Quick Answer
The amount of food a puppy needs per day depends on the puppy’s age, size, and activity level. Generally, 2 cups of high-quality puppy food split into 3 or 4 meals per day is an appropriate amount for most puppies. However, each puppy is unique, so it’s important to monitor your puppy’s body condition and adjust food amounts accordingly. Speak with your veterinarian to determine the right daily food intake for your puppy.
How much should puppies eat?
The amount of food a puppy needs varies based on factors like:
- Age – Younger puppies need more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs.
- Size – Larger breed puppies need more overall calories than smaller breeds.
- Activity level – Active puppies need more food than couch potatoes.
- Health status – Puppies recovering from illness or surgery may have increased calorie needs.
- Quality of food – High protein, nutrient-dense foods may require smaller amounts.
As a general guideline, the daily recommended intake for puppies is:
- 2 – 4 months old: 120 – 220 kcal per kg of expected adult body weight
- 4 – 7 months old: 80 – 120 kcal per kg of expected adult body weight
- 7 – 12 months old: 50 – 90 kcal per kg of expected adult body weight
So for example, a Labrador Retriever puppy expected to weigh 70 lbs (32 kg) as an adult would need about 700-960 calories per day from 2-4 months of age.
To determine amount in cups, check the calorie content on your puppy food bag. For a food with 400 kcal per cup, you’d feed about 2 – 2.5 cups daily. Split this into 3 or 4 meals.
Monitoring your puppy’s growth
It’s important to monitor your puppy’s growth and body condition and adjust food amounts accordingly. Signs your puppy is getting too much food include:
- Excessive weight gain or a pot-bellied appearance
- Lack of waist when viewed from above
- Difficulty feeling ribs under a slight fat cover
Signs your puppy needs more calories include:
- Ribs, spine and pelvic bones visible from a distance
- Noticeable waist tuck when viewed from above
- Lethargy, weakness or poor growth
Aim to keep your puppy lean during this rapid growth phase. Staying lean reduces risk for bone and joint problems later in life. Your veterinarian can help assess your puppy’s growth and body condition at regular checkups.
Transitioning to adult food
Around 12 months of age, most puppies can transition to adult dog food. The key is to select a food appropriate for your dog’s unique needs. Consider your dog’s size, activity level, and health. Large and giant breed dogs may benefit from a large breed adult food.
When switching foods, transition gradually over 5-7 days, slowly increasing the new food and decreasing the old. This allows time for the digestive system to adapt.
Even as an adult, continue monitoring your dog’s weight, adjusting food amounts if needed. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations to help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Feeding tips
Here are some tips for feeding puppies:
- Stick to your puppy’s feeding schedule – feed the same amounts at the same times daily.
- Use proper puppy food – look for high-quality, nutrient-dense foods made for puppy growth.
- Feed set meals then pick up uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
- Provide access to fresh water at all times.
- Avoid overfeeding treats and table scraps.
- Weigh puppy regularly and track growth on a chart.
- Start training with small treats – break good behaviors into steps.
Proper nutrition sets up your puppy for a lifetime of good health. Monitoring growth, body condition, and adjusting food amounts is key. If ever unsure about your puppy’s diet, check with your veterinarian.
Puppy feeding schedules
Puppies do best with scheduled feedings 2-4 times per day. Here are some typical puppy feeding schedules:
| Age | Number of meals | Sample schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 12 weeks | 4 meals per day | 7am, 12pm, 5pm, 10pm |
| 3 – 6 months | 3 meals per day | 7am, 12pm, 6pm |
| Over 6 months | 2 meals per day | 7am, 5pm |
Splitting your puppy’s daily food allowance into smaller, scheduled feedings prevents gorging and promotes healthy growth.
Puppy food recipes
For most puppies, a high-quality commercial puppy food is recommended. Look for foods that state they are formulated for growth or are puppy, junior, or all life stages foods.
Some options include:
- Dry kibble
- Canned wet food
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried raw food
If you plan to make your own puppy food, consult your veterinarian first. Homemade diets must be carefully formulated to meet all puppy nutritional needs. Never try to formulate a homemade diet on your own.
Some veterinarian-approved recipes for supplemental homemade options include:
Homemade puppy food with ground turkey, rice, and vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3/4 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 pinch calcium carbonate powder*
Brown turkey, mix ingredients, divide into 4 portions, refrigerate unused portions. Provide 1 portion per meal.
Homemade puppy food with chicken, rice, eggs, and yogurt
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pinch calcium carbonate powder*
Mix ingredients, divide into 4 portions, refrigerate unused portions. Provide 1 portion per meal.
*Add calcium powder to balance homemade diets. Amount depends on recipe. Ask your veterinarian for recommendation.
As with any diet change, transition gradually over 5-7 days. Homecooking takes time so be realistic about preparation. Commercial foods provide balanced nutrition without the work.
Common puppy feeding mistakes
It’s easy to make puppy feeding mistakes. Here are some common errors:
- Free feeding – leaving food out at all times
- Overfeeding treats and table scraps
- Not following a feeding schedule
- Portioning based on package guidelines, not puppy’s needs
- Not weighing puppy and monitoring growth
- Switching foods too quickly
- Feeding adult dog food too early
To avoid these missteps, learn your puppy’s unique energy needs, stick to scheduled feedings, weigh puppy regularly, and follow your veterinarian’s advice. Consistent nutrition helps set up healthy growth.
Signs your puppy is hungry or full
Pay attention to your puppy’s signals around mealtimes:
Signs your puppy is hungry
- Pacing, whining or barking around feeding time
- Excited behavior when you prepare food
- Moving towards the food bowl when placed down
- Going to food storage area and looking at you
Signs your puppy is full
- Decrease in eating speed
- Walking away from the food dish
- Licking lips and leaving food uneaten
- Laying down away from food bowl
Paying attention helps prevent over or underfeeding. Know that puppy appetites vary from day to day. Stick to a consistent schedule and amounts.
Nutrients puppies need
Puppies need a balance of nutrients to support growth and development including:
Protein – for muscle growth and tissue repair. High biological value proteins like meat, eggs, and dairy are best.
Fat – for skin, coat, brain, vision, energy needs. Look for omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates – for energy. Choose digestible sources like rice, barley, potatoes.
Calcium – for bone growth. Correct ratio with phosphorus is key.
Other minerals – iron, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins. Supports metabolism, immunity, development.
Water – Helps transport nutrients and maintain hydration. Provide fresh water always.
High protein, meat-based puppy foods provide balanced nutrition in digestible form. Compare brands to find one that fits your puppy’s needs.
Potential health issues
Improper feeding can negatively impact puppy health:
Excessive weight gain – Raises risks for joint disease, metabolic issues, reduced lifespan.
Inadequate calories – Can stunt growth, weaken immune system, raise illness risks.
Nutrient imbalance – Can affect organ development, bone growth, vision, learning.
Food intolerance – Diarrhea, vomiting, itchy skin. May indicate food sensitivity.
Bloat – Overeating then exercising can twist stomach. Life threatening.
That’s why monitoring portion sizes, nutrients, and your puppy’s response is so important. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian right away.
Differences between small and large breed puppies
While the basic principles of feeding are the same, some key differences exist between small and large breed puppies:
Calorie Needs
Small breeds – Higher calorie per pound needs to fuel rapid metabolism
Large breeds – Lower calories per pound, avoid overfeeding
Growth Rate
Small breeds – Reach adult size quickly, 10-15 months
Large breeds – Slower growth, 18-24 months to finish growing
Food Type
Small breeds – Expend energy and nutrients rapidly. Benefit from nutrient dense foods
Large breeds – Prone to developmental orthopedic diseases. May need specialized large breed puppy diets
Meals Per Day
Small breeds – May need 3-4 meals daily their entire lives
Large breeds – Can usually switch to 2 meals per day after 6-12 months old
Monitor your pup, feed a life stage appropriate diet, and adjust amounts to suit their unique needs. Your veterinarian can advise on best practices.
Puppy feeding questions
Here are answers to some common puppy feeding questions:
How often should a puppy eat?
Most puppies do best with 3-4 scheduled meals each day. Meals should be spaced throughout the day and uneaten food picked up after 15-20 minutes.
Is it ok to free feed my puppy?
Free feeding or leaving food out can set up overeating habits. Scheduled, measured feedings are best.
How much water should a puppy drink?
Puppies need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water. Change water frequently.
Should I give puppy vitamins or supplements?
Well-formulated commercial or homemade diets don’t require vitamin supplements. Check with your veterinarian before providing any supplement.
How do I help my puppy gain weight/lose weight?
If your puppy needs to gain or lose – adjust food amounts gradually, while monitoring weight and body condition. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy’s growth, weight, or nutrition. They can help ensure your puppy stays happy and healthy.
Conclusion
Determining the right amount to feed your puppy takes some monitoring and adjustment. Start with standard guidelines based on your puppy’s expected size. Weigh them regularly to track growth and body condition. Most puppies do well when fed a high quality commercial or veterinarian approved homemade diet split into 3-4 scheduled meals each day. Provide ample fresh water as well. With time, you’ll learn your individual puppy’s nutrition needs. Staying lean and growing at an ideal pace sets up your puppy for health and longevity. Consult your veterinarian for advice tailoring the diet to your puppy’s unique needs. Proper nutrition during these impressionable months gives your puppy the best start in life.
