Finding the Right Puppy Portion Size
Feeding your puppy adequately and healthily can be a confusing affair. After choosing the right puppy food, you might wonder: “How much should I feed my puppy?” But don’t worry – you’re not alone! This puppy feeding guide will address all your doubts.
Deciding the correct puppy portion size can be challenging, given that as your puppy grows, their nutritional needs change. Additionally, each dog has unique nutritional needs that need to be taken into account.
We understand that finding the right puppy food portion is vital to your puppy's overall health. While it might be tempting to indulge your puppy with extra helpings, remember that overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. Similarly, underfeeding can result in malnutrition and stunted growth. It's a delicate balance, and learning to strike it right is crucial to your puppy's well-being.
Fortunately, this puppy feeding guide will dispel your doubts about puppy feeding guidelines, portion sizes, and how to aid your puppy’s development taking their unique needs into consideration.
How Much Should a Puppy Eat Per Feeding
Determining how much a puppy should eat per feeding is dependent on numerous factors such as age, breed, activity level, and body condition. A newborn puppy will feed primarily on their mother's milk and start transitioning to solid food around 6-8 weeks. This transition period is a critical time to monitor your puppy's portion sizes carefully.
Breed and size also significantly impact the quantity of food your puppy should consume. For instance, larger breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers will require a higher calorie intake than smaller breeds like French Bulldogs due to their larger size and faster developmental rate. However, irrespective of the breed, puppies grow rapidly and require a diet rich in proteins and fats to support their growth, especially in the first five months.
Feeding Puppy with Bottle
While it is ideal for puppies to get their mother’s milk, there might be instances when bottle feeding becomes necessary. For example, if the mother is unable to provide milk or the puppy is orphaned, it is vital to ensure they receive the nutrients they need via bottle feeding.
Commercial milk replacers closely mimic the nutrient composition of mother's milk and are a suitable alternative when needed. However, it's important to follow the guidelines on commercial milk replacers closely, as both underfeeding and overfeeding can lead to severe issues like digestive problems, developmental problems, and even death. These guidelines have been scientifically formulated to ensure your puppy gets the nutrients they require, making them critical to your puppy's health during bottle feeding.
Puppy Feeding Guide: Key Principles
Proper feeding guidelines involve more than just the correct portion sizes. It also requires adherence to key principles and quality feeding equipment. One of the primary principles to follow is the feeding instructions on your puppy's food bag. These instructions have been developed by nutritionists and animal care professionals to ensure your puppy gets a balanced diet.
Moreover, having high-quality puppy bowls can aid in portion control and maintain hygiene. Apart from helping in portion control, quality bowls can also encourage better eating habits in your puppy. Check out our article ranking the best dog bowls for top-notch suggestions.
Puppy Feeding Chart By Weight
The puppy feeding chart by weight serves as an excellent tool to help you decide the ideal food portion for your pup. This chart presents the calories your puppy needs based on their weight. To effectively use this chart, match your puppy's weight to the corresponding calorie count.
Up to 4 months
| Puppy’s Body Weight (lbs) | Daily Caloric Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | 115 |
| 2 | 194 |
| 5 | 390 |
| 10 | 654 |
| 15 | 885 |
| 20 | 1098 |
| 25 | 1299 |
| 30 | 1491 |
| 40 | 1848 |
Source: Animal Medical Center of Chicago
Over 4 months
| Puppy’s Body Weight (lbs) | Daily Caloric Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | 77 |
| 2 | 129 |
| 5 | 260 |
| 10 | 436 |
| 15 | 590 |
| 20 | 732 |
| 25 | 866 |
| 30 | 994 |
| 40 | 1232 |
| 50 | 1458 |
| 60 | 1670 |
| 70 | 1876 |
| 80 | 2074 |
| 90 | 2264 |
| 100 | 2450 |
Source: Animal Medical Center of Chicago
However, it's essential to remember that these figures are estimations. You may need to adjust the quantities depending on your puppy's breed, activity level, and overall health status. Observing your puppy's energy levels, development, and general well-being can help you make the necessary adjustments.
Which Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
The choice of puppy food is as critical as determining the correct portion size. A balanced diet comprising proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is vital for a puppy's development.
Moreover, not all puppy foods are created equal. If you haven’t chosen a puppy food yet, you can read our article on the 11 best puppy foods and find the best choice for your puppy.
Once you choose the food that is best for your fur baby, you should closely follow the feeding guidelines on the bag. Since the composition of each food is unique, these guidelines can help you find the perfect puppy portion size according to the food’s nutritional and calorie values.
Here’s an example of a puppy feeding chart from Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula:
| Puppy’s Weight (lbs) | 2-4 months | 4-8 months | 8-12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | ⅔ cup | ½ cup | ½ cup |
| 5 | 1 cup | ¾ cup | ⅔ cup |
| 10 | 1 + ⅔ cups | 1 + ⅓ cups | 1 + ¼ cups |
| 20 | 2 + ⅔ cups | 2 + ¼ cups | 1 + ¾ cups |
| 30 | 3 + ⅔ cups | 3 + ¼ cups | 2 + ½ cups |
| 40 | 4 + ½ cups | 3 + ¾ cups | 3 + ¼ cups |
| 60 | - | 5 + ¼ cups | 4 + ¼ cups |
| 80 | - | 6 + ⅓ cups | 5 + ½ cups |
| 100 | - | - | 6 cups |
If you purchase another brand, its puppy feeding guide will be different. That’s okay, as long as you follow them closely to make sure you’re not overfeeding or underfeeding your pup.
In addition, you should accompany your pup’s weight progress with a veterinarian who can make adjustments to their diet when necessary.
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?
Besides following a puppy feeding guide, establishing a feeding schedule is crucial for maintaining your puppy's health. Regular feeding times not only meet your puppy's nutritional needs but also aid house training. You can read our article on establishing regular feeding schedules (and how important it is) here!
Leftover food can be a problem, especially when you're still figuring out the right portion sizes. It's important to store any leftover food properly to prevent it from going stale or attracting pests. Using tin covers or plastic pots can help keep the food fresh for the next meal.
Conclusion
Determining the right puppy portion size is crucial for your puppy's development and overall well-being. It's essential to balance the quantity of food with its quality and ensure that your puppy receives a nutritious diet that supports their development. It’s also crucial to choose a good dog bowl that’s comfortable for your pup. Of course, whenever you need help navigating this journey, you can revisit this puppy feeding guide.
For more tips and advice on raising a puppy, check out our comprehensive guide on raising a puppy. This guide covers a wide range of topics that will equip you with the knowledge you need to be the best pet parent you can be!