Puppy Feeding Guide: How Much and How Often

How many times a day to feed a puppy, how puppy calorie needs differ from adults, and when to switch to adult food.

Puppies grow fast, so they need more calories per pound than adult dogs, and they need them in smaller, more frequent meals. This guide covers the basics.

Puppies need more calories per pound

Our calculator multiplies a dog's resting energy needs by a life-stage factor. For adult dogs that factor is around 1.6, but for puppies it is 3.0 up to about four months of age and 2.0 from four to twelve months. Because the number depends on current weight, not adult weight, enter the puppy's weight today and recalculate as they grow.

For example, a 10-pound puppy under four months old needs roughly 650 calories a day. That is about 1.7 cups of a 380 kcal-per-cup puppy food. The same puppy at four to twelve months, still 10 pounds, would need about 435 calories, so the factor drops as growth slows.

How often to feed

These are typical guidelines. Your vet may suggest something different for your puppy:

• 8 to 12 weeks: three to four small meals a day.
• 3 to 6 months: three meals a day.
• 6 to 12 months: two meals a day.

Toy and very small breeds are prone to low blood sugar, so they often do better with four small meals and should not go long between feedings.

Choose a food made for growth

Look for an AAFCO statement saying the food is complete and balanced for growth, or for all life stages. See our guide to reading a dog food label.

Large and giant breeds (adult weight over about 50 pounds) should eat a food made for large-breed puppies. These have controlled calcium and calories so the puppy grows steadily. Growing too fast can increase the risk of joint and bone problems, so keep these puppies lean and do not free-feed.

Measure, weigh, adjust

• Weigh your puppy every one to two weeks and recalculate the portion.
• Check body condition with the ribs test: you should feel ribs easily and see a waist. A round, pot-bellied look in a young puppy can be normal, but a puppy that is getting chubby should be checked.
• Count training treats toward the daily total, or use part of the daily kibble as treats.

When to switch to adult food

The right time depends on how big the dog will be. These are rough ranges, and your vet can give a more precise answer:

• Small and toy breeds: around 9 to 12 months.
• Medium breeds: around 12 months.
• Large breeds: around 12 to 18 months.
• Giant breeds: around 18 to 24 months.

Change foods gradually over a week or more. Here is how to switch dog foods safely.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. Puppies with health problems, or those who are very small for their age, should be seen by a vet.

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