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Home Blog Dogs

How Much to Feed A Puppy [Puppy Feeding Full Guide]

May 11, 2023

Author:Lisa Martinez

If you've recently welcomed a new Chihuahua or Poodle into your home, you probably have many questions about how to best care for them and how much to feed a puppy. Puppies require plenty of nutrition and energy, so getting the feeding schedule right is important.


We have gathered all the information you need about puppy feeding, including how much food they should eat and how often. So, don't worry – we've got you covered! Read on to learn how often you should feed a puppy and more. 



Part 1: How Much to Feed A Puppy?

Well, there is no one-size fits all answer to this question, as a Great Dane will need a different portion than a Chihuahua. Generally, puppies should be fed three times per day – but the amount of food depends on your pup's age and breed.

For example, a Great Dane should be fed more than a Chihuahua as they are larger dogs and consume more calories to maintain their size. On the other hand, Chihuahuas are small dogs and can suffer from hypoglycemia if they eat too much, so it's important to monitor their food intake carefully.

feed a puppy

The chart presented below can assist you in figuring out the appropriate amount of dry food to give your puppy. However, it is also recommended that you carefully examine the feeding guidelines provided on the back of the puppy food package and seek advice from your veterinarian.


Part 2: Best Schedule to Feed A Puppy

It is important to create a feeding schedule for your puppy so they can get used to eating at the same time every day. Feeding them on a regular schedule will ensure they are getting the right amount of food and will give them something to look forward to.

For puppies, a convenient feeding time is 7 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. Adjust your puppy's meal times accordingly if you'd like to provide additional meals throughout the day. Moreover, don't feed your dog after 5 pm so they will have enough time to digest their food and be ready for a good night's sleep.

schedule to feed a puppy

Part 3: How Often Should You Feed A Puppy?

How many times a day to feed a puppy? Well, the answer depends on the age and size of your pup. Also, setting up a feeding schedule will help your pup adjust to its new diet and avoid digestive.

Below is the guide on how much food you should feed a puppy according to its age:


6 to 12 Weeks

At this age, puppies should be fed four times per day. And you can even increase the number of meals up to six if your pup is still hungry after dinner.


3 to 6 Months

At this age, puppies should be fed three times per day, and their portions should be slightly bigger than when they were 6 to 12 weeks old.


6 to 12 Months

At this age, puppies should be fed two times per day. And just like adults, the portions can be slightly bigger in the morning and smaller in the evening.


After 1 Year Age

Once a puppy is over one year old, it should transition to an adult diet. At this age, puppies should be fed twice daily, and you can divide their total daily portion into two meals.


Part 4: What Can Puppies Eat?

Now that you know how much and how often to feed your pup, it's time to talk about food. Here is a quick guide to the different types of food that puppies can eat:


0 to 3 Weeks

Newborn puppies should be allowed to remain with their mother, as her milk contains essential nutrients that provide proper nourishment while protecting them against potential diseases. During this period, you won't need to worry about what and how much food your puppy needs — the mama will take care of it all for you.


3 to 4 Weeks

Once your puppy is 3 to 4 weeks old, you can start adding some solid foods into their diet as they develop the teeth and digestive system necessary for solid food. You can start with a special puppy kibble that is high in protein, highly digestible, and a few soft foods. Then, gradually reduce the milk and increase the solid foods over time.


4 to 6 Weeks

At this stage, you can introduce more solid food into your puppy's diet, including puppy kibble and some moist canned food. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar or fat, as it can lead to obesity and other health issues.


6 to 12 Months

Once your pup is 6 to 12 months old, you can introduce some adult dog food into their diet. The age for switching from puppy to adult dog food varies based on a pet's breed; smaller breeds should transition between 7-9 months old, while larger dogs may take up until around 12 months old.

No matter your puppy's age, it's important to monitor their appetite and make adjustments as needed closely. Also, you should never leave food out for your puppy to graze on, as this can lead to overeating and other potential health issues.


Use an Automatic Pet Feeder to Feed Your Puppy!

You can use an automatic pet feeder to ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food at the right time. This way, you can set up a specific time that your pup will get their meals, and you won't have to worry about whether or not they are getting enough food. Plus, you can easily adjust the meal times if needed.


WOpet is one of the leading automated pet feeders on the market, and it's guaranteed to help you keep your pup healthy, happy, and fed. You can opt for WOpet WiFi automatic dog feeder with camera and monitor your puppy's meal times from anywhere in the world. Plus, depending on their needs, you can customize your pup’s feeding schedule and portion size.

wopet wifi automatic pet feeder

The best thing about the WOpet dog feeder is its 120° wide-angle camera that allows you to check in and monitor your pup from anywhere. In addition, this state-of-the-art technology is controllable by your phone and computers, making it easy to track your pup’s meals even if you’re away from home.


So whether you are planning a trip or just want to ensure your pup is getting the best nutrition – WOpet automatic pet feeder can help you. You can customize your pup’s diet and ensure they get the exact portion size needed for a healthy life. Just set it up once, and you won't have to worry about constantly checking on your puppy's meals again.  So go ahead and give WOpet a try!


Part 5: Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. What to feed a puppy?

    The best thing for a puppy is a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to its age and breed type. The right mix of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals helps support their growth and development. For example, puppies need more fat than adults because they have higher energy levels. When it comes to puppy food, many options are available on the market. You can choose from dry kibble or wet canned food specifically designed for puppies and other treats like chewable bones and chews. In addition to puppy food, make sure also to give your pup healthy snacks like vegetables and fruits to provide them with the essential nutrients they need.

  • 2. When to feed a puppy?

    You should feed your puppy three times daily, depending on their age. For instance, puppies up to two months old should be given small meals four times daily, while puppies over two months can be given three meals daily. When it comes to timing, you should feed your puppy at regular intervals throughout the day, such as 8 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. Moreover, it is crucial to give your pup a consistent routine with meal times so that they learn when to expect food.

  • 3. What age can puppies have treats?

    Treats can be given to puppies as early as four to eight weeks old. However, allow your pup to settle with solid food before introducing treats. As puppies grow older, you can give them dog treats to reward them for good behavior or as a training aid.Make sure to feed your pup treats in moderation so they don’t fill up on snacks and miss out on important nutrition. It is also recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing treats to your pup.