It is crucial to ensure that a growing puppy receives proper nutrition for their overall health and development. One of the essential aspects of providing optimal care is determining the correct daily amount of dog food to feed them. Puppies have specific dietary requirements due to their rapid growth and development. The quantity of food needed depends on various factors, including the puppy’s breed, size, age, and activity level. In this article we will provide guideline How Much Dog Food Per Day for a Puppy.
| Puppy Age | Meals per Day | Feeding Frequency | Portion Size Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 weeks | 3-4 | Every 4 hours | Follow guidelines on puppy food packaging |
| 8-12 weeks | 3 | Approximately every 6 hours | Adjust based on weight and food brand guidelines |
| 12-24 weeks | 2 | Morning and evening | Continue adjusting based on weight and guidelines |
| 24 weeks and older | 1-2 | Morning and evening | Adjust based on weight and specific dietary needs |
This guide aims to explore the considerations involved in determining the appropriate amount of dog food for a puppy. It will assist pet owners in navigating the important task of providing a balanced and nutritious diet during the crucial formative stages of their canine companion’s life.
How Many Food Per Day for a Puppy
The quantity of food required by a puppy on a daily basis will differ based on their age, breed, and activity level. Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.
- For puppies under 8 weeks old, it is recommended to feed them 3-4 meals per day.
- For puppies between 8-12 weeks old, it is advised to feed them 3 meals per day.
- For puppies aged 12-24 weeks, it is suggested to feed them 2 meals per day.
- For puppies over 24 weeks old, the frequency of feeding can be reduced to once or twice per day, depending on their specific needs.
However, it is important to always adjust the quantity of food according to your puppy’s individual requirements. If your puppy is gaining excessive weight, it may be necessary to decrease the amount of food they consume. Conversely, if your puppy is losing weight, it may be necessary to increase their food intake.
Food Per Day for a Puppy Chart
| Age | Meals per day |
| Under 8 weeks | 4 |
| 8-12 weeks | 3 |
| 12-24 weeks | 2 |
| Over 24 weeks | 1 |
How Many Times a Day to Feed a Puppy
The feeding frequency of a puppy is determined by their age and developmental stage. A general guideline is as follows:
- For puppies up to 6 months old, it is recommended to feed them three to four times a day to support their rapid growth. This frequent feeding schedule ensures a steady supply of nutrients and energy throughout the day.
- For puppies between 6 months and 1 year old, you can transition to feeding them two to three times a day. This feeding schedule is suitable for most breeds during their adolescent stage.
- For puppies 1 year and older, it is generally recommended to feed them twice a day. However, larger breeds may benefit from staying on a three-meals-a-day schedule for a bit longer.
Food Per Day for a Puppy by Weight
The daily food requirement for a puppy is determined by its weight, age, breed, and activity level. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.
- For small breed puppies weighing under 20 pounds, it is recommended to provide 20-30 grams of food per pound of body weight per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
- Medium breed puppies weighing between 20-50 pounds should be given 20-25 grams of food per pound of body weight per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
- Large breed puppies weighing between 50-100 pounds require 15-20 grams of food per pound of body weight per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
- Giant breed puppies weighing over 100 pounds should be given 10-15 grams of food per pound of body weight per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
Below is a chart that outlines the daily food requirements for a puppy based on their weight.
| Weight (pounds) | Grams of food per day | Number of meals per day |
| Under 20 | 20-30 | 3-4 |
| 20-50 | 20-25 | 3-4 |
| 50-100 | 15-20 | 3-4 |
| Over 100 | 10-15 | 3-4 |
Some Tips for Feeding your Puppy
Below are a few guidelines to consider when nourishing your young dog:
It is crucial to select a high-quality puppy food as not all puppy foods are the same. Look for a food that is specifically designed for puppies and contains all the necessary nutrients for their proper growth and development.
To meet their nutritional requirements, feed your puppy three to four meals a day. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need to eat more frequently compared to adult dogs. As your puppy grows older, you can gradually reduce the number of meals to two per day.
Refer to the feeding guidelines provided on the food label. These guidelines will give you a starting point for the amount of food to feed your puppy. However, it is important to adjust the quantity based on your puppy’s individual needs.
Establish a consistent feeding schedule by feeding your puppy at the same time each day. This will not only help in creating a routine but also aid in potty training.
Designate a specific area for feeding your puppy. This will teach them that eating is a calm and relaxed activity.
Avoid free-feeding, which involves leaving food out for your puppy to eat whenever they want. This practice can lead to overeating and obesity.
Utilize puzzle feeders to slow down your puppy’s eating. These feeders make your puppy work for their food, promoting slower consumption and reducing the risk of choking.
Refrain from giving your puppy table scraps. Human food can be detrimental to dogs’ health, causing weight gain and other health issues.
Ensure that your puppy always has access to fresh and clean water. Water is essential for their well-being, so make sure to provide a bowl of fresh water at all times.
If you have any concerns regarding your puppy’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. They can assist you in creating a suitable feeding plan tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age
Here is a puppy feeding schedule based on age:
For puppies up to 3 months old:
- Frequency: Feed your puppy 4 meals per day.
- Timing: Feed your puppy every 4 hours.
- Portion size: Follow the guidelines on the puppy food packaging, adjusted based on your puppy’s weight.
For puppies 3 to 6 months old:
- Frequency: Feed your puppy 3 meals per day.
- Timing: Transition to a schedule of approximately every 6 hours.
- Portion size: Adjust based on your puppy’s weight and the guidelines provided by the food brand.
For puppies 6 months to 1 year old:
- Frequency: Feed your puppy 2 meals per day.
- Timing: Feed your puppy in the morning and evening.
- Portion size: Continue adjusting based on weight and food guidelines.
For dogs 1 year and older:
- Frequency: Most dogs do well with two meals per day.
- Timing: Feed your adult dog in the morning and evening.
- Portion size: Adjust based on weight and the specific dietary needs of your adult dog.
Puppy Feeding Schedule By Weight and Age
These quantities are applicable for each 24-hour period.
| Ideal Weight of Dog (At Maturity) | Weaning-12 Weeks | 4-5 Months | 6-8 Months |
| 3-12 lbs | 0.5-1 cup | 0.75-1 1/3 cups | 0.5-1.5 cups |
| 13-20 lbs | 0.5-1.25 cups | 1-2 cups | 0.75-1.25 cups |
| 21-50 lbs | 0.5-1.5 cups | 1.5-2.75 cups | 1.25-2.25 cups |
| 51-75 lbs | 0.75-2.5 cups | 1.5-4 cups | 1.5-3.75 cups |
| 76-100 lbs | 1-2.5 cups | 2.75-3.75 cups | 2.75-6.25 cups |
| 101+ lbs | 2.5 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 3.75cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 6.25 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 |
Food Per Day for a Puppy Calculator
Creating an accurate and customized feeding plan for a young dog entails taking into account multiple factors, including the dog’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. Although I cannot provide a real-time calculator at this moment, there are numerous online tools and calculators available that can assist you in determining the appropriate quantity of food for your specific puppy.
Many pet food brands and veterinary websites offer calculators that consider these variables and provide tailored recommendations for your puppy’s daily food consumption. To effectively utilize these calculators, ensure that you have the necessary information regarding your puppy’s current weight, age, and activity level readily available.
Furthermore, it is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance based on your puppy’s individual requirements and any health considerations.
When do you stop feeding a puppy 3 times a day?
Puppies should be given three meals a day until they reach approximately six months of age. After this point, it is recommended to transition them to two meals per day. However, the specific timing may vary depending on factors such as the breed, size, and individual needs of the puppy.
For small breed puppies, it may be necessary to continue with three meals per day until they are between nine to twelve months old. This is to prevent hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, large and giant breed puppies may benefit from three meals per day until they are between twelve to sixteen months old. This can help prevent bloat, a potentially serious condition that affects their digestive system.
If a puppy is underweight, it may be necessary to continue with three meals per day even after six months. Conversely, if a puppy is overweight, it is advisable to switch to two meals per day at the six-month mark.
When transitioning from three to two meals per day, it is important to do so gradually. This can be achieved by reducing the midday meal over the course of a week.
If you are unsure about the ideal feeding schedule for your puppy, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide guidance based on your puppy’s specific needs and ensure they are receiving the appropriate nutrition.
How Much to Feed a Puppy by Weight (kg)
The feeding requirements for a puppy are determined by its weight in kilograms. Below are some general feeding guidelines based on different age groups and weights:
Puppy Food (0-12 weeks)
- 1-3 kg: 40-105 grams
- 3-5 kg: 105-160 grams
- 5-10 kg: 160-240 grams
Puppy Food (3-5 months)
- 1-3 kg: 80-185 grams
- 3-5 kg: 185-250 grams
- 5-10 kg: 250-400 grams
Puppy Food (5-12 months)
- 1-3 kg: 60-100 grams
- 3-5 kg: 100-135 grams
- 5-10 kg: 135-210 grams
Large Breed Puppy Food (2-6 months)
- 10-20 kg: 200-600 grams
- 20-30 kg: 300-500 grams
- 30-50 kg: 500-700 grams
- 50-60 kg: 600-700 grams
Senior Food
- 1-5 kg: 10-35 grams
- 5-10 kg: 36-60 grams
- 10-15 kg: 61-80 grams
- 15 kg+: 81 grams+
These are general recommendations and may vary depending on the specific brand and type of food. It is advisable to refer to the packaging of your chosen puppy food for detailed feeding instructions and to seek advice from your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your puppy’s diet.
