Welcoming a new puppy into your home is one of life’s sweetest moments. But as a loving puppy parent, you’re probably also wondering: How much should I feed my puppy?
This guide is for you — whether you’re a first‑time dog owner or have raised pups before — and it will walk you through how to feed your puppy based on their age and weight, using recommendations trusted and approved by veterinarians.
Why a Feeding Chart Matters?
Puppies grow incredibly fast. Their nutritional needs can change weekly. Feeding too much can lead to unhealthy weight gain, while feeding too little can stunt proper growth.
Because each puppy is unique — breed, activity level, metabolism — a feeding “chart” gives you a smart, flexible framework.
Importantly, this isn’t a rigid diet plan, but a vet‑recommended starting point to adjust with your veterinarian’s guidance.
How Much to Feed Your Puppy: Key Factors to Consider
Before diving into the numbers, there are a few important things to remember when estimating how much to feed your puppy:
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Age: Younger puppies generally need more calories per pound of body weight than older puppies.
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Weight / Body Condition: Ideal body condition matters more than just age. Vets often use a body condition score (BCS) to assess whether a puppy is underweight, ideal, or overweight.
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Diet Type: Are you feeding dry kibble, wet, or a mix? Calorie density varies a lot between brands and types.
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Breed Size: Small, medium, large, or giant breed puppies will have different food needs.
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Feeding Frequency: Not just how much, but how often you feed matters. Puppies typically eat more frequently than adult dogs.
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Veterinarian Input: These charts are guidelines. You should always work with your vet to tailor your puppy’s feeding to its individual needs.
Vet‑Approved Puppy Feeding Chart: By Age & Weight
Here’s a practical, printable feeding chart based on age, weight, and recommended daily cups (dry kibble), adapted from trusted veterinary nutrition sources. Use this as a starting point, then refine with your vet.
|
Age |
Body / Adult Weight Estimate |
Daily Amount (Cups) |
Meals Per Day |
|
1.5–3 months |
3–12 lb (≈ 1.4–5.4 kg) |
½ – 1 cup per day |
4 meals |
|
1.5–3 months |
13–20 lb (≈ 5.9–9.1 kg) |
½ – 1¼ cups |
4 meals |
|
1.5–3 months |
21–50 lb (≈ 9.5–22.7 kg) |
½ – 1½ cups |
4 meals |
|
4–5 months |
3–12 lb |
⅔ – 1⅓ cups |
3 meals |
|
4–5 months |
13–20 lb |
1⅛ – 2 cups |
3 meals |
|
4–5 months |
21–50 lb |
1½ – 2¾ cups |
3 meals |
|
6–8 months |
3–12 lb |
½ – 1½ cups |
2 meals |
|
6–8 months |
13–20 lb |
¾ – 1⅓ cups |
2 meals |
|
6–8 months |
21–50 lb |
1⅛ – 2⅓ cups |
2 meals |
|
9–11 months |
21–50 lb |
2 – 3 cups |
2 meals |
|
1–2 years |
21–50 lb |
2 – 4¼ cups (or transition to adult food) |
2 meals |
⚠️ Note: These amounts are general estimates. Puppy caloric needs can vary by ± 50% depending on body condition, activity level, and growth rate. Always check your food label too — different brands have different calorie densities.
Feeding Frequency: When and How Often?
Feeding your puppy the right number of meals each day is just as important as the total volume. Here’s a guide backed by veterinary advice and pet nutrition experts:
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Under 3 months: Typically 3–4 meals per day. This supports their rapid metabolism and small stomachs.
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3–6 months: Shift to 3 meals daily as their digestion gets more stable.
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6 months and older: Usually, 2 meals per day is sufficient, assuming a high-quality puppy formula.
Frequent, scheduled feedings not only support healthy growth, but also help with things like housetraining and monitoring your puppy’s appetite and stool quality.
Tips for Using the Puppy Feeding Chart Effectively
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Weigh Your Puppy: Track weight weekly. Use that to adjust portions rather than just guessing.
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Use Body Condition Score: Ask your vet to help you learn how to check your pup’s ribs, waist, and overall shape. Adjust food if your puppy seems too thin or too chubby.
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Read the Food Label: Always compare the feeding chart on your food package — it may be different than general charts because calorie density varies.
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Monitor Growth: Puppies don’t grow in a straight line. If your puppy’s weight gain is slower or faster than expected, talk to your vet.
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Transitioning to Adult Food: Use a gradual switch over 7–10 days when it's time. Many large‑breed pups stay on puppy food longer, sometimes up to 18–24 months.
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Account for Treats: Treats count! Use them wisely and adjust meal portions accordingly.
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Stick to Routine: Keep feeding times consistent. This helps digestion and potty training.
Why Vet‑Approved Guidelines Are So Important
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Vets use a body condition score (BCS) to tailor nutrition — more reliable than one-size-fits-all charts.
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Overfeeding can lead to obesity, joint problems (especially in large-breed puppies), and other health issues. Purina cautions that blindly following high-range feeding chart values can cause weight gain.
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Underfeeding may stunt healthy bone and muscle development, and could lead to hypoglycemia in toy breeds.
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A vet can also help you adjust food based on growth milestones, health, activity, and the specific food formula you’re using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Free-feeding: Leaving food out all day can lead to overeating or bloat. Scheduled meals are safer, according to Kwik Pets.
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Ignoring growth curves: Not tracking weight or body condition can lead to over- or underfeeding.
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Switching food abruptly: Always transition slowly to avoid digestive upset.
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Using adult feeding guidelines too early: Puppies have different needs. Stay on a balanced puppy formula until your vet says it’s OK to switch.
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Over-relying on feeding labels: They’re helpful, but not tailored for your puppy's unique metabolism or activity.
When to Call the Vet About Feeding
Reach out to your vet if:
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Your puppy isn’t gaining weight or seems too thin, despite feeding per chart
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Your pup is gaining too much weight or seems “round”
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Your puppy vomits, has loose stools, or seems uncomfortable after meals
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You’re not sure whether to feed more or less after your pup reaches certain age or weight milestones
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You’re considering switching foods (e.g., to a new formula, raw diet, or home‑made food)
FAQs
Q1: How much puppy food should I feed my puppy per day?
A: It depends on their age and weight. For example, a 2‑month-old puppy weighing 10 lb might eat around ¾ to 1¼ cups per day, divided into 3–4 meals. Use a feeding chart and consult your vet to tailor it.
Q2: How often should I feed my puppy?
A: The above chart demonstrates puppies under about 3 months old usually eat 3–4 times a day. Between 3–6 months, most puppies do well on 3 meals daily, and after 6 months, you can often reduce to 2 meals per day.
Q3: Can I follow the feeding instructions on my puppy food bag only?
A: The bag’s instructions are a helpful starting point, but they don’t account for your puppy’s unique needs like body condition, growth rate, or activity. Use them alongside a vet‑approved chart and regular weight checks.
Q4: When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
A: That depends on your puppy’s breed size. Small breeds often transition at 9–12 months, while larger or giant breeds may stay on puppy food for 12–24 months. Always transition gradually over a week or more.
Q5: What if my puppy seems hungrier than the chart suggests?
A: First, double-check if your puppy’s body condition score is ideal. If your vet agrees, you can increase portions slightly. Also ensure treats aren’t taking up too many of the daily calories, and monitor growth trends closely.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your puppy isn’t just about pouring food into a bowl — it’s about nurturing healthy growth, maintaining proper body condition, and setting your pup up for a lifetime of wellness.
This vet‑approved feeding chart gives you a solid foundation, but don’t forget: your puppy is an individual. Use this as a guide, lean heavily on your veterinarian’s advice, and adjust as needed based on how your puppy grows, plays, and thrives.
If you’re shopping for puppy feeding tools, check out what’s available on Petsupermarket.shop — we’re here to support you and your growing fur baby every step of the way.
