Welcoming a new puppy into your life means lots of cuddles, tail wags—and questions. One of the first: What should I feed my puppy? Let's walk through the essentials of puppy nutrition, from choosing the right food to building a feeding routine that supports healthy growth.
What to Feed Your Puppy
Puppies grow fast, and their food needs to keep up. That’s why it’s so important to feed a food specifically formulated for puppies—not adult dogs. Puppy foods are more calorie-dense and packed with essential nutrients that support development during this critical life stage.
While some pet owners explore homemade diets, we recommend using a commercial puppy food unless you’re working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Brands like Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet, and Royal Canin have strong quality control and offer life-stage formulas backed by science.
When choosing a food, be sure it’s:
- Labeled for puppies
- Grain-inclusive (Avoid grain-free foods. Studies have linked them to heart disease in dogs, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy.)
- Matched to your puppy’s size (e.g., small breed vs. large breed formulas)
- Easily digestible and appropriate for any known sensitivities
We usually recommend dry kibble because it’s convenient, less messy, and helps maintain dental health. However, canned food is fine too—it just needs to be refrigerated and can’t be left out for long.
Ask your vet about sensitive stomach or skin-support formulas if your puppy has specific needs.
How Much to Feed a Puppy
The amount you feed depends on several things: your puppy’s age, breed, current weight, and projected adult size.
Start by checking the feeding chart on the dog food bag, which gives a guideline based on age and weight. Every brand is slightly different, so always go by that brand’s chart.
If you're not sure or you're using a homemade diet, your vet can help you calculate your puppy’s daily calorie needs. This involves estimating your puppy’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and then adjusting for activity.
Expect to adjust portion sizes every few weeks—your puppy is growing fast, and their caloric needs will change quickly.
When to Feed a Puppy
How often your puppy eats can be just as important as what they eat.
- Under 3 months: 4–6 small meals a day
- 3–6 months: 3 meals a day
- Over 6 months: 2 meals a day
- Tiny puppies (<5 lbs): May need to eat every few hours, even overnight
Frequent meals prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in small breeds. If your puppy throws up yellow bile in the morning, a late-night snack can often help.
We recommend twice-daily feeding for life once your puppy reaches 6–12 months of age. It supports steady metabolism and pairs well with medication schedules if needed later in life.
When to Switch to Adult Dog Food
Most puppies can transition to an adult formula at 12 months old, but large breeds might need to stay on puppy food a bit longer. During your check-ups, we’ll guide you on when it’s time to switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best puppy food brand?
We recommend science-backed brands like Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet, and Royal Canin.
Should I avoid grain-free food for my puppy?
Yes. Grain-free diets have been linked to heart conditions in dogs. Choose a grain-inclusive formula.
How many times should I feed my puppy each day?
Feed 3–4 times daily under 6 months, then shift to 2 meals per day.
How do I know if I’m feeding my puppy enough?
Use the food label as a starting point, and check in with your vet as your puppy grows.
When can I switch to adult dog food?
Usually at 12 months, though large breeds may need to stay on puppy food a bit longer.