Bringing home a new puppy comes with plenty of questions. What should your puppy eat? How much food does a puppy need? And how often should you feed a puppy?
Whether your new puppy comes from a breeder, shelter, or rescue organization, one of the best things you can do during the first few days is keep their diet consistent. Find out what food your puppy has been eating and continue feeding that food when they first come home.
Your puppy is already adjusting to a new environment, new people, and possibly life away from their mother and littermates. Changing their food at the same time can add unnecessary stress and may lead to stomach upset.
The First Few Days: Keep Your Puppy’s Food Consistent
Keeping your puppy on the same food for the first few days can help make the transition to their new home easier. Before bringing your puppy home, ask the breeder or shelter for a sample of the food they have been eating so you have enough to get through the initial transition.
If you plan to change your puppy's food, wait until they have had a few days to settle in. Then, gradually transition to the new food by mixing it with the old food over at least two or three days. Some puppies may need an even slower transition.
A gradual change can help your puppy continue eating normally while reducing the risk of digestive upset, including vomiting or diarrhea.
What Should You Feed a Puppy?
Puppies should eat a complete and balanced puppy food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing dogs. You may see these foods described as puppy food, growth formulas, or foods formulated for growth.
Look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the package indicating that the food is complete and balanced for puppies or growing dogs. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes nutritional profiles for pet foods, and the food should be appropriate for your puppy's life stage.
Dry Food, Wet Food, or Both?
Dry puppy food, wet puppy food, or a combination of the two can all be appropriate options. Dry food is generally more affordable and convenient, while wet food may be more appealing to some puppies.
If your puppy is reluctant to eat dry food, adding a small amount of warm water can soften the texture and bring out the food's aroma. Just make sure to serve the food promptly and avoid leaving moistened food out for long periods.
Some owners choose to leave dry food available throughout the day for their puppy to eat whenever they want. This is sometimes called free-choice or ad libitum feeding.
However, it is not always the best approach. Some puppies will overeat, which can contribute to excessive weight gain. Leaving food available all day can also make it more difficult to monitor how much your puppy is eating.
For most puppies, scheduled meals make it easier to monitor food intake and establish a predictable routine.
How Often Should You Feed a Puppy?
Your puppy's age, size, breed, and individual needs all influence their puppy feeding schedule. In general, puppies around 8 weeks old may need to eat three or four times per day.
As they grow, most puppies can gradually transition to fewer meals:
- Around 8 weeks: Three to four meals per day
- Around 12 weeks: About three meals per day
- Around 16 weeks and beyond: Often two meals per day
Your veterinarian can help you determine the best schedule for your individual puppy.
Feeding smaller meals more frequently can also make it easier to monitor your puppy's appetite. At this age, puppies also commonly need to eliminate shortly after eating. Taking your puppy outside after meals can help establish a routine and support house training.
Where Should You Feed Your Puppy?
There is no single perfect place to feed a puppy. The most important thing is to choose a location that is consistent and works well for your household.
Many families feed puppies in the kitchen because the puppy can be near family members and spills are relatively easy to clean. However, feeding your puppy in a crate, exercise pen, or another designated area can also work.
Wherever you choose to feed your puppy, try to make mealtimes predictable. A consistent feeding location and routine can help your puppy learn what to expect throughout the day.
How Much Should You Feed a Puppy?
Knowing how much to feed a puppy can be one of the biggest challenges for new pet parents. The answer depends on your puppy's age, size, breed, activity level, growth rate, and the calorie content of their food.
Start with the feeding guidelines on the puppy food label. These guidelines typically provide a recommended amount based on your puppy's expected adult size or current weight. The amount listed is a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
A puppy feeding chart can also help you understand how much food your puppy may need at different stages of growth. However, feeding charts and package instructions should be adjusted based on your puppy's body condition and your veterinarian's recommendations.
If your puppy finishes a meal very quickly and still seems hungry, they may need a little more food. On the other hand, if food regularly remains in the bowl after mealtime, you may be offering more than your puppy needs.
Your puppy's body condition is one of the best ways to evaluate whether they are eating the right amount. A healthy puppy should generally have a visible waist when viewed from above. If your puppy's body looks increasingly round or tubular, they may be gaining too much weight.
If you are unsure about how much to feed a puppy, your veterinarian can help you determine an appropriate daily amount and adjust it as your puppy grows.
When meal feeding, particularly when offering wet food, pick up any uneaten food after about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps establish specific mealtimes and allows you to monitor your puppy's appetite. It also gives you a predictable opportunity to take your puppy outside after eating.
Should Puppies Have Treats?
Puppies can have treats, but treats should be small and offered in moderation.
One option is to set aside a portion of your puppy's regular daily food and use it as rewards throughout the day. You can also use small treats specifically formulated for puppies.
Treats should not make up a large portion of your puppy's diet. Too many treats can contribute excess calories and may unbalance an otherwise complete and balanced diet.
It is also best to avoid feeding puppies table scraps or regularly sharing human foods. Puppies may quickly learn to prefer highly palatable foods, such as meat or other table scraps, over their regular puppy food.
Feeding from the table can also encourage begging and other unwanted mealtime behaviors. Start with the habits you want your dog to have for life.
Should You Feed Your Puppy Raw Food?
Raw diets are sometimes promoted as a natural option for dogs, but raw meat can carry harmful bacteria and other pathogens that may make your puppy sick.
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and other complications if they develop severe vomiting or diarrhea. For that reason, feeding raw animal products can pose unnecessary health risks.
Talk with your veterinarian before making major changes to your puppy's diet. For most puppies, a complete and balanced commercial puppy food provides a safe and convenient way to meet their nutritional needs.
Does Your Puppy Need Vitamins or Supplements?
If your puppy is eating a complete and balanced food formulated for growth, additional vitamins and mineral supplements are generally unnecessary.
In some situations, giving extra supplements can even be harmful. Certain nutrients can cause problems when consumed in excessive amounts, particularly during a puppy's rapid growth.
Always speak with your veterinarian before adding vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to your puppy's diet.
Creating a Healthy Puppy Feeding Schedule
The best puppy feeding schedule is one that provides your puppy with appropriate nutrition while creating a predictable routine.
In general, new puppy owners should:
- Feed a complete and balanced puppy food appropriate for growth.
- Follow the food manufacturer's feeding guidelines as a starting point.
- Feed puppies regular meals rather than automatically leaving food out all day.
- Adjust portions based on your puppy's growth and body condition.
- Monitor how much and how eagerly your puppy eats.
- Offer treats in moderation.
- Avoid table scraps and raw animal products.
- Ask your veterinarian about any supplements or major dietary changes.
Learning how to feed a puppy does not have to be complicated. With the right food, a consistent puppy feeding schedule, and regular monitoring, you can give your new puppy a strong nutritional foundation during one of the most important stages of their life.
