Are you a first-time dog owner who is wondering how much to feed your new puppy? You’re not alone! Feeding a puppy the right amount of food is essential for its growth and development.
You should feed your puppy 3 to 5 times a day, between ½ to 2¼ cups of food per day. This depends on their breed and their current weight. You’ll usually find a feeding chart on the label of puppy food packages. This is a handy guide that tells you exactly how much to feed your furry friend.
| Dog Mature Weight | 1 – 3 Months | 3 – 6 Months | 6 – 12 Months |
| Toy Breeds (3 – 20 Lbs) | ½ – 1 Cup | 2⁄3 – 1¼ Cup | 1 – 1½ Cup |
| Small Breeds (21 – 50 Lbs) | ½ – 1 Cup | 1 – 1½ Cup | 1½ – 3 Cup |
| Medium Breeds (51 – 75 Lbs) | ½ – 1½ Cup | 1½ – 2½ Cup | 2½ – 4 Cup |
| Large Breeds (75 Lbs & Above) | 2⁄3 – 2¼ Cup | 2¼ – 4½ Cup | 4½ – 7 Cup |
Small breeds puppies may need to be fed four to six times a day until they are about 16 weeks old in order to prevent hypoglycemia. Some large breed puppies – like Dobermans – can be prone to bloating. That is why it is often recommended by veterinarians that large breed puppies be fed several smaller meals per day.
First 6 To 8 Weeks
During this time, the puppy should stay with its mother. This move allows them to feed breast milk, which is crucial for growth and development. Antibodies and nutrition from the mother’s milk ensure it grows properly while providing protection from infection and diseases.
If you are unable to keep the pup with the mother during this duration, there are some options you can use. Look for milk bottles and replacers in a pet store. Alternatively, you can get the same from a veterinarian in your location.
Weaning To Solid Food
Your dog will not move to solid food overnight. The process should take 14 to 21 days. Begin by selecting a brand of food that is best for your puppy. A high-quality brand is recommended due to the fact that such dogs need high-quality food to maintain their nutritional and caloric needs. Generally, a good source of food should have calories, calcium, and protein.
The best time to start feeding your puppy solid food is when they are a month or more in age. A good way to go about this would be to feed them a mixture. For example, mixing the food with a milk replacer can be a great way to start the process. Give the food several times a day. Each day, reduce the amount of milk replacer in the gruel. By the time your puppy is two months old, it should be eating solid food.
Frequency Of Feeding
Generally, puppies should be fed four times a day. If you offer ¾ a cup of puppy food two times a day, then you should space out the food. You can try giving ½ cup of food three times a day. This will ensure you maintain the daily food requirements.
Puppies find it easier to digest smaller meals. At the same time, energy levels do not fall and peak intermittently when frequent meals are provided. At six months of age, you may start feeding the puppy twice a day. However, you should consider feeding it three to four times a day if it is a mixed breed. This will minimize or prevent the risk of gastric dilatation volvulus.
Moving On From Puppy Food
Nutritional supplements and calories are high in puppy food. You will need to switch to adult food as soon as your puppy starts to mature. Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific age for the switch. It will all depend on the individual dog and its breed.
Generally, smaller dogs tend to reach maturity at a faster rate. Breeds that are 30 pounds or less have a higher probability of maturing within a year or less. Some toy breeds have been known to mature earlier. Medium breeds with more than 30 pounds and less than 80 pounds tend to mature for longer durations, sometimes up to two years.
Switching to adult dog food should be done at a slow pace. Ideally, the switch should involve mixing less puppy food with more adult food gradually. Such a move will ensure the puppy is introduced to adult food effectively while making sure he/she does not suffer from gastric upset
Foods To Avoid
Avoid any food listing meat by-products or corn as the major ingredient. Ideally, any food you choose should have meat as the first ingredient. Also, make sure your puppy does not consume puppy food for longer than the recommended duration.
Orthopedic and obesity problems are commonly caused by feeding a dog puppy food for longer than usual. A good sign of feeding puppy food for long is when your dog starts to eat less of the same portions. Another sign would be the dog gaining too much weight.
Avoid Obesity And Chubbiness
The best way to determine how much food your dog should consume is by gauging its body condition. Dogs, just like humans, will experience health problems if they are overweight or obese. The recommendations you find on dog food labels are guidelines. They should not be considered the ultimate guide. Feeding should be done by adding a little less or more depending on the dog’s condition score.
One of the best ways to determine the chubbiness of a dog is by seeing the ribs. It is done by looking straight down at the dog while he/she is standing. A recognizable waist is a good sign of a healthy dog. Additionally, make sure your veterinary checks the weight of your dog during your next visit. The veterinarian will be able to give you advice on how to feed them depending on their weight.
Final Thoughts – Each Puppy Is Different
Feeding your dog should not be a problem if you use these guidelines. In case you have any concerns or questions, always consult a veterinary. Alternatively, you can talk to friends or family with the same dog breed.
