Introduction
Wondering how much food to feed your puppy? Feeding too little can lead to malnutrition, while overfeeding can cause obesity and digestive issues.
Meet Max, a 10-week-old Labrador. His owner wasn’t sure how often to feed him and accidentally gave him too much food. Max gained weight quickly and had constant bloating. After switching to a proper feeding schedule, Max grew into a healthy, energetic dog.
This guide provides a puppy feeding chart based on age, weight, and breed size, plus feeding tips and recommended puppy food brands.
Why a Feeding Schedule is Important for Puppies
✔ Supports healthy growth & development
✔ Prevents overeating and obesity
✔ Helps digestion and reduces stomach upset
✔ Establishes a routine for easier training
🐾 Tip: Puppies have small stomachs but fast metabolisms, so they need frequent small meals instead of one large meal.
Puppy Feeding Chart by Age & Weight
📌 How Much & How Often to Feed Your Puppy
| Puppy Age | Meals per Day | Toy Breeds (<10 lbs) | Small Breeds (10-20 lbs) | Medium Breeds (20-50 lbs) | Large Breeds (50+ lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 Weeks | 4 meals/day | ¼ – ½ cup | ½ – ¾ cup | ¾ – 1½ cups | 1½ – 2½ cups |
| 3-6 Months | 3 meals/day | ½ – ¾ cup | ¾ – 1¼ cups | 1½ – 2 cups | 2½ – 3½ cups |
| 6-12 Months | 2 meals/day | ¾ – 1 cup | 1¼ – 1½ cups | 2 – 2½ cups | 3½ – 4½ cups |
🚨 Note: These are general guidelines. Adjust portions based on your puppy’s weight and energy level.
🐾 Tip: Large-breed puppies need controlled portions to prevent rapid growth, which can cause joint problems.
Puppy Feeding Schedule (Example for an 8-12 Week Old Puppy)
✔ 7:00 AM – Breakfast
✔ 11:00 AM – Lunch
✔ 3:00 PM – Afternoon meal
✔ 7:00 PM – Dinner
🐾 Tip: Feed puppies at consistent times daily to establish a routine.
🚨 Warning: Avoid feeding too close to bedtime to prevent accidents overnight.
Best Puppy Food Brands (Vet-Recommended)
1. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy 🏆 (Best Overall Puppy Food)
✔ Vet-recommended for balanced growth
✔ High-quality protein & DHA for brain development
✔ Supports digestion & immunity
🔹 Best For: Puppies of all breeds
🔹 Available In: Dry kibble, wet food
2. Purina Pro Plan Puppy 🥩 (Best High-Protein Puppy Food)
✔ Real chicken or salmon as the first ingredient
✔ Contains DHA & antioxidants for brain & vision development
✔ Rich in probiotics for gut health
🔹 Best For: Active puppies needing extra protein
🔹 Available In: Dry kibble, wet food
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy 🍗 (Best Natural Puppy Food)
✔ No artificial fillers or by-products
✔ Includes DHA, antioxidants, and LifeSource Bits
✔ Great for puppies with sensitive stomachs
🔹 Best For: Puppies needing natural, high-quality nutrition
🔹 Available In: Dry kibble, wet food
🐾 Tip: Large-breed puppies should eat formulas designed for slow, controlled growth.
Can Puppies Eat Wet Food or Raw Food?
📌 Wet Food:
✔ Higher moisture content, great for hydration
✔ More flavorful, good for picky eaters
✔ Must be mixed with dry food for balanced nutrition
📌 Raw Food:
✔ Some owners prefer homemade raw diets, but they must be balanced.
✔ Best to consult a vet before switching to raw feeding.
🚨 Warning: Puppies should NOT eat only wet food or raw diets without vet guidance.
Foods to Avoid for Puppies
🚫 Chocolate – Toxic, can cause heart problems
🚫 Grapes & Raisins – Causes kidney failure
🚫 Onions & Garlic – Damages red blood cells
🚫 Cooked Bones – Can splinter and cause internal injury
🚫 Too Much Dairy – Can cause digestive upset
🐾 Tip: Stick to vet-approved treats and puppy-safe foods.
How to Switch Puppy Food Safely
✔ Day 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
✔ Day 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
✔ Day 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
✔ Day 7: 100% new food
🚨 Tip: Gradually transitioning helps prevent stomach upset.
Common Puppy Feeding Mistakes
❌ Overfeeding – Leads to obesity & joint issues
❌ Underfeeding – Can stunt growth & cause malnutrition
❌ Feeding adult dog food – Puppies need higher protein & fat
❌ Inconsistent feeding schedule – Can cause digestive problems
🐾 Tip: Always measure food portions to prevent overfeeding.
Conclusion
Max’s owner followed a proper feeding schedule, and now he’s growing strong, healthy, and active.
✔ Follow the puppy feeding chart based on age & weight.
✔ Choose high-quality, vet-approved puppy food.
✔ Stick to a feeding routine for better digestion.
🐶 Give your puppy the best start in life with proper nutrition!
FAQs
1. How often should I feed my puppy?
8-12 weeks: 4 meals/day
3-6 months: 3 meals/day
6-12 months: 2 meals/day
2. How much food should I feed my puppy?
Use a puppy feeding chart based on weight & breed size.
3. Can I free-feed my puppy?
No! Puppies need portion-controlled meals to prevent overeating.
4. When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
Small breeds: 10-12 months
Large breeds: 12-18 months
5. What’s the best way to transition puppy food?
Gradually mix new food over 7 days to avoid digestive upset.
