How much should my puppy eat?
A million-dollar question, because getting the doses wrong during growth has permanent consequences. Underfed: stunted growth, weak immune system. Overfed: lifelong joint problems. Let's see the right doses.
The fundamental principle
The puppy:
- Grows rapidly (doubles weight every 2-3 weeks in the first months)
- Needs high calories (2-3 times an adult per kg)
- Crucial mineral balance (calcium/phosphorus for bones)
- More frequent meals (small stomach)
Daily calories by age
General formula: (weight × 130) ÷ age in months = kcal/day (approximation)
In practice:
Small breed dog (adult 5-10 kg)
| Age | Weight | Kcal/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 2 kg | 250 |
| 4 months | 4 kg | 350 |
| 6 months | 5 kg | 400 |
| 9 months | 6 kg | 380 |
| 12 months (adult) | 7 kg | 350 |
Medium breed dog (adult 10-25 kg)
| Age | Weight | Kcal/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 4 kg | 450 |
| 4 months | 8 kg | 800 |
| 6 months | 12 kg | 1,000 |
| 9 months | 15 kg | 1,100 |
| 12 months (adult) | 18 kg | 1,000 |
Large breed dog (adult 25-40 kg)
| Age | Weight | Kcal/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 6 kg | 600 |
| 4 months | 12 kg | 1,100 |
| 6 months | 20 kg | 1,600 |
| 9 months | 28 kg | 1,800 |
| 12 months | 32 kg | 1,700 |
| 18 months (adult) | 35 kg | 1,600 |
Giant breed dog (adult 40+ kg)
| Age | Weight | Kcal/day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 8 kg | 750 |
| 4 months | 18 kg | 1,500 |
| 6 months | 30 kg | 2,200 |
| 12 months | 45 kg | 2,500 |
| 18 months | 55 kg | 2,400 |
| 24 months (adult) | 60 kg | 2,200 |
Converting calories to grams
Puppy kibble is on average 380-420 kcal/100g.
Example: puppy with 800 kcal/day → 200 g of kibble.
Wet puppy food: 90-110 kcal/100g. For 800 kcal → 750 g wet food.
Mix wet + dry (recommended):
- 100 g kibble (400 kcal)
- 400 g wet food (400 kcal)
- Total: 800 kcal
Meal frequency
Under 4 months
4 meals a day:
- 7:00 - 12:00 - 17:00 - 21:00
4-6 months
3 meals a day:
- 7:00 - 13:00 - 19:00
6-12 months
2-3 meals a day:
- 7:00 - 19:00 (or 7-13-19)
After 12 months
2 meals (adult maintenance).
Exception: large breeds maintain 3 meals until 18 months.
Signs of proper feeding
Weight
Weigh the puppy every week:
- Consistent gain: 5-10% of body weight per week (varies by size)
- Excessive gain: > 15% per week → reduce portions
- No gain: consult the veterinarian
Body Condition Score
Running your hands along the ribs:
- Ribs slightly palpable under skin/fat: perfect
- Ribs NOT palpable: overweight (reduce by 10-15%)
- Ribs very visible: underweight (increase by 10-15%)
Stools
- Formed, dark, regular: correct diet
- Soft or diarrhea: too much food or unsuitable food
- Constipated: not enough water, too much dry food
Energy
A well-fed puppy:
- Plays, explores, sleeps
- Shiny coat
- Bright eyes
- Desire to eat at meal times
Common mistakes
1. Adult food
Different calories and nutrients. The puppy grows poorly.
Solution: always feed "puppy" specific kibble.
2. Sudden diet change
Causes diarrhea and discomfort.
Solution: transition over 14 days by mixing old and new food (75/25 → 50/50 → 25/75 → 100% new).
3. Table scraps
Imbalance + bad habits + obesity.
Solution: no scraps. Even "a little piece" ruins the diet.
4. Too many snacks
Treats are useful in training, but:
Rule: max 10% of daily calories in snacks.
5. Free-feeding
A puppy that eats all day = overweight. It goes against its physiology.
Solution: set meal times, remove the bowl after 20 minutes.
6. Insufficient or excessive water
Water should always be available. Drinking a lot is normal in puppies.
Healthy growth
Small breeds
- Weigh little (1-7 kg)
- Grow rapidly
- Adult by 8-12 months
Medium breeds
- Adult by 12 months
- Moderate growth
Large breeds
- Adult by 15-18 months
- Slow growth recommended to avoid joint problems
- More moderate calories
Giant breeds
- Adult by 18-24 months
- Very slow growth
- Specific "Large Breed Puppy" food
"Alternative" diets
Homemade
Not recommended for puppies without a veterinarian nutritionist plan.
The risk of imbalance is very high.
BARF (raw)
Possible but requires strict planning. Parent + nutritionist.
Vegetarian/vegan
Not recommended for puppies. The growing dog needs animal proteins.
The "golden rule"
For the first year of life: high-quality puppy kibble + precise portions + regular meals. No improvisation.
My revolutionary feeding "tricks" come after the first year, when the dog is an adult and formed.
Key points to remember
Feeding your puppy is an investment in their health for the next 12-15 years. Exact calories for size and age, frequent meals, gradual transitions, no scraps. Weigh weekly, observe coat/energy/stools, adjust based on signals. The chart gives you the starting point: your dog will tell you if it's okay.
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