Congratulations on having a furry and adorable puppy! Ensuring your pup gets the right nourishment is crucial. In this article, we’ll answer the important question of how much to feed a puppy. We’ll cover appropriate portion sizes based on weight and age, as well as meal frequency.
Feeding a puppy is like a culinary adventure. Puppies have different needs than adult dogs. Their small stomachs and high energy levels require smaller, more frequent meals. Expect to feed your puppy three to four meals a day until around four to six months of age. As they grow older, you can reduce the frequency to two to three meals a day.
RELATED: Find the top 10 puppy foods. Homemade Raw Or Cooked Puppy Food. If you’re feeding a homemade raw or cooked diet, a good guideline is to feed your puppy about 2-3% of his expected adult body weight. Or, if you’re not sure about his adult weight, feed about 10% of his current weight. Adjust the amounts if your puppy gains or loses weight.
RELATED: 9 tips for starting your puppy on a raw diet. How Much to Feed a Puppy by Age. Feeding by weight is a bit more accurate, but using your pup’s age as a guideline for how much to feed is also helpful. Puppyhood is a time of rapid growth and development, so nutritional needs vary from month to month. If you’re feeding a commercial or pre-made diet, follow the package instructions to start and adjust as needed depending on your puppy’s body condition. If you’re feeding a homemade raw or cooked diet, follow the same weight guideline. Give 2-3% of your puppy’s expected adult weight or 10% of his current weight. Adjust as needed if your puppy gains too much weight or seems underweight. RELATED: Here’s a complete and balanced raw recipe you can use for puppies. How Much to Feed a 2 Month Old Puppy. At two months old, puppies are still developing their digestive systems and require smaller, frequent meals. Aim to feed four times a day, focusing on high-quality, natural puppy food designed to support your puppy’s growth. How Much to Feed a 3 Month Old Puppy. By three months, your puppy’s stomach capacity increases, allowing for larger meals. You can begin transitioning to three meals a day, adjusting the portion sizes accordingly. How Much to Feed a 4 Month Old Puppy. At four months old, most puppies can be fed three times a day. It’s important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion sizes as needed to maintain a healthy growth rate. How Much to Feed a 5 Month Old Puppy. As your puppy reaches five months, you can continue with three meals a day while monitoring his weight, body condition, and overall energy levels. Adjustments may be necessary based on individual needs. How Much to Feed a 6 Month Old Puppy. By six months, your pup is becoming more like a young adult dog. At this point, most puppies can transition to two meals a day. Some larger breeds may still benefit from three meals to support their growth and energy requirements. Keep in mind your puppy’s body condition is more important than any rule about how much to feed. Adjust your puppy’s meal sizes based on his individual metabolism and body type, as nutritional requirements vary from dog to dog. Final Cautions. You’ve got some great rules of thumb for how much to feed your puppy and how often. As your pup grows, here are a few final things to keep in mind. Monitor Your Puppy’s Body Condition. The guidelines mentioned above are a helpful starting point, but it’s important to monitor your puppy’s body condition regularly. Remember that your pup should have a defined waistline when viewed from above, and you should be able to feel his ribs with a slight covering of flesh.Monitoring your puppy’s weight is crucial. If you notice your puppy becoming overweight or underweight, adjust portion sizes accordingly. Treats play a significant role in bonding and training your puppy. They are a fun and rewarding way to interact with your puppy. Remember, treats are technically part of your pup’s overall daily calorie intake. Treats should be given in moderation and accounted for in your dog’s daily food portion sizes. As your puppy grows, his nutritional needs change. Transitioning to adult dog food is vital. For most puppies, it’s important to gradually transition them to a suitable adult dog food around the age of one year, or as recommended by your holistic vet. Lastly, don’t forget to cherish these puppy moments. Enjoy the mealtime wiggles and nourish your little companion with the love he deserves. You’ve got this!
