New Pup Feeding Chart: First 8 Weeks Explained

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Welcoming a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to their nutrition. While the first eight weeks are crucial for your dog’s development, most pup parents won’t be bringing home their new family member until after this time has passed. With that in mind, understanding the nutrition necessary during their first month can help you make more informed feeding decisions once they’re fully in your care.

Why These First Weeks Matter So Much

Picture this—your puppy has basically doubled their birth weight in their first week alone. That’s like a human baby weighing 14 pounds after seven days. It’s incredible growth that demands precise nutrition.

The complete neonatal period takes about four weeks ^[1], but the learning doesn’t stop there. Puppyhood is a process that can last up to 18 months ^[1], and those early feeding patterns? They set the stage for everything that follows.

Want to understand exactly how puppy nutrition differs from adult dogs? It’s more complex than you might think.

The Real Puppy Feeding Guide: What Actually Happens in Those First Weeks

Weeks 0-2: The Milk Bar is Open 24/7

What’s happening: Your puppy is basically a tiny eating (and sleeping) machine How often they eat: Newborn puppies need to eat every two to three hours ^[2]

During the first week, puppies will nurse about 8 to 10 times a day ^[1]. That’s more frequent than most coffee addicts hit up Starbucks!

If you’re dealing with bottle feeding (maybe mom isn’t available), never use regular milk from your fridge. Do not use goat’s milk or cow’s milk ^[3] – it’ll upset their tiny stomachs and won’t give them what they need.

Weeks 2-4: Still Mom-Dependent, But Changes are Coming

The feeding routine: A two- to four-week-old puppy feeding schedule should consist of feedings every six to eight hours ^[2] What you’ll notice: Eyes opening, little teeth starting to peek through

This is when things get interesting. Puppies start looking more like actual dogs instead of squeaky little potatoes. But they’re still completely dependent on milk for survival.

Weeks 3-4: The “Wait, What’s This Food Thing?” Phase

Here’s where the real adventure begins. The recommended time for weaning puppies is from around 3 weeks of age and can last until the pups are around 7-8 weeks ^[4].

What smart breeders do: When weaning begins, it is important to separate the puppies from their mother for short periods of time, a couple of times a day. The puppy should be fed a high-protein, 25-30% diet with water added to make it as porridge-like as possible. This meal should be prior to nursing, to help decrease the amount of time the puppies nurse ^[1].

The process starts super simple:

Start by putting puppy milk replacer in a flat saucer. A 50:50 mixture of milk replacer and water is recommended ^[3]
Dip your finger in the formula and wet the puppies’ noses and mouths. Repeat this process two or three times a day until they begin to drink the milk replacer on their own; this usually takes one to four days ^[3]

Weeks 4-5: Enter the “Puppy Gruel” Era

What they’re eating: Mushy puppy food that looks… well, like baby food How often: Three to four times daily (plus some nursing)

At three to four weeks, puppies might only sniff at or lightly sample solid food. A five-week-old puppy feeding schedule should include increasing amounts of solid food as you gradually taper off the milk replacer ^[2].

Making the magic gruel:

Kibble should be softened with water or broth to a soupy texture, or you can add a little extra water to wet puppy food ^[2]
To get the puppies interested, dip your finger into the mush and then let them lick it. Puppies quickly learn to lap up the food ^[2]

Fair warning: this gets messy. Like, really messy. Puppies don’t understand the concept of “eating politely” yet.

Need help figuring out exactly how much to feed once you bring your pup home? Our weight-based feeding chart takes the guesswork out.

Weeks 5-6: Less Milk, More Real Food

The transition continues: Three to four daily meals are sufficient for many puppies who are almost weaned but still nursing a little bit ^[2]

Decrease the amount of milk replacer each day until they eat the canned food with little or no moisture added, ideally at four to six weeks of age ^[3].

Special alert for tiny breed parents: Toy- and small-breed pups may need extra snacks, as they are susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) ^[2]. More on this later – it’s important stuff.

Weeks 6-7: Getting Serious About Solid Food

When puppies reach 6 weeks of age, they should be separated from their mother for about 4 hours a day. Puppies are typically weaned from their mothers around 6-8 weeks old ^[1].

As your puppy gets older you can slowly remove the milk in their solid food until it is just the puppy kibble. They should be ready for solid kibble around seven weeks of age ^[5].

Week 8: Welcome Home!

The big moment: 8 week old puppies should eat anywhere from 3-4 times per day. They can stick with that same schedule until they are about 3 months old ^[6]

Nutritional weaning is complete when the puppies are eating only puppy food and no longer nursing. When litters and moms are kept together, this usually occurs around seven to eight weeks of age ^[2].

This is probably when you’ll meet your new family member! They’re ready for high-quality puppy food and can start transitioning to whatever feeding routine works for your household.

At Ollie, we know this transition can feel overwhelming. That’s why our fresh food is formulated for all life stages – you won’t need to stress about switching foods as your puppy grows.

Ready to see how much your specific puppy needs to eat? Our detailed guide breaks it down by age and weight.

puppy eating ollie from a dog bowl in the kitchen.

Small Dog Parents: Extra Attention Required

If you’re getting a tiny breed (Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle), these pups will need special care during their first weeks.

Small breed puppies, especially toy breeds, require careful feeding to prevent a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is the scientific word for low blood sugar, and small breed puppies are prone to developing this condition as a result of high metabolic rates and low sugar and body fat reserves. This means they need to be fed a calorie-dense, small breed puppy food anywhere from four-to-six times a day ^[7].

What to watch for:

Your puppy seems unusually tired or weak
They’re wobbly or unsteady
Loss of appetite (even for treats)
Shaking or trembling

A young toy breed puppy requires more diligence than any other type of puppy. You may need to feed and witness food intact 4-6 times daily ^[8].

Choosing Food That Actually Works

When you’re standing in the pet store aisle (or scrolling through options online), remember this: You should feed a food that has been formulated specifically for puppies ^[4].

Look for that AAFCO statement – it’s your guarantee that the food meets nutritional standards for growing dogs.

Here’s where Ollie stands out. Our recipes don’t just meet the minimum standards. They’re crafted with veterinary nutritionists using human-grade ingredients that are easier for developing digestive systems to handle. Plus, our meals are personalized for your puppy’s specific needs, taking into account their breed, size, and growth stage.

Setting Up Success: Your Puppy’s Feeding Routine

Maintain a reliable feeding schedule during your pup’s first few months and try not to vary meal time by more than half an hour. If you need extra incentive, know that a consistent feeding routine accelerates potty training!

A realistic 8-week puppy schedule:

7:00 AM: Breakfast (after morning potty break)
12:00 PM: Lunch
5:00 PM: Dinner
Optional evening snack for tiny breeds

Keeping Track of Growth (Without Going Crazy)

Weigh puppies daily as a guideline for how much to feed; they should be growing at a steady but not excessive rate ^[2].

You don’t need a fancy scale—a basic kitchen scale works perfectly. Puppies should grow between 10 to 15% of their body weight per day, which ranges from about 0.5 ounces to 2.5 pounds per week ^[9].

What healthy growth looks like:

Steady weight gain (not dramatic jumps)
Bright, alert eyes during awake time
Soft, shiny coat
Normal, well-formed poops
Playful behavior when not sleeping

When to call your vet immediately:

If your puppy is losing weight versus gaining weight, it may be a sign of a medical condition that requires your vet’s attention ^[9]
Any signs of hypoglycemia in small breeds
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Extreme lethargy

Worried about whether you’re feeding the right amount? Our comprehensive feeding guide covers everything from puppies to seniors.

The Water Situation

Once the puppies are a month old, it is important to leave water at their disposal at all times ^[4].

Fresh, clean water should always be available. While this means more frequent potty breaks, it’s essential for proper development and helps with the transition to solid food.

Common New Pup Parent Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Switching foods too quickly: If your puppy comes from a breeder or shelter eating a specific food, don’t change it right away. Their digestive systems are sensitive, and sudden changes can cause upset stomachs.

Free feeding: Leaving food out all day might seem convenient, but scheduled meals help with house training and prevent overeating.

Using the wrong milk: Never give cow’s milk to young puppies. It can cause digestive issues and doesn’t provide proper nutrition.

Panicking over mess: Puppies are messy eaters. It’s normal. They’ll figure out table manners eventually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my 8-week-old puppy is eating enough? It usually isn’t necessary to determine exactly how much puppies are eating, as long as they gain weight daily and don’t cry for food between scheduled feedings ^[2]. Watch their energy levels and growth patterns rather than obsessing over every bite.

When can I stop softening their kibble? You won’t want to start feeding your pup any dry foods until they are at least 9-10 weeks old. If you decide to use hard foods, be sure to soften the food with some water ^[6]. Even then, many puppies appreciate slightly softened food for several more weeks.

My tiny puppy seems lethargic – should I worry? For small breeds, this could be serious. If your puppy is conscious but showing signs of hypoglycemia, start by offering tasty food that he or she will want to eat, such as canned food. If your puppy will not eat, a fingertip of Nutrical may make all the difference ^[10]. Contact your vet immediately if you’re concerned.

Can I start Ollie food right when I bring my puppy home? Absolutely! You can start feeding your puppy fresh food like Ollie as early as 8 weeks old. Our meals are formulated for all life stages, making them safe and nutritious for even the youngest pups . Our recipes provide complete nutrition specifically designed for growing puppies.

How often do toy breeds need to eat compared to bigger puppies? Much more frequently. Toy breed hypoglycemia is seen in toy breed dogs less than 5 months of age. Toy breeds are particularly vulnerable because these little guys have more brain mass per body weight compared to other breeds ^[11]. They typically need 4-6 small meals daily to maintain stable blood sugar.

What if my puppy seems extra hungry during growth spurts? If your puppy seems extra hungry during a growth spurt, they may need more food! Because excess nutrition can be detrimental, always consult your veterinarian before changing your pup’s meal portions.

Looking Ahead: Your Puppy’s Nutritional Journey

Puppies grow fast—and their nutritional needs change just as quickly. What you feed them (and how much) in their first year sets the foundation for a healthy, strong adult dog.Ready to give your new family member the best start possible? Take our quick quiz and let’s create the perfect meal plan for your growing puppy. Because those precious first weeks together should be about bonding and training – not stressing over nutrition.