Collection: Royal Canin Puppy Food

Puppies can begin the transition to Royal Canin puppy food during the weaning process, typically around 4 to 6 weeks of age. Royal Canin Mother and Babydog Starter mousse can be introduced from 3 weeks as a soft, easily digestible first food that bridges the gap between mother's milk and kibble. Once puppies are fully weaned (usually by 8 weeks), they can transition to the appropriate size or breed-specific Royal Canin puppy kibble. Your breeder may already have started your puppy on a specific Royal Canin formula, in which case continuing with that same product ensures consistency.

Royal Canin offers puppy food across four size categories based on expected adult weight: Mini Puppy for breeds up to 10 kg, Medium Puppy for breeds between 11 and 25 kg, Maxi Puppy for breeds between 26 and 44 kg, and Giant Puppy for breeds over 45 kg. There is also Giant Junior for the second phase of growth in giant breeds. Breed-specific puppy formulas are available for select breeds, and the Mother and Babydog Starter mousse suits all puppies during the weaning transition. At Canine & Co, we carry the complete range in various bag sizes.

The transition to adult food depends on your dog's size category. Mini breed puppies can move to adult food at around 10 months of age, when they reach their adult weight. Medium breeds typically transition at 12 months. Maxi breeds should stay on puppy food until 15 months, and Giant breeds may need puppy food until 18 to 24 months due to their extended growth period. Switching too early can deprive a growing dog of essential nutrients, while staying on puppy food too long can lead to excess weight. Royal Canin's packaging provides specific guidance for each formula.

Daily feeding amounts vary by formula, puppy age and current weight. Each Royal Canin puppy product includes a detailed feeding table that shows the recommended daily amount in grams based on your puppy's current weight and age in months. We include these feeding guides in our product descriptions at Canine & Co. As a general rule, divide the daily amount into three to four meals for puppies under 4 months, reducing to two to three meals from 4 to 6 months, and two meals from 6 months onward. Always measure portions with scales for accuracy.

Royal Canin puppy formulas contain a carefully balanced combination of nutrients for optimal development. These include high-quality, highly digestible proteins to support muscle growth, a precise calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for healthy bone and joint formation, omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA) for brain and vision development, and a patented antioxidant complex with vitamins E and C to support the developing immune system. Energy density is calibrated to each size category's growth rate - for example, Mini Puppy has higher energy per gram than Maxi Puppy, reflecting the faster metabolic rate of small breed puppies.

Royal Canin Maxi Puppy and Giant Puppy are specifically designed for large and giant breed puppies, and this targeted formulation is particularly important for these dogs. Large and giant breeds have extended growth periods and are vulnerable to developmental skeletal issues if they grow too quickly. These formulas contain adapted energy and mineral content - including controlled calcium levels - to promote steady, moderate growth that allows bones and joints to develop properly. The larger kibble size also encourages chewing, which aids digestion and dental development.

Yes, mixing Royal Canin puppy dry food with Royal Canin puppy wet food is a great approach. The dry kibble supports dental health through chewing action and is calorie-dense, while the wet food provides extra moisture and can increase palatability for fussy puppies. Royal Canin provides mixed feeding guidelines on their packaging to help you calculate the right proportions. Ensure you use the matching life-stage product - pair puppy dry with puppy wet rather than mixing life stages. This mixed feeding approach can be especially helpful during the weaning transition when puppies are adjusting to solid food.

Puppy food and adult dog food differ significantly in their nutrient profiles. Royal Canin puppy formulas have higher energy content to fuel growth, increased protein levels to support muscle development, a specifically balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bone formation, and immune-supporting nutrients including a patented antioxidant complex. Adult food, by contrast, is formulated for weight maintenance with moderate energy density and nutrients that support ongoing health rather than growth. The kibble size is also different - puppy kibble is smaller and easier for developing jaws to manage. Feeding adult food to puppies can result in nutritional deficiencies during this critical growth phase.

Yes, Royal Canin offers breed-specific puppy formulas for several popular breeds, including Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and others. These formulas go beyond size-based nutrition to address breed-specific characteristics. For example, the Labrador Retriever Puppy formula has a round kibble shape that helps slow down this breed's tendency to eat too fast, while the German Shepherd Puppy diet includes nutrients to support the breed's sensitive digestive system. If a breed-specific puppy formula exists for your dog, it will be the most precisely tailored option available.

You can buy the full Royal Canin puppy food range online at Canine & Co (canineandco.co.za) with free delivery on orders over R550 anywhere in South Africa. We stock all size-specific puppy formulas (Mini, Medium, Maxi, Giant), breed-specific puppy diets, and the Mother and Babydog Starter mousse. Our online store offers competitive pricing, detailed product descriptions with feeding guides, and convenient home delivery. This makes it easy to maintain a consistent supply of your puppy's food without the hassle of visiting a physical store - especially important during the early months when you are busy with training and socialisation.