How Much Should I Feed My Puppy? Complete Chart by Age

Getting Puppy Portions Right

One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is “how much should I feed my puppy?” It’s a great question - and the answer depends on your puppy’s age, breed size, and the specific food you’re using.

Overfeeding leads to obesity and joint problems. Underfeeding stunts growth and development. Getting it right matters.

Puppy Feeding Chart by Age

Here’s a general guideline based on the puppy’s expected adult weight. Always check your specific food’s packaging for their recommended amounts, as calorie density varies between brands.

Small Breeds (Adult weight under 20 lbs)

Age	Daily Amount	Meals Per Day
8-12 weeks	1/3 - 1/2 cup	3-4
3-6 months	1/2 - 3/4 cup	3
6-12 months	1/2 - 1 cup	2

Medium Breeds (Adult weight 20-50 lbs)

Age	Daily Amount	Meals Per Day
8-12 weeks	3/4 - 1 cup	3-4
3-6 months	1 - 1.5 cups	3
6-12 months	1.5 - 2 cups	2

Large Breeds (Adult weight 50-100 lbs)

Age	Daily Amount	Meals Per Day
8-12 weeks	1 - 1.5 cups	3-4
3-6 months	1.5 - 2.5 cups	3
6-12 months	2.5 - 4 cups	2
12-24 months	3 - 4.5 cups	2

Giant Breeds (Adult weight 100+ lbs)

Age	Daily Amount	Meals Per Day
8-12 weeks	1.5 - 2 cups	3-4
3-6 months	2 - 3.5 cups	3
6-12 months	3.5 - 5 cups	2
12-24 months	5 - 8 cups	2

Note: These are starting guidelines for standard dry kibble. Wet food, raw diets, and high-calorie formulas require different amounts.

How Often to Feed Your Puppy

Feeding frequency decreases as your puppy grows:

• 8-12 weeks: 3-4 meals per day (small stomachs need frequent refueling)
• 3-6 months: 3 meals per day
• 6-12 months: 2 meals per day
• 12+ months: 2 meals per day (continue through adulthood)

Tip: Try to feed at the same times each day. Consistency helps with digestion and makes potty training easier.

How to Tell If You’re Feeding the Right Amount

The best way to judge portion size is your puppy’s body condition, not the number on the scale alone.

Your puppy is at a healthy weight if:

• You can feel (but not see) their ribs with light pressure
• They have a visible waist when viewed from above
• Their belly tucks up from the rib cage when viewed from the side
• They’re energetic and growing steadily

Signs of overfeeding:

• Ribs are hard to feel under a layer of fat
• No visible waistline
• Loose, frequent stool
• Rapid weight gain beyond breed norms

Signs of underfeeding:

• Ribs, spine, and hip bones are visible
• Lack of energy
• Slow growth
• Eating non-food items (could indicate hunger or nutritional deficiency)

Puppy Food vs. Adult Food

Puppy food is specifically formulated with:

• Higher protein for muscle development
• More fat for energy and brain development
• Calcium and phosphorus in proper ratios for bone growth
• DHA for cognitive development

Do not feed adult food to puppies. It lacks the nutrient density growing puppies need.

When to Switch to Adult Food

The transition timing depends on breed size:

Breed Size	Switch to Adult Food
Small breeds	9-12 months
Medium breeds	12 months
Large breeds	12-18 months
Giant breeds	18-24 months

How to transition: Gradually mix adult food into puppy food over 7-10 days:

• Days 1-3: 75% puppy food, 25% adult food
• Days 4-6: 50% puppy food, 50% adult food
• Days 7-9: 25% puppy food, 75% adult food
• Day 10+: 100% adult food

Foods Puppies Should Never Eat

Keep these away from your puppy:

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Cooked bones (can splinter)
• Macadamia nuts
• Avocado

Tips for Successful Puppy Feeding

1. Measure every meal - eyeballing leads to overfeeding
2. Use a slow feeder bowl if your puppy gulps food
3. Don’t free-feed - set meal times and remove uneaten food after 15-20 minutes
4. Count treats as calories - treats should be no more than 10% of daily intake
5. Fresh water always available - puppies need more water than you’d expect
6. Weigh your puppy regularly - monthly weigh-ins help track healthy growth

When to Talk to Your Vet

Consult your vet about feeding if:

• Your puppy is gaining or losing weight too quickly
• They refuse food for more than 24 hours
• You’re considering a raw or homemade diet
• Your puppy has food allergies or sensitivities
• You’re unsure about the right food for your breed

Your vet can provide personalized feeding recommendations based on your specific puppy’s needs.

Picking the Right Puppy Food

The portion charts above assume you’re feeding a quality AAFCO-approved puppy formula. If you’re still deciding on a brand, we put together a detailed best puppy food guide with side-by-side comparisons. A solid all-around option that most puppies do well on:

If you’ve got a large or giant breed puppy, calcium and phosphorus levels matter more than they do for smaller dogs. Too much can lead to joint issues during growth. Large-breed-specific formulas keep those numbers in check. Our best large breed puppy food guide compares four vet-formulated options.