How Much to Feed a Puppy? The vast majority of dogs like to eat a lot, and of course, when they are even more puppies because they grow up and discover new flavors, that’s why today we are going to try the best way to feed a puppy.
And how to feed a puppy is the doubt that many adopters have, especially novices.
But, even though it seems easy, this is the exact time for your dog to start eating in the best possible way.
Our recommendation? Try to avoid processed foods that are not beneficial.
In this sense, wet food and natural dehydration are the best options for this stage of their life to grow well.
Of course, it is always advisable to go to the veterinarian who will take care of your care so that he can guide you as well as possible and more if you favor natural food for your new best friend.
How Much to Feed a Puppy? Feeding a Natural Puppy Food
Many adopters are reluctant to eat natural foods for their puppies, fearing not including the nutrients they need.
Fortunately, food companies ensure that their products are increasingly qualitative and have nutritionist veterinarians who guarantee nutritionally complete meals in their team.
These expert veterinary nutritionists rely on a dog’s age, breed, and other factors to fully meet its nutritional needs.
The diets based on dehydrated foods have significant advantages over other types of diets:
- There are plenty of recipe options to change daily or make delicious menus for your pup every week.
- The meals are prepared with organic and natural products without additives. This way, you will be able to know what your puppy is eating.
- Your immune system is strengthened.
- It is possible to choose more digestible foods.
- They become stronger and more vigorous.
- It is an irresistible food for them, and they prefer it to regular food.
- If the dog is a mini or small breed, the cost of ingredients is not so high.
- The preparation is straightforward and quick, so it will hardly take your time.
Always bet on a natural diet without chemical additives when feeding a puppy.
This way, you will ensure your puppy’s better and higher quality and life expectancy.
How Much to Feed a Puppy by Age?
| Weight at maturity | Weight at maturity | 1-1/2 to 3 months | 4 to 5 months | 6 to 8 months | From 9 to 11 months | From 1 to 2 years |
| (lb) | (kg) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) |
| From 3 to 12 | From 1.4 to 5.4 | From 1/2 to 1 | From 2/3 to 1-1/3 | From 1/2 to 1-1/2 | feed like an adult | feed like an adult |
| From 13 to 20 | From 5.9 to 9.1 | From 1/2 to 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 to 2 | From 3/4 to 1-1/3 | 1 to 1-1/2 | feed like an adult |
| From 21 to 50 | From 9.5 to 22.7 | From 1/2 to 1-1/2 | From 1-1/2 to 2-3/4 | From 1-1/8 to 2-1/3 | from 2 to 3 | 2 to 4-1/4 |
| From 51 to 75 | From 23.1 to 34.0 | From 5/8 to 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 to 4 | From 1-1/2 to 3-3/4 | From 2-1/2 to 4-3/4 | From 2-5/8 to 6-1/4 |
| From 76 to 100 | From 34.5 to 45.4 | From 1 to 2-2/3 | From 2-7/8 to 3-3/4 | From 2-7/8 to 6-1/3 | From 3-7/8 to 7 | 5-5/8 to 11 |
| 101lbs or more | More than 45.4kg | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. | A total of 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. | A total of 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. | A total of 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. |
Puppies and mother’s milk
It is essential that before adopting a puppy, you make sure that he stays with his mother for as long as necessary.
During their first weeks of life, they feed on their mother’s milk.
However, there are situations where the mother cannot do this, and it is time for the adopter to act so that the puppy does not miss anything.
If this happens and the dog is less than a month old, you can give him special milk powder for him.
It should be offered every three hours for the first two weeks after birth.
This milk is rich in fat, protein, phosphorus, and calcium.
If the mother can feed him ideally with her milk, after a few weeks and thanks to the observation of his mother on his diet, the puppy will show interest in everyday food.
At this time, and little by little, you can start including soft foods, always informing your veterinarian.
To note: A puppy must stay with its mother for the first 40 days of life to have adequate emotional development.
Once they are 20 days old, home-cooked food can be included, but in porridge form, so they are easy to eat.
From then on, the puppies will still want and need the milk their mother gives them, but it will become a supplement to their diet until they leave her altogether.
How Much Food to Feed a Puppy?
Dogs at this stage of their life need to have a routine, i.e., it’s time to teach them to eat, and that is why you must offer it its food the same number of times a day.
Depending on the age, it is recommended to do the following:
- Small puppies, between 4 and 5 small meals a day. This is until he is 10 weeks old.
- On the other hand, between 10 weeks and 5 months, it is time to change and reduce the quantity to 3 times a day.
- Once they are 6 months old, it is recommended that they eat two meals a day for the rest of their life.
To note: Puppies are dogs full of energy. They love to play, run, meet, and explore, so food plays a vital role for them.
Every day, they experience so many stimuli that they burn many calories compared to older or adult dogs.
Remember that they grow up, and that is when they develop their bones, muscles, and teeth.
An adequate diet that provides them with calcium, iron, phosphorus, and more, will contribute positively.
Good nutrition starts when they are puppies.
How do I train my puppy when it’s time to eat?
At this stage, education is essential, and even more about its diet.
Therefore, as an adopter, you can follow the following recommendations.
- Install your feeder and waterer in a suitable place. The place must be the same so that you have easy access at meal times.
- Always feed him at the same time to encourage a good routine.
- Once it’s time to eat, expect this calm and preferably seated. Therefore, if he is pleased and jumps, do not offer it to him so as not to create inappropriate behavior. Wait until he calms down, and you can give him his food without saying a single word.
To note: If you want to educate your dog on his diet, do not leave food permanently within his reach.
Adopters need to control when and how much they should and should eat.
The ideal? As we mentioned, always feed him at the exact times, and never leave the bowl within his reach for more than 15 minutes until the next meal.