How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?
Puppy feeding depends on age, expected adult size, and the specific food's calorie density — here's how to figure it out.
Start with the food label
Every puppy food is different. The bag or can should have a feeding guide based on your puppy's current weight and age — start there, then adjust based on body condition (you should be able to feel, but not see, the ribs).
How often to feed by age
- 6–12 weeks: 4 meals a day.
- 3–6 months: 3 meals a day.
- 6–12 months: 2 meals a day.
- Adult (after 12 months, later for large/giant breeds): 1–2 meals a day.
Large and giant breed puppies need extra care
Overfeeding large and giant breed puppies can cause them to grow too fast, which raises the risk of joint problems later in life. Use a large-breed puppy formula if you have one of these breeds, and don't free-feed (leave food out all day).
Estimate your puppy's calorie needs
For a rough daily calorie target based on current weight and life stage, use the Dog Calorie Calculator — puppies under 4 months need roughly 3x their resting energy needs, tapering to about 2x from 4 months until they reach adult size.
Curious how big your puppy will get? Try the Puppy Weight Calculator to estimate their adult weight from their current weight and age.
Signs you're feeding too much or too little
- Too much: rapid weight gain, no visible waist from above, ribs hard to feel.
- Too little: ribs, spine, or hip bones very visible, low energy, poor coat condition.
Every puppy's metabolism is different — check in with your vet at routine visits to track growth and adjust feeding as needed.