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Feeding your puppy correctly is essential for healthy development. Puppies grow rapidly, and their nutritional needs change with age, size, and breed. This guide offers clear, practical feeding advice based on veterinary recommendations to help you raise a happy, healthy puppy.
Use this as a foundation and always work closely with your veterinarian to tailor feeding plans to your puppy’s individual needs.
Why Accurate Feeding Matters
Puppies require balanced nutrition to support:
- 🦴 Healthy bone growth: Proper calcium and phosphorus balance is vital, especially for large breeds.
- 🧠 Brain development: Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA support cognitive growth.
- ⚖️ Maintaining healthy weight: Overfeeding can lead to obesity and joint stress later in life.
- 🩺 Preventing hypoglycemia: Small breeds need frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar.
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Recommended Puppy Feeding Schedule
Use this feeding schedule as a guideline. Adjust portions based on your puppy’s activity level and growth. A kitchen scale ensures more accurate feeding than measuring cups.
| Age | Meals per Day | Estimated Calories* | Important Nutrients | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | 4–6 | 50–60 kcal/lb | Colostrum, probiotics, digestible proteins | Soak kibble in warm water for soft texture |
| 8–12 weeks | 4 | 45–50 kcal/lb | DHA, balanced vitamins & minerals | Feed consistently at the same times daily |
| 3–6 months | 3 | 35–45 kcal/lb | High-quality protein (22–32%) | Introduce vet-approved dental chews |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 | 30–35 kcal/lb | Joint support nutrients as needed | Monitor body condition and adjust portions |
*Calories vary by activity, metabolism, and health. Consult your vet for personalized needs.
Breed-Specific Feeding Tips
Large & Giant Breeds (Labradors, Great Danes, Shepherds)
- 🚫 Avoid excess calcium to prevent bone issues.
- 🐢 Promote slow, steady growth to protect joints.
- ⏳ Use extended growth formulas as advised by your vet.
- ⚠️ Avoid vigorous exercise right before or after meals.
Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Small & Toy Breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies)
- ⚡ Feed frequent small meals to prevent low blood sugar.
- 🧠 Ensure diets contain DHA/EPA for brain health.
- 💧 Add a little water to food to improve hydration and ease of eating.
- 🧪 Small breeds require more calories per pound than large breeds.
How to Transition Puppy Foods Safely
Gradually introduce new food over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset:
- Days 1–3: 25% new food, 75% old food
- Days 4–6: 50% new food, 50% old food
- Days 7–9: 75% new food, 25% old food
- Day 10: 100% new food if no issues
Switch to adult food:
- Small breeds: 9–12 months
- Medium breeds: 12 months
- Large breeds: 12–18 months
- Giant breeds: 18–24 months
Always check with your vet before major diet changes.
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Puppy
- 🚫 Xylitol: Found in gum and some peanut butters; causes dangerous insulin spikes.
- 🚫 Grapes/Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
- 🚫 Onions/Garlic: Damage red blood cells.
- 🚫 Rawhide (under 6 months): Choking and digestive blockage risk.
- 🚫 High-fat meats: Can cause pancreatitis in puppies.
Hydration: Essential but Often Overlooked
Puppies need about ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound daily. Signs of dehydration include:
- Sticky or dry gums
- Loss of skin elasticity (skin doesn’t snap back quickly)
- Sunken eyes
- Dark yellow urine
Tip: Add low-sodium broth ice cubes in hot weather to encourage drinking.
Common Puppy Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to weight issues and disrupt training.
- Strictly following feeding charts without adjusting for your puppy’s condition.
- Changing foods too often, leading to digestive upset and pickiness.
- Ignoring stool quality; healthy stools are firm and chocolate-brown.
- Adding supplements without veterinary advice, risking nutrient imbalances.
Your Weekly Puppy Feeding Checklist
- Weigh your puppy weekly at the same time of day.
- Assess body condition (you should feel ribs but not see them).
- Check food freshness and expiration dates.
- Clean food and water bowls regularly.
- Monitor water intake and encourage hydration.
Growth Milestones to Watch
- 8 weeks: Fully weaned, eating 4 meals/day, ~15–20% of adult weight.
- 12 weeks: Baby teeth starting to fall out, ~30% of adult weight.
- 6 months: Adult teeth in, ~60% of adult weight.
- 9 months: Growth plates begin to close, ~80% of adult weight.
By feeding thoughtfully, you’re supporting your puppy’s long-term health and happiness. For best results, partner with your veterinarian to tailor a nutrition plan for your unique puppy.
At Earth Paw Pets, we’re here to help you every step of the way.