How often to feed a puppy

Puppy feeding chart by age

This is a common guide, in line with the American Kennel Club's advice. Most puppies under 8 weeks are still with their mother and breeder.

Why puppies need more meals

Puppies grow fast and need a lot of food for their size. But their stomachs are small. Several small meals spread the food over the day. As the puppy grows, the stomach gets bigger, and fewer meals are enough.

A simple daily routine

1. Read the daily amount on the puppy food bag. It is usually based on age and the expected adult weight.
2. Divide it by the number of meals for your puppy's age.
3. Feed at the same times every day. A steady routine also helps with house training.
4. Pick up the bowl after about 15 minutes, even if food is left.
5. Take any training treats out of the day's amount. Keep treats tiny.

How to know if you feed the right amount

The bag gives a starting point, not a rule. Watch your puppy, not the bowl. A healthy puppy has a waist you can see from above and ribs you can feel easily.

A round belly is normal in very young puppies. The AKC says the potbelly should be going by about 12 weeks. If your puppy is still roly-poly after that, feed a little less. If you can see the ribs and hip bones, feed a little more and ask your vet.

Weigh your puppy every week. Steady growth is the goal, not fast growth.

Lean puppies grow into healthier dogs

In a lifelong study, Labrador puppies were paired with a littermate from 8 weeks old. One of each pair ate 25% less than the other. The leaner dogs lived longer, by close to two years, and got arthritis later. A slim puppy is not a hungry puppy. It is a healthy one.

Tiny breeds: do not skip meals

Toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese and Toy Poodles can get low blood sugar if they go too long without food. It is most common in young puppies. Keep to the meals, and do not drop meals too early.

Signs of low blood sugar are weakness, shaking, sleepiness, or a wobbly walk. Rub a little honey or syrup on the gums of a puppy that is awake, and call your vet right away.

Large and giant breeds: grow slowly

Big puppies, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Great Danes, need extra care. If they eat too much, they grow too fast. Their bones and joints may not keep up. This can lead to joint problems later.

• Feed a puppy food made for large breeds. It has the right calcium and calories for slow growth.
• Do not add calcium or other supplements unless your vet says so.
• Keep your puppy lean, with ribs you can feel.

When to switch to adult food

A good sign is that your puppy is close to its adult size. Some giant breeds stay on puppy food longer, so ask your vet. Switch over a few days to a week. Mix a little adult food into the puppy food, and add more each day. Spaying or neutering lowers energy needs a little, so watch your puppy's shape after the surgery.