Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age: How Much & How Often to Feed Your Puppy
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Use our free calculator to determine exact portions for your puppy's age, weight, and breed.
Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but figuring out how much to feed and how often can feel overwhelming. Puppies grow rapidly, and their nutritional needs change at each stage of development. Feeding the right amount at the right time is essential for healthy growth, strong bones, and long-term wellbeing.
This guide breaks down a puppy feeding schedule by age, with sample portions and meal frequencies to help you keep your pup thriving. Plus, get a printable feeding schedule to keep handy!
Establishing a proper feeding schedule is crucial for your puppy's healthy development
Why a Feeding Schedule Matters
✓ Supports Steady Growth
Avoids underfeeding (leading to malnutrition) or overfeeding (leading to obesity and joint problems).
✓ Easier Potty Training
Scheduled meals mean more predictable bathroom breaks, making house training faster.
✓ Better Digestion
Puppies have small stomachs and need meals spaced throughout the day to avoid upset stomachs.
✓ Builds Healthy Habits
Consistency helps your puppy adjust to family routines and reduces anxiety.
💡 Pro Tip: Not all puppies are the same! Breed, weight, and activity level all play a role. Use our Dog Food Calculator to get a personalized feeding recommendation for your puppy.
Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age
6–12 Weeks Old (New Puppy Stage)
Why: Puppies are growing rapidly and need small, frequent meals to keep up with energy demands. Their tiny stomachs can't hold enough food for fewer, larger meals.
Sample Schedule:
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast
- 11:00 AM – Midday meal
- 3:00 PM – Afternoon meal
- 7:00 PM – Dinner
3–6 Months Old (Early Growth Stage)
Why: Their stomachs can handle slightly larger meals, but they still need frequent feeding to support rapid growth and high energy levels.
Sample Schedule:
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast
- 12:30 PM – Lunch
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
6–12 Months Old (Adolescent Stage)
Why: They are closer to their adult weight, and meal frequency can be reduced. Large breeds may need puppy food until 18-24 months.
Sample Schedule:
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
12 Months and Older (Young Adult Dog)
Why: Growth slows significantly, and maintaining a healthy adult weight becomes the priority. Small dogs may still benefit from 3 smaller meals.
Adult Schedule:
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- Optional 12:00 PM meal for small breeds
🖨️ Printable Puppy Feeding Schedule
| Age Range | Meals/Day | Schedule | Food Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12 Weeks | 4 meals | 7AM, 11AM, 3PM, 7PM | Puppy wet/dry food |
| 3-6 Months | 3 meals | 7:30AM, 12:30PM, 6PM | Puppy kibble/mix |
| 6-12 Months | 2 meals | 8AM, 6PM | Continue puppy food |
| 12+ Months | 2 meals | 8AM, 6PM | Adult dog food |
How Much Should You Feed Your Puppy?
This is where most new puppy parents get stuck. Food bags provide general guidelines but don't always account for:
Factors That Affect Portions:
- • Breed size (Chihuahua vs. Golden Retriever)
- • Current weight and target adult weight
- • Activity level and metabolism
- • Food quality and calorie density
- • Health conditions or medications
Get Precise Portions
Our calculator considers all these factors to give you exact daily calorie and cup measurements for your specific puppy.
Calculate Puppy PortionsTips for Feeding Success
Stick to consistent feeding times
This helps with digestion and potty training schedules.
Provide fresh water at all times
Clean water should always be available, especially with dry kibble.
Limit treats to less than 10% of calories
Too many treats can upset nutritional balance and cause weight gain.
Monitor body condition weekly
You should feel ribs easily but not see them prominently.
Measure portions accurately
Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups, not just estimates.
Consult your vet regularly
Professional guidance is essential for optimal puppy development.
Helpful Tools for Puppy Parents
Dog Food Calculator
Get personalized portions for your puppy's exact age, weight, and breed.
Calculate portions →Puppy Age Calculator
Convert your puppy's age to human years and track development stages.
Calculate age →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
Most small breeds can switch at 12 months, while large breeds should wait until 18-24 months when their growth plates close. Always consult your vet for breed-specific timing.
What if my puppy won't eat all their food?
Don't leave food out all day. Give them 15-20 minutes to eat, then remove the bowl. They'll learn to eat when food is offered. If appetite loss continues, consult your vet.
Can I free-feed my puppy?
No, scheduled meals are much better for puppies. Free-feeding makes potty training harder, can lead to overeating, and makes it difficult to monitor appetite and health.
How do I know if I'm feeding enough?
Your puppy should have visible energy, steady weight gain, and you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard. Use our calculator for precise portions based on their growth.
Ready to Create Your Puppy's Feeding Plan?
A proper puppy feeding schedule by age sets your dog up for a lifetime of health. Start with frequent meals, adjust as they grow, and always measure portions carefully.
For a personalized plan tailored to your puppy's age, weight, and breed, try our Dog Food Calculator—a simple tool to remove the guesswork.
Get Your Puppy's Feeding Plan