How Much Food Should I Feed My Puppy: A Guide To Portion Sizes, Growth & Nutrition

Determining the correct amount of food for your puppy is crucial for their health and development. During the early months of life, puppies require the right balance of nutrients to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. The amount of food your puppy needs is guided by their age, breed, size, and individual metabolism. It’s also influenced by the type of food you're feeding them, as some foods are more energy- and nutrient-dense than others. As a responsible pet owner, measuring the appropriate portion size can prevent overfeeding, which is a common issue that can lead to obesity and related health problems. Feeding a puppy the wrong amount of food can also lead to deficiencies or excesses of key minerals and imbalances in the calcium:phosphorus ratio, with potentially severe consequences for the development of the skeleton, as well as joint health issues.

As puppies grow, their nutritional requirements change, making it important to adjust their diet accordingly. Your pup's developmental stage will dictate their caloric needs: the younger the puppy, the more calories per pound of body weight they need. Different breeds mature at varying rates; thus, small breed dogs typically reach adulthood faster than larger breeds, which can remain in their puppy phase longer. Taking the time to understand these stages and seek guidance on portion sizes can help you provide the best care for your growing puppy. Monitoring your puppy's weight and body condition is a convenient way to ensure that they are receiving the correct amount of food.

Developmental Stages of a Puppy 

When you're feeding your puppy, it's essential to consider their developmental stage. Each stage may require different nutritional needs to support their growth and overall health.

Newborn to 2 months: Puppies are considered neonates from birth to two months old. During this period, they rely entirely on their mother's milk or a suitable milk replacer for nutrients. Weaning can start at the 4–5 week mark and is usually completed by the 6–8 week of the puppy’s life.

2 to 4 months: During this phase, puppies grow particularly fast and require a lot of energy and nutrients. It’s important to adopt small, frequent meals—ideally 4 or 5 times a day.

4 to 6 months: Growth is still fast during the juvenile stage, but you can start to feed slightly bigger meal sizes and reduce frequency to three times daily.

6 to 12 months: As your puppy enters adolescence, growth rates slow down. Continue with three meals a day, tailoring portions to the puppy's breed and anticipated adult size.

Ensure you’re providing food that is suitable for puppies.

Dr. Davide Stefanutti, DVM, PhD, explains:

“Compared to food formulated only for adult dogs, a food for puppies will have:

• Higher total protein content;
• Higher amino acid content;
• Higher fat content;
• Fatty acids essential for puppies that may be lacking in adult dog food (arachidonic acid and the omega-3 ALA, EPA, and DHA);
• Higher calcium and phosphorus levels and a more controlled calcium:phosphorus ratio;
• Increased content of many trace elements and vitamins.”

Marleybones meals meet all these criteria, which is why they’re suitable for both puppies and adult dogs. What changes is simply the portion size.

Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor your puppy's diet to their specific needs as they grow. Additionally, fresh water should be available at all times to keep your puppy hydrated.

Feeding Your Puppy

Providing the right amount and type of food is crucial for your puppy's growth and health. It's essential to cater to their size, establish a regular feeding schedule, and follow some key tips to optimise their nutrition.

Based on Their Size 

Puppies vary in size, which significantly influences the amount of food they require. Generally, puppies need up to twice the amount of food per pound of body weight compared to an adult dog. Refer to feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s current weight and expected adult size.

Feeding Schedule 

Puppies require structured feeding times. Maintain a consistent schedule by feeding them four or five times a day up to four months of age, and three times a day after that until they are adults. You can reduce feeding to twice daily once they reach adulthood—or if it’s more convenient, this change can be made any time after six months of age, especially for small breeds. Larger breeds take longer to reach adult weight and require larger volumes of food, so if possible, it’s best to continue three meals daily until they are at least one year old.

When feeding three times a day, leave 5–6 hours between meals. For twice-daily feeding, allow 10–12 hours between meals.

Tips for Feeding Your Puppy 

• Monitor Portion Sizes: Use a measuring cup or scale for accurate servings.
• Watch Body Condition: Adjust food amounts if your puppy appears under- or overweight.
• Choose High-Quality Food: Select food that supports all puppy growth needs, like Marleybones’ gently cooked meals.
• Avoid Human Food: Stick to dog-specific meals to prevent nutritional imbalances.
• Ensure Hydration: Provide constant access to clean, fresh water.
• Schedule Regular Vet Check-ups: These help track your puppy’s health and weight progression and inform any dietary adjustments needed.

The Final Woof 

A properly portioned, nutrient-rich diet forms the foundation of your puppy’s future health. Supporting their growth with foods like Marleybones, designed to adapt from puppyhood to adulthood, ensures that they thrive through every stage of life.