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Choosing Farmina N&D puppy food: a practical buying guide for every breed size

A puppy aged 8 weeks to 12 months needs different food from an adult dog. But comparing packaging can be tricky. Terms such as “grain-free”, “high animal protein” and “with DHA” sound appealing, but on their own they don’t tell you whether a product is right for your puppy.

In this guide, you’ll find out what to look for in Farmina N&D puppy food, which marketing pitfalls to avoid and which type of food is suited to small, medium or large breeds.

Three common pitfalls when choosing puppy food

1. Assuming “grain-free” automatically means suitable

Grain-free puppy food contains no grains, but that doesn’t automatically make it the right choice for every dog. Grains may have been replaced with ingredients such as sweet potato, peas or chickpeas. Always check the full ingredients list and the analytical constituents.

A sensitive digestive system or food allergy also calls for advice from a vet. Don’t use “grain-free” as a medical solution.

2. Looking only at the protein percentage

A high crude protein percentage may sound appealing, but the source of the protein matters just as much. Check whether chicken, dried chicken, fish or egg is clearly listed in the ingredients. Also look at the fat, calcium and phosphorus levels, as well as the recommended daily amount.

According to Farmina’s product descriptions, some N&D recipes contain a high proportion of protein from animal sources. This is a verifiable product specification, but it doesn’t guarantee a particular health or developmental outcome for every puppy.

3. Overlooking breed size and kibble size

Food for a small dog isn’t necessarily suitable for a German Shepherd, Labrador or another large dog. Energy needs, growth rates and the ideal kibble size vary according to breed size. Check whether the packaging says the food is intended for small breeds, medium breeds or large breeds.

Important things to check when choosing Farmina N&D puppy food

1. Check that it’s a complete puppy food

Choose a product clearly labelled as a complete pet food for puppies. This means it’s intended to be fed as a daily main meal, in accordance with the feeding instructions. Treats and complementary food shouldn’t replace a complete meal.

According to the product information, the Farmina N&D Prime recipe for small breeds is labelled as a complete food for puppies from 8 weeks to 12 months. The exact point at which to switch to adult food depends on your dog’s breed, weight and development.

2. Compare the ingredients, not just the front of the pack

Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Puppy Mini lists 28% deboned chicken and 27% dried chicken, among other ingredients. The analysis also lists 36% crude protein, 22% crude fat, 1.10% calcium and 0.91% phosphorus. These figures give you a more specific picture than a general claim on the front of the bag.

According to the product description, the medium and maxi variants list 34% crude protein and 18% crude fat, among other details. Always check the current packaging, as recipes, packaging information and recommended quantities may change.

3. Check DHA, fatty acids and added ingredients

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid listed in various puppy foods. For the small-breed variant, the product information lists DHA and EPA, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. According to Farmina’s product description, these ingredients are intended to support skin, coat and development. This remains a product claim, not a medical guarantee.

Some variants also list chicken cartilage as a source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Check the quantity per kilogram and consider the overall nutritional profile, rather than treating any one ingredient as decisive.

Our recommendations for different types of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy Small Breed Dog Food 800g

Farmina N&D Premium Chicken Puppy/Small Breed Dog Food 800g

Why it suits this profile: The 800g pack is a practical choice if you want to see whether your small-breed puppy takes to the kibble before buying a larger supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications clearly state that it’s for small breeds, is a complete puppy food and should be introduced gradually over at least 7 days.

Key benefits and highlights

28% deboned chicken, 27% dried chicken, a grain-free recipe, and listed DHA, EPA, calcium and phosphorus levels.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Puppy Mini 2.5 kg

Farmina N&D Prime Chicken Puppy Mini 2.5 kg

Why it suits this profile: A good choice if you’re looking for a small-breed recipe with detailed information about its ingredients, additives and analytical constituents.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications let you check the protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus levels, rather than relying on marketing terms alone.

Key benefits and highlights

2.5 kg pack, chicken as the main ingredient, 36% crude protein, and listed DHA, EPA, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent users
Farmina N&D Pumpkin Chicken Puppy Medium Maxi 12 kg

Farmina N&D Pumpkin Chicken Puppy Medium/Maxi 12 kg

Why it suits this profile: A larger pack is a good fit for owners of medium or large-breed puppies who use more kibble each day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, this variant is intended for medium and large breeds and includes separate feeding guidelines for different weights and ages.

Key benefits and highlights

12 kg pack, chicken and fish listed as ingredients, a grain-free recipe and pumpkin in the formula.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety requirements.

How to switch to a new puppy food

Gradually mix the new Farmina N&D puppy food with your puppy’s current food. A practical schedule is:

  • Days 1 and 2: 90% old food and 10% new food.
  • Days 3 and 4: 60% old food and 40% new food.
  • Days 5 and 6: 30% old food and 70% new food.
  • From day 7: entirely new food.

Keep an eye on your puppy’s stools, appetite and body condition. Follow the daily feeding amount on the packaging and adjust it for age, weight, activity level and breed. Always provide fresh drinking water. Store the bag in a cool, dry place and keep it tightly sealed.

Frequently asked questions about Farmina N&D puppy food

Is Farmina N&D puppy food suitable from 8 weeks?

According to the product information, the Farmina N&D Prime variants mentioned are suitable for puppies from 8 weeks to 12 months. Make sure the variant you choose is right for your dog’s expected adult size.

How long can an opened bag of puppy food be kept?

Keep dry food tightly sealed in a cool, dry place and, ideally, use it soon after opening. Always check the best-before date and storage advice on the current packaging. The smell, colour and kibble size may vary slightly between batches.

How much Farmina N&D puppy food should I give each day?

The right amount depends on breed, age, current weight, expected adult size and activity level. Use the feeding chart on the packaging as a guide. Weigh out portions and check your puppy’s body condition regularly so you can adjust the amount in good time.