How much should I feed my puppy?

Why do I need to buy puppy food?

When buying your puppy’s food, always check the label to make sure it is puppy rather than adult dog food as they are not formulated the same way. Puppy food is specially created to ensure that your puppy receives the right balance of nutrients that their growing bodies need.

A puppy’s diet should have a higher level of fats, protein and calories than an adult dog needs. Specially formulated puppy food also often contains extra nutrients that would be found in the mother’s milk, such as Omega Fatty Acid DHA.

Puppy feeding routine

Your puppy’s feeding routine will change as they grow. In the first few months, your puppy needs to eat little and often, so you will need to provide up to four meals a day of high-quality puppy food.

As your puppy begins to grow up, you’ll be able to reduce the frequency (but increase the quantity!) of meals, moving to three meals a day at around three to six months of age, then eventually moving to two meals a day as your puppy gets older. Use the feeding guide on the packaging to ensure you’re feeding the correct amount.

At around one-year-old, you’ll be able to move on to an adult dog food diet.

Establishing a feeding schedule

Once you’ve decided what puppy food you’re going to feed your puppy, you’ll need to start establishing some good feeding habits.

• Stick to the same feeding times each day
• Always feed your puppy in the same location
• Weigh out the food to make sure it’s the correct amount
• Leave the food down for a set time, perhaps 15 minutes, depending on how quickly your puppy eats
• This will also help establish regular toilet times for your puppy!

How much to feed a puppy by weight kg

The amount of food your puppy needs depends largely on their current weight, expected adult size, and age. Smaller breeds reach maturity quicker than larger breeds, so their feeding schedules and quantities may differ

While the packaging of most high-quality puppy foods will provide a feeding chart, it helps to understand how your puppy’s weight and age influence their nutritional needs.

A good guideline for feeding your puppy is to give them 20 grams of food for every kilogram they weigh each day. For example, if your puppy weighs 5 kilograms, they should eat about 100 grams of food daily.

How much to feed a puppy chart

Based on the guideline of 20g of food per 1kg of body weight per day, here's how much to feed a puppy:

Important note: These figures are guidelines only. Factors like your puppy’s breed, age, and activity level can all influence how much they food need. Always check the specific feeding guide on your puppy’s food packaging, as formulations and calorie content can vary between brands.

How to know puppy is eating enough

As your puppy grows, their weight should increase steadily—and so should their energy needs. It’s important to weigh your puppy regularly (weekly is ideal) and adjust their food accordingly. A healthy puppy will maintain a consistent, lean weight—not too thin or too heavy. If your puppy is gaining too much or too little weight, consult your vet, who may suggest portion adjustments or a different feeding plan.

Signs my puppy is healthy

Alongside their weight, there are some other signs to watch out for that indicate your puppy is developing well. These include:

• Fresh breath: Fresh breath and clean teeth are signs of good oral hygiene, which is important for overall health. 
• Shiny coat: Their coat should be shiny and clean, thanks to natural oils and regular shedding. 
• Regular bladder/bowel movements: This is a good indicator that their digestive system is working properly. 
• Alert disposition: Your puppy should be alert, curious, and interested in their surroundings. 
• Clean ears: Their ears should be clean and free of any strong odours, which can signal infections.

How much raw food to feed a puppy?

Puppies usually need about 5–6% of their ideal body weight in raw food each day, especially during the first six months when they're growing quickly. As they get older and their growth slows down, the amount of food they need gradually decreases. By the time they reach around 12 months old, most puppies will only need about 2–3% of their body weight in raw food daily.

Healthy feeding tips

• Treats are a lovely extra for your dog and very helpful for training, but keep them in moderation and include the amount into your puppy’s total daily food requirements
• It’s best to avoid giving puppies bits of your own food – many common foods can be toxic to dogs
• Always make sure your puppy has access to fresh drinking water
• If you have any concerns about your puppy’s diet or weight always consult your vet for advice

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Don't forget puppy insurance for your new pup so you can rest assured that vet fees for any potential illness or issue your puppy develops can be covered.