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Puppies have rapidly changing nutritional needs as they develop from tiny bundles of energy into healthy, happy adult dogs. Growing puppies need more calories, fat, protein and essential nutrients than adult dogs [1]. Too much food can lead to rapid weight gain and joint problems, while too little can cause developmental issues or hypoglycemia in smaller breeds.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
Whether you’re preparing your first puppy meal or adjusting portions as they grow, this guide provides everything you need to feed with confidence.
Every puppy grows at their own pace, but these general guidelines help ensure proper nutrition throughout their development. Base portions on your puppy’s expected adult weight for the most accurate feeding amounts.
Expected Adult Weight | 1.5–3 months | 4–5 months | 6–8 months | 9–11 months | 1–2 years |
3–12 lb | ½ – 1 cup | ⅔ – 1⅓ cups | ½ – 1½ cups | Feed as adult | Feed as adult |
13–20 lb | ½ – 1¼ cups | 1⅛ – 2 cups | ¾ – 1⅓ cups | ½ – 1½ cups | Feed as adult |
21–50 lb | ½ – 1½ cups | 1½ – 2¾ cups | 1⅛ – 2⅔ cups | 2 – 3 cups | 2 – 4¼ cups |
51–75 lb | ⅝ – 2⅔ cups | 1½ – 4 cups | 1½ – 3¾ cups | 2½ – 4¾ cups | 2½ – 6¼ cups |
76–100 lb | 1 – 2⅔ cups | 2⅞ – 3¾ cups | 2⅞ – 6⅓ cups | 3⅞ – 7 cups | 5½ – 11 cups |
101+ lb | 2⅔ cups + ⅓ cup for every 10 lb over 100 lb | 3¾ cups + ⅓ cup/10 lb | 6⅓ cups + ⅓ cup/10 lb | 7 cups + ⅓ cup/10 lb | 11 cups + ⅓ cup/10 lb |
Important: These amounts assume high-quality puppy food with balanced nutrition. Individual needs vary based on breed, metabolism, and activity level.
At this critical stage, puppies need frequent, small meals to support rapid growth and development. When shopping for puppy food, our veterinarians recommended focusing on foods that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO. Dog foods carrying the AAFCO stamp are guaranteed to meet certain nutritional and labeling requirements [2].
Key Requirements:
Sample Daily Schedule:
Time | Activity |
6:00 AM | Wake up and potty break |
6:30 AM | Breakfast #1 |
9:30 AM | Breakfast #2 (can be used for training) |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
5:00 PM | Dinner |
6:00 PM | Light snack during family dinner |
Around 3 months, you can reduce meal frequency while maintaining proper nutrition. This simplifies schedules and supports housetraining progress.
Key Changes:
Growth begins to slow for most breeds, allowing transition to twice-daily feeding. Large and giant breed dogs grow incredibly rapidly during their first year of life. Again using the example of Great Danes, who are generally 1-2 pounds at birth, in their first year they can reach a weight of between 90 and 140 pounds [3].
Important Considerations:
Switching from a puppy-specific diet to adult dog food depends on your dog’s breed and size. “The appropriate time to change to adult food is generally anywhere from 6 months to 14 months,” says Ostermeier [4]. Large and giant breeds may continue needing puppy food until 18-24 months.
Studies have shown that dogs fed fresh diets can live up to 2.5 years longer than those on commercial diets [5]. Fresh food has proven to be highly digestible. Dogs absorb nutrients better from fresh food than kibble diets, showing higher digestibility rates for dry matter, organic matter, energy, and fats [5].
Key Advantages:
When shopping for puppy food, our veterinarians recommended focusing on foods that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO. Dog foods carrying the AAFCO stamp are guaranteed to meet certain nutritional and labeling requirements [2].
Essential Features:
We especially like the fact Ollie offers customized meal plans tailored to meet the individual requirements of your puppy – after all every dog is different! [1] Ollie’s fresh food provides recipes formulated with veterinary nutritionists using human-grade ingredients, making it an excellent choice for growing puppies.
To determine how much to feed at each meal, consider these factors:
Individual Variables:
Calculation Method:
Example: An 18-pound, 4-month-old puppy needing 2 cups daily would receive approximately ⅔ cup per meal when fed three times daily.
Creating a mealtime routine is one of the most important things to do when you get a new puppy: “Choose a schedule that is convenient for you and your family so that you can stick to the routine — if you create a routine, the puppies will follow,” says Dr. Nell Ostermeier [4].
When changing foods, use a gradual 7-10 day transition to prevent digestive upset:
High-value treats accelerate training but add significant calories. Reduce meal portions on heavy training days or use your puppy’s regular food as training rewards.
Puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls prevent rapid eating, which can cause:
Learn to assess your puppy’s body condition by:
At Ollie, we understand that growing puppies have unique nutritional needs. Our recipes are formulated with veterinary nutritionists to provide:
Complete Nutrition:
Convenience and Customization:
Quality Ingredients:
Our recipes support healthy eating habits from the start, eliminating finicky behavior while providing optimal nutrition. When you choose Ollie, you’re investing in your puppy’s long-term health and happiness.
Q: How often should I feed my puppy?
A: Feed puppies 8-12 weeks old 3-4 times daily, 3-6 months old 3 times daily, and 6+ months old twice daily.
Q: When should I switch from puppy to adult food?
A: The appropriate time to change to adult food is generally anywhere from 6 months to 14 months. Large to giant breed dogs should usually take longer to transition so they don’t grow as quickly. They typically need to switch after 1 year and even up to 2 years for giant breeds [4].
Q: Is fresh food better than kibble for puppies?
A: Studies have shown that dogs fed fresh diets can live up to 2.5 years longer than those on commercial diets [5]. Fresh food offers better digestibility, palatability, and nutrient retention compared to traditional kibble.
Q: How do I know if I’m feeding the right amount?
A: Monitor your puppy’s body condition regularly. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs, and they should have a visible waist tuck when viewed from the side.
Q: Can I use my puppy’s food for training treats?
A: Yes! Using regular food as training rewards helps prevent overfeeding while maintaining nutritional balance. Reserve portion from meals for training sessions.
Ready to give your puppy the best start? Discover Ollie’s puppy meal plans and provide your growing pup with the nutrition they deserve for a healthy, happy future.
[1] https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-puppy-foods/
[2] https://www.petmd.com/dog/vet-verified/best-puppy-food
[3] https://www.consumersadvocate.org/dog-food
[4] https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-puppy-food-rcna151536
[5] https://www.deliveryrank.com/blog/kibble-vs-fresh-food
[6] https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blogs/pet-food-ingredients/fresh-dog-food-vs-dry
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