How Much to Feed A Puppy? Feeding Calculator, Chart & Schedule

Q: Can I give treats to my puppy?

Yes—but in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories . Choose soft, small-sized puppy treats or use bits of their kibble. Avoid treats with artificial colors, high sugar, or salt. Training treats are best used as positive reinforcement during obedience and potty training.

Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Learn more.

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Feeding a puppy isn’t as simple as filling a bowl—it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their lifelong health. Puppies grow rapidly, and their nutritional needs change almost monthly. Feed too little, and they may miss critical nutrients; feed too much, and they risk obesity, joint problems, or digestive issues. Whether you’re raising a tiny Yorkie or a giant Great Dane, knowing how much to feed—and when—is key. This guide breaks down exactly how much to feed your puppy based on their weight, age, and breed size, and provides easy-to-follow feeding charts and schedules. From sample daily routines to common mistakes to avoid, you’ll have everything you need to confidently nourish your pup at every stage.

Puppy Feeding Calculator

Select Breed Size: Enter Current Weight (lbs): Select Puppy Age: Select Food Type:

Always consult your vet before changing how much or what you feed your puppy. You can get personalized feeding guidance from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster—available online anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet to ask questions about portion sizes, feeding schedules, and nutritional needs. For deeper insights, an at-home dog gut health test can analyze your puppy’s microbiome, helping you tailor their diet for better digestion. Likewise, a dog allergy test can identify food sensitivities early on, making it easier to choose the right diet from the start.

How Much Milk to Feed A Newborn Puppy?

Age (Weeks)	Avg Weight (lbs)	Total Daily Milk (mL)	Feedings/Day	Per Feeding (mL)	Notes
Week 1	0.5–1 lb	24–50	6–8	4–8	Strictly milk; feed every 3 hours
Week 2	1–1.5 lbs	50–75	6–7	8–11	Still nursing or full milk replacer
Week 3	1.5–2 lbs	75–100	5–6	12–18	Begin supervised standing/lap feeding
Week 4	2–3 lbs	100–150	4–5	20–35	Introduce gruel (milk replacer + soft food)
Week 5	3–4 lbs	150–200	3–4	35–50	Increase gruel, decrease liquid milk
Week 6	4–6 lbs	200–300	3	65–100	More solid food, less milk
Week 7	6–8 lbs	150–250	2–3	75–125	Mostly puppy food, minimal milk
Week 8	8–10 lbs	0–150	1–2 (if needed)	Optional: 75–100	Fully weaned; only offer milk if underweight or delayed

Notes:

🧸 Toy breeds (under 10 lbs adult weight)
- Require smaller but more frequent feedings (often 6–8 times/day, early).
- Total daily milk volume is less (e.g., 15–30 mL in Week 1).
🐘 Large/giant breeds (Over 70 lbs adult weight)
- Require larger portions per feeding (up to 100+ mL by Week 5–6).
- Rapid growth can lead to orthopedic issues if overfed; keep calories balanced.
- Avoid overfeeding milk replacer past Week 6–7 to prevent skeletal issues.

How Much to Feed A Puppy? (By Age & Weight)

Feeding guidelines can vary depending on the brand and type of food you choose, but the following chart offers general daily feeding recommendations based on your puppy’s current age and projected adult weight.

⚠️ NOTE: When referencing any of the tables below, for weeks 4 through 7 (weaning period), use the table above to determine how much canine milk replacer you should add to moisten the food.

Feeding Chart Small Breed Puppy
Feeding Chart Medium Breed Puppy
Feeding Chart Large Breed Puppy
Feeding Chart Giant Breed Puppy

Always check the calories per cup on your dog food bag and adjust portions accordingly.

Small Breed Puppy Feeding Chart (Under 20 lbs Adult Weight)

Breeds include: Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Papillon, Maltese, etc.

Puppy Age	Current Weight	Dry Food (cups/day)	Wet Food (oz/day)	Fresh/Frozen Food (oz/day)	Calories/day (est.)
Week 1–3 (Nursing only)	0.5–1.5 lbs	—	—	—	Nursing (approx. 25–30 kcal/lb)
Week 4 (Begin weaning)	1–2 lbs	1–2 tbsp fully soaked kibble (mushy)	1–2 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	1 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	80–120 kcal
Week 5 (Mid weaning)	1–2.5 lbs	2–4 tbsp mashed kibble (moist)	2–4 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	1.5–2 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	100–150 kcal
Week 6 (Mid weaning)	1.5–3 lbs	¼ – ⅓ cup softened kibble	3–5 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	2–3 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	120–180 kcal
Week 7 (Weaning complete)	1.5–3.5 lbs	⅓ – ½ cup mostly dry kibble	4–6 oz	3–4 oz	140–200 kcal
8 weeks (Fully weaned)	1–3 lbs	¼ – ½ cup dry kibble	4 – 6 oz	2 – 4 oz	100 – 200 kcal
12 weeks	2–4 lbs	½ – ¾ cup	6 – 8 oz	4 – 6 oz	200 – 300 kcal
4 months	3–6 lbs	¾ – 1 cup	8 – 10 oz	6 – 8 oz	300 – 400 kcal
6 months	4–8 lbs	¾ – 1 cup	9 – 11 oz	7 – 9 oz	350 – 450 kcal
9 months	5–10 lbs	¾ – 1 cup	10 – 12 oz	8 – 10 oz	400 – 500 kcal
12 months	7–15 lbs	1 – 1¼ cups	12 – 14 oz	9 – 11 oz	450 – 600 kcal
1–2 years (Adult maintenance)	7–20 lbs	¾ – 1⅓ cups	10 – 14 oz	8 – 12 oz	400 – 600 kcal

Medium Breed Puppy Feeding Chart (20–50 lbs Adult Weight)

Breeds include: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Miniature American Shepherd, Whippet, and similar breeds.

Puppy Age	Current Weight	Dry Food (cups/day)	Wet Food (oz/day)	Fresh/Frozen Food (oz/day)	Calories/day (est.)
Week 1–3 (Nursing only)	1–3 lbs	—	—	—	Nursing (approx. 25–30 kcal/lb)
Week 4 (Begin weaning)	3–5 lbs	2–4 tbsp fully soaked kibble (mushy)	2–4 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	2–3 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	150–250 kcal
Week 5 (Mid weaning)	4–6.5 lbs	¼ – ⅓ cup mashed kibble (moist)	4–6 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	3–5 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	250–350 kcal
Week 6 (Mid weaning)	5–8 lbs	⅓ – ½ cup softened kibble	5–7 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	5–6 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	300–400 kcal
Week 7 (Weaning complete)	6–10 lbs	½ – ¾ cup mostly dry kibble	6–8 oz	6–8 oz	350–450 kcal
8 weeks (Fully weaned)	6–10 lbs	¾ – 1 cup	8 – 10 oz	7 – 9 oz	400 – 500 kcal
12 weeks	8–14 lbs	1 – 1¼ cups	10 – 12 oz	9 – 11 oz	500 – 650 kcal
4 months	10–20 lbs	1¼ – 1½ cups	12 – 14 oz	10 – 13 oz	600 – 800 kcal
6 months	15–25 lbs	1½ – 2 cups	14 – 16 oz	12 – 15 oz	750 – 950 kcal
9 months	20–35 lbs	1¾ – 2¼ cups	16 – 18 oz	14 – 17 oz	900 – 1100 kcal
12 months	25–45 lbs	2 – 2½ cups	18 – 22 oz	16 – 20 oz	1000 – 1300 kcal
1–2 years (Adult maintenance)	25–50 lbs	2 – 3 cups	20 – 26 oz	18 – 24 oz	1000 – 1400 kcal

Large Breed Puppy Feeding Chart (50–100 lbs Adult Weight)

Breeds include: Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer, Standard Poodle, Doberman Pinscher, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Husky, and similar large-sized dogs.

Puppy Age	Current Weight	Dry Food (cups/day)	Wet Food (oz/day)	Fresh/Frozen Food (oz/day)	Calories/day (est.)
Week 1–3 (Nursing only)	2–4 lbs	—	—	—	Nursing (approx. 25–30 kcal/lb)
Week 4 (Begin weaning)	4–7 lbs	2–4 tbsp fully soaked kibble (mushy) formulated for large breeds	3–5 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	3–4 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	200–300 kcal
Week 5 (Mid weaning)	5–9 lbs	⅓ – ½ cup mashed kibble (moist) formulated for large breeds	5–7 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	4–6 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	300–450 kcal
Week 6 (Mid weaning)	7–12 lbs	½ – ¾ cup softened kibble formulated for large breeds	6–8 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	6–8 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	400–600 kcal
Week 7 (Weaning complete)	9–15 lbs	¾ – 1 cup mostly dry kibble formulated for large breeds	7–9 oz	7–10 oz	500–700 kcal
8 weeks (Fully weaned)	10–18 lbs	1 – 1¼ cups	8 – 10 oz	9 – 11 oz	600–800 kcal
12 weeks	15–25 lbs	1¼ – 1¾ cups	10 – 14 oz	11 – 14 oz	750–1000 kcal
4 months	20–35 lbs	1¾ – 2¼ cups	14 – 18 oz	14 – 18 oz	900–1200 kcal
6 months	30–50 lbs	2 – 2¾ cups	16 – 20 oz	16 – 21 oz	1100–1400 kcal
9 months	40–70 lbs	2¾ – 3½ cups	20 – 26 oz	20 – 26 oz	1300–1700 kcal
12 months	50–85 lbs	3 – 4 cups	24 – 30 oz	24 – 30 oz	1500–2000 kcal
1–2 years (Adult maintenance)	50–100 lbs	3 – 5 cups	28 – 36 oz	26 – 38 oz	1500–2400 kcal

Giant Breed Puppy Feeding Chart (Over 100 lbs Adult Weight)

Breeds include: Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Pyrenees, and other extra-large or giant breeds.

Puppy Age	Current Weight	Dry Food (cups/day)	Wet Food (oz/day)	Fresh/Frozen Food (oz/day)	Calories/day (est.)
Week 1–3 (Nursing only)	2.5–5 lbs	—	—	—	Nursing (approx. 25–30 kcal/lb)
Week 4 (Begin weaning)	5–8 lbs	3–5 tbsp fully soaked kibble (mushy) formulated for giant breeds	4–6 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	4–5 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	250–350 kcal
Week 5 (Mid weaning)	6–10 lbs	½ – ¾ cup mashed kibble (moist) formulated for giant breeds	6–8 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	5–7 oz moistened with canine milk replacer	350–500 kcal
Week 6 (Mid weaning)	8–13 lbs	¾ – 1 cup softened kibble formulated for giant breeds	7–10 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	7–10 oz moistened with canine milk replacer (optional)	450–600 kcal
Week 7 (Weaning complete)	10–18 lbs	1 – 1¼ cups mostly dry kibble formulated for giant breeds	9–12 oz	10–12 oz	550–750 kcal
8 weeks (Fully weaned)	12–20 lbs	1¼ – 1¾ cups	10 – 14 oz	11 – 14 oz	650–850 kcal
12 weeks	20–30 lbs	1¾ – 2¼ cups	14 – 18 oz	14 – 18 oz	800–1100 kcal
4 months	30–50 lbs	2¼ – 3 cups	18 – 22 oz	18 – 22 oz	1000–1300 kcal
6 months	50–70 lbs	3 – 4 cups	22 – 28 oz	22 – 28 oz	1200–1600 kcal
9 months	65–90 lbs	4 – 5 cups	28 – 34 oz	26 – 34 oz	1400–1900 kcal
12 months	80–110 lbs	4½ – 5½ cups	32 – 38 oz	30 – 38 oz	1600–2200 kcal
1–2 years (Adult maintenance)	100–150 lbs	5 – 6½ cups	34 – 42 oz	32 – 44 oz	1800–2600 kcal

How Often to Feed Puppies?

Feeding frequency is just as important as portion size when raising a healthy puppy.

Puppy Age	Meals Per Day	Notes
Newborn to 3 Weeks	Nursing on demand	Rely exclusively on mother’s milk or bottle feeding every 2–3 hours.
3–4 Weeks	4–6 meals/day	Begin transitioning with soft food and milk replacer. Start weaning.
5–7 Weeks	4 meals/day	Food becomes primary nutrition source. Gradually reduce milk replacer.
8–12 Weeks	4 meals/day	Fully weaned. Regular meals support rapid growth and blood sugar balance.
3–6 Months	3 meals/day	Transition to 3 meals/day as puppy matures. Maintain consistent schedule.
6–12 Months	2–3 meals/day	Large breeds may benefit from 3 meals to reduce bloating risk.
1 Year and Up	2 meals/day	Adult dogs thrive on 2 meals to maintain energy and prevent overeating.

Puppy Feeding Schedule

Puppy Age	Meals Per Day	Suggested Feeding Times	Potty Break Suggestions	Sleep Schedule
Newborn to 3 Weeks	Nursing on demand	Every 2–3 hours	After every feeding	22–23 hours/day, waking only to nurse
3–4 Weeks	4–6 small feedings	6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM	After meals and naps	20–22 hours/day
5–7 Weeks	4 meals/day	6 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM, 8 PM	Every 1–2 hours during the day, after meals and play	18–20 hours/day
8–12 Weeks	4 meals/day	7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM	Every 1–2 hours, including nighttime breaks	18–20 hours/day, including frequent naps
3–6 Months	3 meals/day	7 AM, 1 PM, 6 PM	After meals, naps, and playtime (every 2–3 hours)	16–18 hours/day, gradually more awake time
6–12 Months	2–3 meals/day	8 AM, 12 PM (optional), 6 PM	Every 3–4 hours; can begin holding it longer overnight	14–16 hours/day
1 Year and Up	2 meals/day	8 AM, 6 PM	After meals, morning, bedtime, and regular intervals	12–14 hours/day including naps

Puppy Feeding Basics

Understand a puppy’s nutritional needs.

1. Puppies vs. Adult Dogs Nutritional Needs

Puppies are growing rapidly—developing muscles, bones, organs, and cognitive function—so they require more calories, protein, and essential nutrients than adult dogs. Their metabolism is faster, and their energy needs are higher. In contrast, adult dogs need maintenance-level nutrition to support daily activity and prevent weight gain. Feeding a puppy adult dog food can lead to deficiencies or improper growth.

2. Key Nutrients Puppies Need

Nutrient	Function	Recommended for Puppies
Protein	Builds muscle, supports growth and development	At least 22–32% crude protein
Fat	Provides energy and supports brain and eye development	8–20% fat depending on breed and energy level
DHA (Omega-3)	Supports brain development and learning ability	Essential during early growth stages
Calcium & Phosphorus	Crucial for bone formation and skeletal health	Ca:P ratio between 1:1 and 1.8:1
Vitamins & Antioxidants	Boost immune function and overall wellness	Look for vitamin E, C, and beta-carotene

3. What’s Best for Puppies?

The best food for puppies depends on their breed size, age, health needs, and feeding preferences (e.g., dry, wet, fresh, or raw). We recommend feeding your puppy fresh dog food for the most optimal nutrition. Here is our top pick:

Open Farm

Who It’s For: Owners who want to provide the most optimal nutrition for proper puppy development and growth.

VISIT OPEN FARM

👉 Read our Best Puppy Food Guide for more suitable options for puppies.

Food Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Dry Food (Kibble)	Affordable and widely available Long shelf life Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup	Less palatable than wet or fresh Lower moisture content May contain more fillers	Budget-conscious owners, puppies with healthy teeth, easy storage
Wet Food	More palatable and hydrating Easier to chew for small or picky eaters High protein content in some recipes	Less convenient to store once opened Can be more expensive per serving May cause soft stool in some puppies	Picky eaters, puppies with dental or chewing issues, increased hydration
Fresh or Gently Cooked Food	Highly digestible and nutrient-rich Made with whole food ingredients Often personalized for your puppy’s needs	Higher cost Requires refrigeration Shorter shelf life	Owners seeking premium nutrition, dogs with sensitivities or allergies

👉 Vet Tip: Regardless of the format, always choose a puppy-exhaustive formula that meets AAFCO growth standards for puppies or “all life stages.”

The same applies to puppy treats. Treats made for adult dogs are often larger, harder to chew, and may contain ingredients that aren’t ideal for a puppy’s developing system. Puppy-specific treats are typically softer, smaller, and formulated with ingredients that support growth and digestion. Whenever possible, choose treats that are clearly labeled as safe for puppies.

Factors That Affect How Much to Feed Puppies

Factor	How It Affects Feeding Amount	What to Consider
Breed Size	Smaller breeds have faster metabolisms and need more calories per pound. Giant breeds grow slower and need controlled calories to avoid joint issues.	Use a size-specific feeding chart. Overfeeding large/giant breeds can lead to orthopedic problems.
Activity Level	Active puppies burn more calories, requiring larger portions. Less active puppies need less to avoid weight gain.	Monitor energy levels and adjust feeding if your puppy is very energetic or sedentary.
Age and Growth Stage	Younger puppies grow faster and need more food per pound. As they age, calorie needs per pound decrease.	Feed 3–4 times daily up to 6 months, then reduce to 2 meals a day.
Type of Food & Caloric Density	Calorie-dense foods (like fresh or premium kibble) require smaller portions. Wet food has fewer calories per ounce.	Check the label for kcal per cup and follow the brand’s feeding guide based on weight and age.

Common Puppy Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many puppy owners make common feeding mistakes that can impact their puppy’s health and development. Here’s what to watch out for:

🐷 Overfeeding and obesity: Puppies need calories to grow—but too much can lead to obesity and joint issues, especially in large breeds. Always follow portion guidelines based on your puppy’s weight, age, and activity level.
🍽️ Feeding adult dog food too early: Adult formulas don’t have the right balance of protein, calories, or nutrients like calcium and DHA for growing puppies. Transition only after 12 months (or 18–24 months for giant breeds), unless advised by your vet.
⏰ Inconsistent feeding times: Irregular feeding disrupts digestion and potty routines. Stick to a schedule with consistent meal times to support metabolism, training, and housebreaking.
🔄 Switching food too often or too quickly: Changing brands or formulas without gradually mixing over 5–7 days can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and food refusal. Always transition gradually.
⚖️ Not measuring portions: Free-pouring kibble or eyeballing servings can lead to over- or underfeeding. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to ensure accuracy based on feeding guidelines.

How to Tell If You’re Feeding the Right Amount

Feeding guidelines are just a starting point—your puppy’s body will give you the clearest signs. Here’s how to know if you’re on the right track:

Indicator	Underfeeding 🧸	Overfeeding 🐘
Body Appearance	Visible ribs and hip bones No fat cover over spine Lack of muscle mass	Ribs difficult to feel No visible waist or abdominal tuck Potbellied or bloated look
Behavior	Excessive hunger Lethargy or weakness Whining or begging for food	Lethargy from excess weight Reluctance to exercise Begging despite frequent feeding
Stool Quality	Dry or infrequent stools Straining during defecation	Loose or soft stools Increased frequency
Growth	Slow or stunted weight gain Below breed size expectations	Excessive weight gain Rapid fat accumulation

📏 Monitor Body Condition Score (BCS)

Use a 1–9 or 1–5 BCS scale to assess fat coverage and overall shape.
✔️ Ideal BCS = visible waistline from above and a slight tummy tuck from the side; ribs should be felt but not seen.

Ideal score: 4–5

BCS Score	Category	Description
1	Emaciated	Ribs, spine, and hips visibly prominent. No fat cover. Muscle loss. Severely underfed.
2	Very Thin	Ribs easily visible. Minimal fat. Obvious waist and abdominal tuck. Needs more calories.
3	Thin	Ribs easily felt with slight fat cover. Clear waist and abdominal tuck. Borderline underfed.
4	Ideal – Lean	Ribs palpable with thin fat cover. Noticeable waist and abdominal tuck. Healthy and athletic.
5	Ideal	Ribs easily felt without being visible. Waist present. No excess fat. Balanced nutrition.
6	Overweight	Ribs difficult to feel under moderate fat cover. Waist less noticeable. Begin monitoring portions.
7	Heavy	Ribs not palpable. No waist or abdominal tuck. Fat deposits on back and base of tail.
8	Obese	Obvious fat deposits. Wide abdomen. Heavy breathing or reduced mobility. Needs diet adjustment.
9	Severely Obese	Massive fat deposits. No waist or discernible shape. Health at serious risk. Veterinary supervision needed.

📈 Track Weight & Growth Milestones

Weigh your puppy weekly (especially during the first 6 months).
Compare to breed-specific growth charts.
Sudden weight plateaus or spikes can signal dietary imbalance or health issues.

🔁 When to Adjust Portion Sizes

Every 2–4 weeks during rapid growth (especially under 6 months)
After a vet visit or vaccination (if appetite changes)
When switching food types or transitioning to fewer meals
If energy levels or body shape noticeably change

Special Cases

Not all puppies follow the typical feeding path. Some require special attention due to their circumstances or health conditions. Below are guidelines for two common special cases.

A. Feeding orphaned puppies: Without a mother, orphaned puppies depend entirely on human care. Proper nutrition is vital for survival and healthy development. Bottle-Feeding Guidelines (By Age & Weight):

Feed a high-quality commercial milk replacer (never cow’s milk).
Use a bottle with a slow-flow nipple designed for puppies.
Feed every 2–3 hours during the first 2 weeks, decreasing frequency as they grow.
Total daily milk = approx. 22–26 mL per 100g of body weight.

Recommended formulas: Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer (View on Amazon)

B. Feeding puppies with medical conditions: Some puppies require special diets due to health issues that affect digestion, absorption, or weight gain.

Sensitive stomachs: Feed easily digestible, limited-ingredient puppy formulas or sensitive dog food recipes.
Allergies or Intolerances: Try hypoallergenic or hydrolyzed protein diets or novel protein sources like duck, venison, or salmon.
Underweight or failure to thrive: Prioritize high-calorie puppy formulas, frequent feedings (4–5 times/day) and nutrient-dense wet or fresh food. Vets may recommend adding goat milk or bone broth (short-term energy boosts).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—but in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. Choose soft, small-sized puppy treats or use bits of their kibble. Avoid treats with artificial colors, high sugar, or salt. Training treats are best used as positive reinforcement during obedience and potty training.

Occasional skipped meals aren’t usually a concern—especially if your puppy is still energetic and playful. However, if your puppy skips more than one meal, shows signs of lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian. Puppies can dehydrate quickly and are more vulnerable than adult dogs.

Try warming their food slightly to enhance aroma, or buy dog food for picky eaters. You can also mix in a spoonful of wet food, bone broth, or a topper made for puppies. Make sure you’re not offering too many treats, which can lead to food refusal. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, and remove uneaten food after 20 minutes to reinforce mealtime structure.

Yes, but with caution. Both raw and homemade diets must be formulated by a veterinary nutritionist to ensure they meet all of your puppy’s nutritional needs. Improperly balanced homemade or raw diets can cause serious health issues. Use commercial puppy-formulated raw or fresh options (like We Feed Raw, JustFoodForDogs, or Ollie) if unsure.

Most high-quality puppy foods are complete and balanced. Dog supplements are generally not needed unless recommended by your vet. In special cases (e.g., joint support, skin issues, sensitive digestion), your vet may recommend DHA, probiotics, or calcium, but overdosing can harm growing puppies.

The Bottom Line

Feeding your puppy the right amount at the right time is one of the most important foundations for lifelong health. From selecting the right food type to avoiding common feeding mistakes, portion control and consistent schedules make a big difference in your pup’s growth, behavior, and well-being. Every puppy is unique, so don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian regularly—especially during growth spurts, health changes, or transitions to adult food. Your vet can help fine-tune your puppy’s diet based on breed, activity level, and specific needs.

Puppies are less likely to have pre-existing conditions, so enrolling in pet insurance early can secure better lifetime coverage. It also helps protect you financially during the unpredictable puppy stage, when accidents and mischief are more common. Explore our pet insurance guide to see if it’s the right choice for your pup—and use our free tool below to get instant quotes.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Canine Bible

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.