Yogurt (unsweetened, with live cultures)
Kefir (plain and preferably goat milk-based if available)
These additions not only help support your puppy’s skeletal development but also provide gut-friendly probiotics and additional protein. Blaze loves his meals with a spoonful of plain yogurt and cottage cheese mixed in as this adds just the right amount of creaminess and a boost of beneficial bacteria for his developing digestive system.
If you’re ever unsure how much to add or which option is best for your dog’s size or age, our team is always happy to help guide you.
What to Expect When You Bring Your Puppy Home
Those first few days can be a whirlwind full of excitement, adjustment, and yes, even a few accidents. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to feeding. You may ask:
Is my puppy eating enough?
Why is their stool soft?
Do I need to supplement with anything?
Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Even with years of experience and a doodle already at home, I found myself second-guessing things during Blaze’s first week. Puppies are learning everything from where to sleep, when to go outside, how to trust their humans, to how to eat. It takes time.
That’s what makes Dr. Harvey’s so unique. We don’t just send you food and hope for the best. We walk with you through every step of the way to help answer your questions, helping you adjust formulas if needed, and making sure your puppy is thriving.
Common Puppy Feeding Tips
Here are some of my favorite tips to make your puppy’s transition smoother:
1. Start Slow Introduce new food gradually. Mix a small amount of Dr. Harvey’s base mix with your chosen protein and oil, and serve it alongside your puppy’s current food to ease digestion. Over 5–7 days, increase Dr. Harvey’s mix while decreasing the old food.
2. Choose a Puppy-Appropriate Protein For young puppies, lean ground meats like turkey, chicken, or beef are a great choice.
3. Add Healthy Fats Healthy fats like Dr. Harvey’s Health & Shine Omega-3 Oil or our Health & Shine Alaskan Salmon oil help support brain development, skin and coat health, and overall vitality.
4. Don’t Overfeed It’s tempting to want to “fatten them up,” but overfeeding can lead to digestive upset and unnecessary weight gain. Follow our feeding guidelines based on weight, age, and activity level and adjust as needed.
5. Stay Hydrated Because our foods are dehydrated, they need to be rehydrated with warm water. This also helps your puppy stay hydrated, improves digestion, and adds natural flavor. Don’t Get Discouraged—We’re Here to Help!
Every puppy is different. Some adjust immediately. Others may take a little time to get used to a new texture or flavor. And some may show signs of food sensitivities that require switching formulas. The important thing is not to get discouraged. At Dr. Harvey’s, we have a wide variety of formulas to fit every need, including:
Canine Health – Our original holistic formula with organic grains
Veg-to-Bowl Fine Ground – Perfect for small breeds and puppies
Veg-to-Bowl – For dogs with grain sensitivities
Paradigm – A low-carb formula ideal for specific health concerns
And you don’t have to navigate any of it alone. Our team of experts, who are also pet parents, are available to answer your questions and offer personalized guidance.
You can chat with us on our website, call us at 866-362-4123, or email us anytime. We’re in the office Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EST, and we truly love hearing from you.
Final Thoughts: A Healthy Start for a Lifetime of Wellness
As I watch Blaze curl up next to Asher after a long day of play, I’m reminded that these little creatures depend on us for everything—safety, love, and nourishment. Choosing the right food isn’t just about what goes in their bowl. It’s about building a strong foundation for a lifetime of wellness.
At Dr. Harvey’s, we’re proud to be part of your puppy’s journey. Whether you’re preparing for Gotcha Day or already chasing little paws around the house, we’re here to help you nourish them naturally, every step of the way.
Welcome to the Dr. Harvey’s family and give that new pup a belly rub from us!
