Feeding Kittens and Puppies: From Weaning to the First Year
The first year sets an animal's frame and health for the rest of its life. Bone, muscle and immunity are all built in these months, and mistakes made here are not easily undone later. This guide explains when weaning starts, how often to feed, how to choose a growth formula, and when to move on to adult food.
Why growth food is different
Many owners assume puppy food is simply a smaller version of adult food. In fact the formula itself is different.
More energy in less volume
A young animal has a small stomach and a large energy requirement, so the food must be concentrated rather than diluted.
A calculated calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
This is the most critical point in feeding puppies, especially large breeds. Extra calcium does not mean stronger bones; it can cause joint development problems. Do not add calcium supplements except on a veterinarian's instruction.
Higher protein
Growth needs more protein than maintenance. A puppy usually needs 28% or more, a kitten 35% or more.
Smaller kibble
A small jaw cannot manage a large kibble, so the animal either swallows it whole or refuses to eat.
When and how weaning starts
Weaning is a gradual process, not a single day.
From week four
Offer food moistened with warm water into a soft paste, while nursing continues.
From week six to eight
Reduce the water gradually until the animal accepts dry kibble.
Before week four
Do not separate the young from the mother, and do not rely on cow's milk. If the mother is absent, use a milk replacer made for kittens or puppies, not infant formula and not cow's milk.
How many meals a day
A small stomach cannot handle a large meal, and splitting meals prevents blood sugar dips.
Weaning to four months
Four small meals a day.
Four to six months
Three meals.
Six months to one year
Two meals, which is the pattern that continues into adulthood.
When to switch to adult food
The timing depends on expected adult size.
Cats
At around twelve months.
Small and medium dogs
Between ten and twelve months.
Large dogs
They need longer on growth food, sometimes up to eighteen months, because their skeleton matures later.
How to switch safely
Seven days, increasing the new food and reducing the old. An abrupt change is a very common cause of diarrhoea at this age.
Signs the feeding is right
Watch these weekly in the early months.
Steady weight gain
No jumps and no long plateaus. Weight rises consistently without the animal becoming excessively round.
Activity and play
Persistent lethargy at this age is not a calm temperament; it is a sign worth investigating.
A glossy coat and firm stools
Repeated loose stools suggest the food does not suit the animal or the portion is too large.
Common mistakes in the early months
These are what we see most in the Egyptian market.
Cow's milk
It causes diarrhoea because the digestive system cannot process cow's lactose. Diarrhoea at this age is dangerous because dehydration follows quickly.
Bones
Cooked chicken bones splinter and can injure the gut. Never offer them.
Calcium supplements
Frequently given without need, and with a balanced growth food they do more harm than good.
Salted and spiced leftovers
Salt, onion, garlic and chocolate are all harmful, and some are genuinely toxic.
Water in Egypt's climate
A young animal loses fluid faster than an adult, and dehydration develops quickly.
Clean water always available
Change it at least daily, and twice a day at the peak of summer.
Away from the food bowl
Many cats refuse to drink directly beside their food.
Our brands, made in Egypt
Petzy Bites is an Egyptian factory in the industrial zone of Banha. We produce our own brands for the Egyptian market: 101 Bites and Doggo for dogs, Bessa, MshMsh and CatCoty for cats, formulated to international standards with a lot number on every batch.
Where to buy
In our store at 101bite.com/store, priced in Egyptian pounds with delivery inside Egypt, or through the retail points we serve in Cairo, Giza and other governorates.
Thinking of manufacturing your own brand
We manufacture for third parties with a minimum order of three tons, to a standard-compliant formula and in your own packaging design. Request a quote from the private label page on our site.
