Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? Welcome to the fun, frantic, and fur-covered world of pet parenthood. Those first 100 days are a whirlwind — full of cuddles, zoomies, tiny teeth, and even tinier accidents on the floor.

It's exciting (and, honestly, a little overwhelming). Because while you're soaking up the snuggles, you're also responsible for shaping the future of a happy, healthy pet. No biggie, right?

But here's the good news: you're not in it alone. We're here to guide you through the essentials — from what to feed your little legend to how to support their developing immune system, train them without losing your mind, and keep their digestion running smoothly.

Nutrition: It All Starts in the Bowl

Let's talk food — because the stuff you scoop into their bowl is everything in these early days. Your puppy or kitten is growing faster than your camera roll can keep up with, and that development needs serious fuel.

What kind of fuel? The good kind.

We're talking:

Real meat is the #1 ingredient (think turkey, chicken, kangaroo — yum).
A balanced blend of healthy fats and essential nutrients.
Zero grains, fillers, or weird additives you can't pronounce.

Basically, if it wouldn't pass your own "what's actually in this?" test, it shouldn't be in your pet's bowl either.

The Role Of Nutrition In Preventing Common Pet Health Problems

Training: You're Teaching More Than Just "Sit"

In the first 100 days, you're not just raising a pet — you're shaping their entire understanding of the world. No pressure, right?

But here's the good news: they're little sponges right now. What they learn (and how they learn it) during this window can set them up for a lifetime of good behaviour and solid companionship.

Keep it simple:

Use positive reinforcement (treats, pats, praise — the holy trinity).
Keep sessions short and sweet.
Be consistent — even when they look at you like they've never heard the word "sit" before.

Oh, and don't forget to socialise — new people, new pets, new sounds. It's all part of raising a confident, calm companion.

Immunity: The Invisible Armor

Your puppy or kitten might look tough zooming around the house at 100km/h, but their immune system is still a work in progress.

Those first few months are all about building up their internal defences. That means:

Staying on top of vaccinations
Keeping up with worming, flea, and tick prevention
Feeding them a diet that actually supports immune health (hi again, real food!)

Stress can also mess with their immunity — so keep their routine predictable, their environment calm, and their cuddle quota high.

Digestion: Because Poop Talk Is Just Part of Pet Parenthood

Look, we've all found ourselves examining a poop pile at some point and wondering, "Is that normal?" (You're not alone.)

Puppies and kittens have delicate digestive systems, so the right food matters big time. The goal? A diet that supports healthy digestion without the drama.

Look for:

Easily digestible proteins
Natural fibres and prebiotics for gut health
A grain-free recipe that's kind on sensitive bellies
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and support overall gut health (check out our Hemp Seed Oil)

If their stool is consistently firm, their breath doesn't clear a room, and they're not bloated like a beach ball — you're doing great.

Routine: The Unsung Hero of Pet Parenting

Young pets love structure — and let's be real, so do sleep-deprived pet parents. A simple daily routine (think feeding, toilet breaks, naps, and play) can help your puppy or kitten feel safe, settled, and way less likely to cause chaos at 3 am.

The first 100 days with a puppy or kitten are full of firsts — first zoomies, first cuddles, first chewed-up shoe. But beyond the chaos, this is the foundation of something really special: a lifelong bond built on trust, care, and (let's be honest) a whole lot of treats.

Focus on the basics — good food, gentle training, immune support, and healthy digestion — and you're setting your furry friend up for a vibrant, tail-wagging life.

And remember: no one gets it perfect. You're learning together, one day at a time.

At Pet Food Australia, we're here to help you raise happy, healthy pets from the very beginning — with the nutrition you can trust and quality your pet will love.

Looking for the right food to support your puppy or kitten from day one? Explore Pet Food Australia's grain-free, protein-packed recipes — specially formulated to fuel growth, boost immunity, and keep sensitive tummies happy.