New puppy, new routine, and a lot to figure out at once. Here's a simple starter setup using Open Farm's puppy-appropriate products, so feeding is one less thing to stress about during those first chaotic weeks.
The Core: A Puppy-Formulated Food
Start with a recipe actually formulated for puppies, not an adult formula in a smaller portion. Open Farm's Salmon & Ancient Grains Puppy recipe leads with wild-caught salmon and is built around the higher protein, fat, and DHA growing puppies need. It comes in a 22-lb bag, so if you want to test it in smaller quantities first, ask us about splitting an order or starting with a different small-bag recipe from the ancient grains line.
Training Treats
Puppyhood is prime training time, and you'll go through a lot of treats during basic obedience and house-training. Open Farm's Freeze-Dried Chicken Cubes are a milder option well-suited to frequent, low-stakes training reps, while Beef Liver Cubes work well as a higher-value reward for tougher training moments. Break pieces small — you want frequency, not treat size.
Bone Broth for Picky Eating Days
New puppies sometimes go through phases of picky eating, especially during the stress of a new environment or right after vaccinations. A splash of Chicken Bone Broth over kibble is a simple way to make an unenthusiastic bowl more appealing without changing the actual diet.
Setting Up a Feeding Schedule
Young puppies generally need three to four smaller meals a day, tapering to twice daily as they mature — see our feeding guide for more detail on adjusting portions as your puppy grows. Keeping meals at consistent times also helps with house-training, since puppies tend to need to go out shortly after eating.
Watch the Transition Closely
If your puppy came from a breeder or shelter on a different food, transition gradually over 7 to 10 days rather than switching immediately — our transition guide covers the schedule. Puppies can be more prone to stomach upset during a diet change than adult dogs, so patience here pays off.
Get a Vet Visit on the Calendar
Beyond food, make sure your new puppy has a vet visit scheduled for vaccinations, a general health check, and a chance to ask any breed-specific nutrition questions — especially important if you have a large or giant breed puppy, where growth-rate management matters.
Your Puppy Starter Shopping List
- Salmon & Ancient Grains Puppy food
- Freeze-Dried Chicken Cubes for everyday training
- Beef Liver Cubes for high-value rewards
- Chicken Bone Broth for picky days
Shop for Your New Puppy at The Hungry Puppy
You can find everything on this list, plus the rest of our dog food and supply selection, at The Hungry Puppy. Since your puppy will be eating a lot in the coming months, setting up auto-delivery now saves you 6% on every reorder going forward.
We've been helping new puppy owners in Farmingdale, NJ get started right since 1987 — call us at 732-938-4470, and congratulations on the new addition to your family.