There are best practices for introducing a new dog to your household. It includes developing a feeding schedule that provides the right amount of nutrition to support your pup’s rapid growth and development. Already, we have covered tips for choosing the perfect puppy in my previous blog post. In this blog post, we’ll cover how often and how much to feed puppies as they grow.
Puppy Growth Stages
Understanding the different stages of development your puppy goes through will help guide your feeding schedule. Here is an overview of puppy growth stages:
Newborn (0 – 3 weeks) – Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother’s milk. They nurse every 2-3 hours, stimulating milk production. Pups should double their birth weight in this period.
Weaning (3 – 7 weeks)- Puppies are still nursing but start to show interest in solid food. Offer mushy food mixed with milk 3-4 times per day. Portions are small – around 1-2 tablespoons.
Transition (7 – 12 weeks)- Puppy needs less milk and can eat more solid foods. Offer puppy food 3-4 times daily. Gradually decrease milk and increase amount of solids.
Adolescence (3 – 6 months) – Rapid growth! Puppy should be eating mostly solid food now. Stick to puppy food formulated for growth. Feed 3 meals per day.
Adulthood (6+ months) – Growth is slowing. Gradually transition to 2 meals per day of adult dog food according to your dog’s needs.
Following your puppy’s stage of development will allow you to adjust feedings to provide optimal nutrition for growth and health. Next, let’s look at some general guidelines for how often and how much to feed.
Feeding Frequency
Newborns – Nursing every 2-3 hours
3 – 7 weeks- 3 – 4 small meals of mush per day
7 – 12 weeks- 3 – 4 meals per day
3 – 6 months- 3 meals per day
6+ months – 2 meals per day
Puppies have small stomachs and high energy needs. Multiple feedings prevent your pup from getting too full but also keep energy up. Feeding 3-4 small meals distributes nutrition throughout the day. As your puppy grows, decrease feedings to 2 meals daily.
Feeding Amounts
Exactly how much food your puppy needs varies depending on breed, activity level, and caloric needs. As a general guideline:
3 – 7 weeks – 1-2 tablespoons mush per meal
7 – 12 weeks – 1/4 to 1/2 cup puppy food per meal
3 – 6 months – 1/2 to 1 cup puppy food per meal
6+ months- 1/2 to 2 cups adult food per meal
Your puppy food’s packaging provides feeding charts to recommend amounts based on your pup’s current and expected adult weight. Start on the lower end of recommendations and increase as needed to maintain an ideal weight. Weighing your puppy weekly helps gauge if you need to adjust amounts.
Things to Watch For
As you develop a feeding schedule, keep an eye on:
Weight – Use a scale to track weekly. Make sure your puppy is in the ideal range.
Body Condition- Can you feel but not see ribs? Does your pup have an hourglass figure from above? If not, adjust food.
Energy Level – Is your puppy playful and energetic or lethargic? This gives clues if you need to increase or decrease amounts.
Appetite- Does your puppy devour meals? Leave food behind? Adjust if you notice increased or decreased enthusiasm.
Digestion – Signs of digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation signal it’s time to transition foods or reassess amounts.
Paying attention to these indicators ensures your puppy’s feeding schedule meets her unique needs as she grows.
Feeding Tips
Here are some additional puppy feeding tips:
Stick to scheduled mealtimes – This trains your puppy to eat when food is offered vs. grazing all day. Structure creates a routine.
Use scheduled treats for training – Treats are ok for positive reinforcement but give them on a schedule outside of meals.
Choose a high-quality puppy food- Look for foods labeled “growth” or “all life stages”. Prioritize quality over price.
Feed in a set location – Pick a designated feeding area like the kitchen. This teaches good habits.
Supervise mealtimes- Make sure your puppy focuses on eating. Remove the bowl after 15-20 minutes.
Transition foods slowly- Mix old and new food together over 5-7 days to prevent an upset stomoch.
– Avoid table scraps – People food impacts digestion and balances. Stick to puppy food for nutrition.
– Clean water always available – Make sure your puppy has constant access to fresh, clean drinking water.
Following these tips while tailoring feedings to your pup’s unique needs ensures proper nutrition for healthy growth and development.
Puppy Feeding Schedule Example
Here is a sample puppy feeding schedule for the first 6 months:
8 weeks – Nursing + 3 meals per day of 1/4 cup puppy food.
12 weeks- 3 meals per day of 1/2 cup puppy food.
16 weeks – 3 meals per day of 3/4 cup puppy food.
5 months – 2 meals per day of 1 1/4 cups puppy food
6 months – 2 meals per day of 1 1/2 cups adult dog food.
This outlines increased food amounts as the puppy grows. Exact schedule and quantities depend on your particular puppy and food recommendations. The key is adjusting based on age, weight, activity level, and signals.
Talk to Your Vet
Different dog breeds have their unique characteristics but the above guidelines provide a general overview. Therefore, consult with your veterinarian to develop the ideal feeding schedule. Your vet will consider your puppy’s breed, health status, projected adult size, and body condition score to recommend the perfect amounts. They can advise you on special needs or changes to make to support healthy growth. Quality veterinary guidance ensures you know exactly how much and how often to feed your puppy.
The Joy of Raising a Puppy
Raising a happy, healthy, well-fed puppy is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience! Set your puppy up for success by feeding the right amounts at the right times. Get ready for playtime, cuddles, and adventures together with your furry best friend! Let the puppy feeding begin! Check out the 10 dog care accessories every dog owner should know.
