How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?

Puppies grow fast, and their needs change every few weeks. That makes it easy to overfeed or underfeed without noticing. A steady method helps: estimate the calories, split them into small meals, and check growth against the scale.

Puppies use a growth factor

For adults, RER is multiplied by a factor between about 1.2 and 2.0. Puppies use a higher one. The veterinary ranges I use are 3.0 times RER for puppies under 4 months and 2.0 times RER from 4 months until they are adult. Because a puppy's weight rises every week, the number goes up too, which is why I suggest recalculating about once a month.

An example

A 4 kg (about 9 lb) puppy under 4 months has an RER of 198 kcal. At 3.0 times RER, that is about 594 kcal a day. The same puppy at 8 kg (about 18 lb) and 5 months has an RER of 333 kcal, and at 2.0 times RER the target is about 666 kcal.

How many meals

Young puppies do best on three or four small meals a day, because their stomachs are small and their energy needs are high. Many move to two meals around 5 to 6 months. The calculator uses three meals for puppies under 4 months and splits adults into two.

Choose the right food

Feed a food made for growth. For large and giant breeds, a large-breed puppy formula is usually advised, because growth that is too fast can stress developing joints. Keep these puppies lean, and ask your vet to check growth at each visit.

Check growth, not just the bowl

• Weigh your puppy every one to two weeks and write the number down.
• Feel the ribs. You should find them under a thin layer of padding.
• Look from above for a waist behind the ribs.
• If weight gain looks too fast or too slow, ask your vet before you change the food.

Curious how big your puppy will get? The adult weight guide explains the estimate.

Signs you are feeding the right amount

A well-fed puppy has energy, a shiny coat, firm stools, and a body you can read. You should feel the ribs easily and see a gentle waist from above. A round, pudgy puppy may look cute, yet extra weight during growth is something vets try hard to avoid, especially in large breeds. A puppy whose ribs and hip bones stand out, on the other hand, may need more food or a check for worms and other causes.

Treats and training

Puppies are in training mode all day, and treats add up. Use tiny pieces, and take the calories out of meals. A part of the daily kibble makes a perfect training reward and keeps the total honest.

When to call your vet

Ask your vet if your puppy refuses meals for more than a day, has loose stools that last, vomits, or stops gaining weight. Puppies can become unwell quickly, so do not wait. Growth checks at routine visits are a good time to adjust the plan.

Questions people ask

These numbers are estimates and are not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before you change your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a health condition. Questions or corrections? Contact me.