AAFCO's growth and reproduction profile is meaningfully stricter than adult maintenance: higher minimums for protein (22.5% DM), fat (8.5% DM), calcium, phosphorus, and several amino acids and minerals. Puppies also benefit from added DHA for brain and retina development. Large-breed puppies (estimated adult weight over ~70 lbs) need controlled calcium (~1.2–1.8% DM) — excess calcium during growth contributes to developmental orthopedic disease, so foods labeled for large-breed growth have controlled calcium ranges. Look for an AAFCO statement that explicitly includes "growth, including growth of large size" for those breeds. "Adult maintenance" formulas are NOT appropriate for puppies.