Do you know, puppies may experience low blood sugar if mealtimes are too far apart! Therefore it is absolutely important to know how often should you feed your puppy. Normally a puppy needs to eat 4-3 times a day. Older puppies eat 2 times a day.
In this article I have gathered everything you need to know about how often should you feed your puppy. Including, puppy meal frequency, age and weight based schedule, importance of frequent meals, ideal diet, scheduling tips.
Key Takeaways
- Take a look at the key takeaways of the article.
- Ideal puppy feeding frequency.
- Age-based puppy feeding schedule.
- Importance of frequent puppy meals.
- Insight on appropriate puppy food.
- Tips for maintaining a feeding schedule effectively.
How often should my puppy eat?
According to Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer, little puppies require frequent meals in comparison to adult dogs. Puppies aged 6 weeks to 12 weeks should be fed four times daily. From 3 to 6 months, three feedings are needed. Older puppies need to be fed twice daily.
Puppy feeding schedule by Age
According to Pawesome Pet Journals & Books the amount of food to feed a puppy depends on their age and weight. Therefore I have created the ultimate feeding schedule based on the puppy’s age and weight. This will give you a clear idea of, how often should you feed your puppy
| Puppy Age | Weight | Frequency | Timing | Feeding Portions per Meal | Total Meal Portion a Day |
| 6-12 weeks old | 2-5 lbs | Feed 4 meals a day. | Morning, noon, late afternoon, and evening. | ¼ – ½ cup | 1 – 2 cups |
| 3-6 months old | 5-10 lbs | Feed 3 meals a day. | Morning, afternoon, and evening. | ½ – ¾ cup | 2 – 3 cups |
| 6-12 months old | 10-15 lbs | Feed 2 meals a day. | Morning and evening. | ¾ – 1 cup | 2 – 3 cups |
| 12 months and older | 15-25 lbs | Feed 2 meals a day | Morning and evening | 1 – 1 ½ cup | 3 – 4 ½ cups |
Why does Your puppy need frequent meals?
Puppies need food to stay strong and healthy. Puppies need to eat often because their tummies are small. Their small tummies can not hold a lot of food at once. They’re like little athletes, needing energy to play and fuel to keep moving.
They also need lots of energy because their little bodies burn energy quickly making them hungry often.
What should I feed my puppy?
Puppies should be fed high-quality puppy food. Puppy food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. It is rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Look for calcium, phosphorus in the ingredient list. As it is needed for bone development. DHA can aid a puppy’s brain and eye health.
There are puppy foods specially made with breed-specific formulations. There are many options out there. You can choose from dry kibble, wet canned, raw, freeze-dried, dehydrated, semi-moist, homemade, prescription, grain-free.
Choose food based on your puppy’s needs. Consult a vet for guidance.
Tips & Tricks for Maintaining a Feeding Schedule
Here are my top tips and tricks to help you maintain a puppy feeding schedule.
- Stick to set meal times consistently.
- Design the feeding schedule according to your daily schedule.
- Measure portions based on age and weight.
- Remove uneaten food after 20-30 minutes.
- Adjust portion sizes as your puppy grows.
- Limit treats to 10% of daily intake.
- Transition food types gradually.
- Ensure access to fresh water.
- Use a dedicated feeding area.
- Avoid feeding table scraps or excessive snacks.
- Regularly consult your vet for nutritional guidance.
Wrap UP
Let’s wrap up the article.
- Regular meals prevent low blood sugar in puppies.
- Feeding frequency varies with age and weight.
- Choose high-quality puppy food for essential nutrients.
- Consistency and patience are vital for a feeding routine.
- Adjust portions as your puppy grows.
- Consult a vet for feeding guidance.
- Ensure access to fresh water and limit treats.
Conclusion
Now you know how often should you feed your puppy. You can easily maintain your puppy’s regular feeding schedule. Have patience while establishing a feeding schedule. And maintain consistency for long term success.
For more puppy care assistance visit our website. We are here to help you with all the information you need.
FAQs
How much food should I feed my puppy?
Feed your puppy according to age, weight, and feeding guidelines.
Can I feed my puppy twice a day?
Yes, puppies can be fed twice a day.
When to stop feeding puppy food?
Transition to adult food around 12 months.
How many times a day should I feed my puppy?
Feed your puppy 4-3 times a day.
What factors should I consider when determining my puppy’s feeding schedule?
Consider age, weight, and breed-specific needs.
Is it essential to stick to a consistent feeding schedule for my puppy?
Yes, consistency is crucial for your puppy’s health.
How can I ensure my puppy receives the proper nutrition?
Choose high-quality puppy food and consult a vet.
