Many puppy owners struggle to figure out how much their puppy should eat. There are so many questions, and it can get confusing. But a balanced diet is essential. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, while underfeeding can negatively affect a puppy’s growth and development.
To make things easier, I’ve created a puppy feeding chart that shows the recommended food amounts based on age and the number of meals per day.
Contents
How much should a puppy eat
The amount of food required varies based on the puppy’s expected adult weight and age. Below is a general feeding chart to guide you:
| Expected Adult Weight | 1.5 – 3 Months | 4 – 5 Months | 6 – 8 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 5 kg | 50 – 100 g | 75 – 130 g | 50 – 150 g |
| 6 – 9 kg | 50 – 125 g | 110 – 200 g | 75 – 130 g |
| 10 – 22 kg | 50 – 150 g | 150 – 275 g | 110 – 230 g |
| 23 – 34 kg | 60 – 230 g | 150 – 400 g | 150 – 375 g |
| 35 – 45 kg | 100 – 270 g | 290 – 375 g | 290 – 630 g |
These recommendations are general guidelines. Always check the specific feeding instructions on your puppy’s food packaging and consult with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy’s nutritional needs are met.
How often to feed a puppy
The total amount of food should be divided by the number of meals. But how many times a day should you feed your puppy?
- 6–12 Weeks Old: Puppies should be fed a diet specifically formulated for growth. Four feedings a day are usually adequate to meet nutritional demands.
- 3–6 Months Old: During this period, decrease feedings from four to three a day. A puppy should be losing their potbelly and pudginess by 12 weeks.
- 6–12 Months Old: Begin feeding your puppy twice daily. If your puppy is spayed or neutered during this timeframe, switch from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult maintenance dog food.
Veterinarians recommend feeding puppies on a schedule rather than free-feeding, as leaving food out all the time can lead to obesity.
Example feeding schedule for a 5-Month-Old Labrador Retriever
Estimated Adult Weight: 30-35 kg
Daily Food Intake: 390 g / 3 cups (divided into 3 meals)
Feeding Schedule:
- First feeding: 130 g / 1 cup
- Second feeding: 130 g / 1 cup
- Third feeding: 130 g / 1 cup
Printable puppy feeding chart
Keeping track of meals can help you ensure your pup is getting the nutrition they need while also establishing a consistent feeding routine. Use this printable Puppy Feeding Chart to record meal times, portion sizes, and any notes on your puppy’s appetite and reactions to food.
🖨️ Print this chart and update it daily to track your puppy’s feeding schedule!
What are the best times to feed a puppy?
Another common question is, “When should I feed my puppy?” A sample feeding schedule might look like this:
The last meal should be about 3-4 hours before bedtime to allow enough time for digestion.
FAQ
How do I know if my puppy is eating enough?
Pay attention to your puppy’s behavior and weight. If he regularly leaves food in his bowl, the portions might be too big. Monitor his weight weekly—if he’s gaining too much, you may be overfeeding him.
At what age should I start feeding my puppy solid food?
Large-breed puppies can start eating unmoistened dry food at 10 weeks, while smaller breeds usually transition at 12 weeks.
When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
Small breeds reach adulthood around 7-9 months, so you can switch them to adult food at that time. Large breeds take longer—usually around 12 months.
Should I choose dry or wet food?
Either is fine! Choose based on your puppy’s preferences. You can also alternate between dry and wet food for variety.
Final Tips
✅ Don’t leave food in the bowl for more than 10-15 minutes.
✅ Avoid feeding your puppy table scraps—some human foods can be harmful to dogs.
✅ Always provide fresh water.
✅ Don’t suddenly change your puppy’s diet, as this can cause digestive issues.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to answer!
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Sources
- https://www.cesarsway.com/puppy-feeding-guidelines/#:~:text=Puppies%20should%20be%20fed%20three,cup%20three%20times%20a%20day.
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-feeding-fundamentals/
- https://www.purina.com/articles/puppy/feeding/how-much-to-feed-a-puppy-chart