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Feeding a growing puppy a healthy diet can be confusing. As they rapidly grow, it’s hard to know when to adjust their food levels or figure out if they're getting too much or too little.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause future joint problems, diabetes, and heart issues. But underfeeding can result in malnutrition, poor growth, and developmental issues. And the back of the food bag doesn't always steer you in the right direction.
Yikes! What's a (confused) pet parent to do? Well, we're here to help, with a basic chart from Purina about how much and how often to feed a healthy, growing pup.
As always, speak with your vet to determine how much and what type of food to feed your puppy, as every puppy is different.
How much and how often to feed a puppy
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Deciding how much and how often to feed your puppy is key to their growth and health.
But first, we should address a BIG question many owners have:
Is "free feeding" OK?
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Short answers? Not really.
Free-feeding, or leaving food out all day, might seem convenient, but it can lead to overeating and obesity (not to mention it lets other household pets chow down on the puppy's leftovers).
Generally, puppies thrive on routine and portion control, so stick to a scheduled feeding plan. As an added bonus, this can also help with housetraining—a regular feeding schedule tends to lead to a regular potty schedule.
Just measure out the appropriate amount of food for each meal and remove any uneaten food after about 20 minutes. If your puppy hasn’t finished their meal, don’t worry; they'll probably make up for it at the next one!
How much to feed a puppy
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The amount of food your puppy needs depends on several factors. We'll put suggested amounts in the chart below, but just so you know, we're factoring in:
Age: Younger puppies require more frequent feeding (splitting their daily ration into several small meals).
Weight: Larger breeds need more food than smaller breeds.
Breed: Specific breeds may have unique dietary requirements.
Activity Level: More active puppies burn more calories and may need more food, while less active puppies may require less.
Treats: Treats contribute to your puppy's daily calorie intake and should be given in moderation to avoid weight gain and nutritional imbalance.
Type of food: The quality and type of your pup's food can drastically impact the amount they should get. More on that later. In this post, we'll mainly address the quantity of dry commercial kibble to feed, not fresh or homemade dog food.
How often to feed a puppy (by age)
The recommended feeding schedule varies by age.
8–12 weeks
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Puppies at this age should eat three to four times a day. Frequent meals help maintain their energy levels and support steady growth.
12 weeks to 6 months
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Reduce feeding to three times a day. As your puppy grows, they can handle fewer meals without losing energy or health benefits.
6 months onwards
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Reduce feeding to twice daily. This routine typically continues into adulthood
Puppy feeding chart
First, you should always check the feeding instructions on the packaging of your puppy’s food, as there are variations between different recipes and diet formulations.
A reputable manufacturer will provide this information so that you can feed your puppy accurately. They should also provide a customer telephone number to contact them if you are still unsure how much to feed your puppy.
Purina actually has a handy, customized portion calculator you can use, as does Royal Canin.
The general information in the charts provided below is from Purina and based on very general guidelines. Again, always talk to your vet and reach out to the manufacturer for feeding information!
Puppy's expected adult weight: 3 to 12 lbs
Examples: Bichon Frises, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas
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| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 1/2 to 1 |
| 4 to 5 months | 2/3 to 1-1/3 |
| 6 to 8 months | 1/2 to 1-1/2 |
| 9 to 11 months | Feed as adult |
| 1 to 2 years | Feed as adult |
Note: X-small breeds can typically transition to adult food around weeks 39–52 (9–12 months).
Puppy's expected adult weight: 13 to 20 lbs
Examples: Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Border Terriers
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| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 1/2 to 1-1/4 |
| 4 to 5 months | 1-1/8 to 2 |
| 6 to 8 months | 3/4 to 1-1/3 |
| 9 to 11 months | 1 to 1-1/2 |
| 1 to 2 years | Feed as adult |
Note: Small breeds can typically transition to adult food around weeks 39–52 (9–12 months).
Puppy's expected adult weight: 21 to 50 lbs
Examples: Border Collies, Beagles, American Staffordshire Terriers
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| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 1/2 to 1-1/2 |
| 4 to 5 months | 1-1/2 to 2-3/4 |
| 6 to 8 months | 1-1/8 to 2-1/3 |
| 9 to 11 months | 2 to 3 |
| 1 to 2 years | 2 to 4-1/4 |
Note: Medium breeds can typically transition to adult food around 52 weeks (1 year).
Puppy's expected adult weight: 51 to 75 lbs
Examples: Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows, Australian Shepherds
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| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 5/8 to 2-1/3 |
| 4 to 5 months | 1-1/2 to 4 |
| 6 to 8 months | 1-1/2 to 3-3/4 |
| 9 to 11 months | 2-1/2 to 4-3/4 |
| 1 to 2 years | 2-5/8 to 6-1/4 |
Note: Large breeds can typically transition to adult food around 18 months of age.
Puppy's expected adult weight: 76 to 100 lbs
Examples: American Bulldogs, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds
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| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 1 to 2-2/3 |
| 4 to 5 months | 2-7/8 to 3-3/4 |
| 6 to 8 months | 2-7/8 to 6-1/3 |
| 9 to 11 months | 3-7/8 to 7 |
| 1 to 2 years | 5-5/8 to 11 |
Note: Large breeds can typically transition to adult food around 18–24 months.
Puppy's expected adult weight: 101 lbs+
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Examples: Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs
| Puppy's age | Total amount of dry food per day (in cups) |
|---|---|
| 1-1/2 to 3 months | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
| 4 to 5 months | 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
| 6 to 8 months | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
| 9 to 11 months | 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
| 1 to 2 years | 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Note: Giant breeds can typically transition to adult food around 18–24 months.
How to tell if your puppy is getting the right amount of food
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Making sure your puppy gets the right amount of food is crucial for their health. Here’s how to tell if you’re feeding them correctly:
Signs of overfeeding
Weight gain: Rapid or excessive weight gain. Ribs have a layer of fat covering them.
Lethargy: Less active and playful.
Digestive issues: Frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
Signs of underfeeding
Weight loss: Noticeable loss of weight or inability to gain weight.
Low energy: Lack of energy and enthusiasm.
Visible ribs: Ribs and spine are much more prominent than they should be.
Regular weigh-ins can help ensure your puppy is growing appropriately. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure if your dog is getting the right amount of food.
How quality puppy food factors in
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Nutrition plays a huge role in how much to feed your puppy. Puppies need more protein, fat, and specific nutrients than adult dogs. Plus, quality ingredients tend to mean better nutrient absorption, which often results in smaller, less smelly stools (yay!).
High-quality food doesn't have to be super expensive or come with ice packs. Kibble can be a great option for puppies at the right age, as long as it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) standards.
What to look for in puppy food
Meets AAFCO standards
Appropriate for your puppy’s expected adult size (e.g. toy, small, medium, large or giant)
Is suitable for your puppy’s age (different diets such as puppy or junior ones are appropriate for different ages)
High in protein (from sources like chicken, beef, fish, and animal by-products)
Contains healthy fats (like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids)
Includes essential vitamins and minerals (such as calcium and phosphorus for bone growth and DHA for brain development)
Contains digestible carbohydrates (such as rice or corn)
Produced by a manufacturer that employs a veterinary nutritionist and has a helpline for customer advice and queries
Ingredients to avoid in puppy food
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More research needs to be done, but diets high in legumes have been linked to heart issues in dogs.
In the meantime, it's probably best to avoid foods that list peas, lentils, or other legumes as primary ingredients—typically found in foods and treats that claim to be "grain-free."
Also, be careful with home-cooked, vegan, or raw diets for your puppy. These require careful planning and vet supervision to ensure they're nutritionally balanced and safe, especially for developing puppies.
Common puppy-feeding challenges
Feeding your puppy can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Help! My puppy isn't eating!
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If your puppy isn't eating, talk to your vet. It could indicate an underlying health issue.
Once health issues are ruled out, consider factors like stress, changes in the environment, or just growing pains! Here are some tips to help:
Keep a calm feeding environment and avoid disturbances. If anxiety is a recurring issue, consider strategies like using a puzzle feeder to make mealtime more engaging and less stressful.
Teething can also make chewing painful for puppies. Soften dry kibble with warm water or mix in wet food to make it easier to eat. Providing appropriate chew toys can also help alleviate discomfort and keep your puppy's teeth healthy.
Consider switching foods. If you want to experiment with alternative diets, then try to do so gradually. A sudden change in diet could lead to tummy troubles. Try mixing your pet’s old food with the new food to transition them over several days.
Help help! My other pets are eating my puppy's food!
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If you have other pets, they might be tempted to eat your puppy's food. This can disrupt your puppy's feeding routine and cause conflicts. To manage this:
Use separate feeding areas: Feed your puppy in a different room or use a baby gate to create a separate space.
Supervise feeding: Stay with your pets during mealtime to ensure everyone eats their own food.
Schedule feeding times: Stick to a consistent schedule for all pets, so they learn when it's time to eat and when it's not.
Help help help! I work all day and can't feed my puppy multiple times!
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Balancing work and frequent feeding can be challenging. Here are some tips to manage:
Automated feeders: Use an automatic feeder to dispense the correct amount of food at scheduled times.
Dog sitters or daycare: Hire a pet sitter or enroll your puppy in daycare to ensure they get their meals on time.
Lunch breaks: If possible, go home during lunch to feed your puppy.
Neighbor or family help: Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to help with feeding.
Remember that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time (and puppies will require more frequent interaction), so you should already have a plan in place for this anyway.
Feeding your puppy the right amount of food at the right time is a key part of their health and happiness. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice, and adjust feeding according to the manufacturer’s guidelines as your puppy grows.
And by the way, puppyhood is a prime time to look into pet insurance that's designed to help you pay for unexpected health issues!
Learn more:
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