How Much Food Do I Feed My Puppy?

Puppies are much like infants; they need to become accustomed to solid foods slowly and feed more frequently than usual. Here is a breakdown of what puppies should be eating and how much they should be eating based on their stages.

Stage One – Under Six Weeks

At this point, puppies should remain with their mothers to ensure optimal nutrition and to avoid higher incidence of illness.  By three or four weeks, small amounts of solid food can be introduced before leaving the mother to help ease bringing a new puppy home. Aim to free feed in order to establish a healthy appetite.

Stage Two – Six to Twelve Weeks

Puppies should be eating roughly three times per day, based on the quantities set out on the individual manufacturer product. Generally, this amounts to between ½ - 1 cup of puppy food, moistened with a few teaspoons of water to help soften the food for their baby teeth. Be sure to choose a food that does not contain any by-products; these are very unhealthy and offer virtually no nutritional value.

Stage Three - Three to Six Months

You can bring the total amount of feedings down to twice per day, based on what the appropriate amount is set out by the manufacturer.

Stage Four – Six to Nine Months

Continue feeding your almost grown pooch puppy food until at least one year of age. He will need to continue to get all the nutrients that puppy food has to offer; however, you can reduce the feeding to once per day the total daily intake of food.

Stage Five – One Year

At this point, you should speak with your vet to verify your puppy is now ready to be transitioned onto adult food.

Here is a chart based upon weight for what you should be feeding your puppy.