Figuring out what to feed a new puppy can be surprisingly confusing. One week, they may still be nursing or need milk replacer. A few weeks later, they are learning to eat puppy food. Before you know it, you are wondering how much to put in their bowl, how often they should eat, and when it is finally time to switch to adult dog food.
Your puppy's nutritional needs change as they grow, so their food and feeding routine will change, too. This guide breaks down what to feed your puppy at each growth stage, from their first weeks of life to the months leading up to adulthood.
Puppy Feeding Guide by Growth Stage
Every puppy grows at a different pace, especially depending on their breed and expected adult size. Use these stages as a general guide, and check with your veterinarian if you are unsure about your puppy's nutritional needs.
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Newborn Puppies: 0-3 Weeks
During the first few weeks, puppies get the nutrition they need from their mother’s milk. They aren't ready for regular puppy food yet.
If the mother is healthy and able to nurse, let the puppies nurse and make sure they stay warm and comfortable. Watch for puppies that aren't nursing well, seem weak, or aren't gaining weight.
If a puppy has been separated from its mother or cannot nurse, ask your veterinarian about an appropriate puppy milk replacer. Very young puppies can become weak quickly without enough nutrition.
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Beginning Weaning: Around 3-4 Weeks
Around 3 to 4 weeks, puppies can start learning to eat solid food while they may still nurse from their mother.
Offer small amounts of puppy food softened with warm water in a shallow dish. Let your puppy take their time as they learn—expect some licking, stepping in the food, and general messiness along the way.
At this stage, the goal is to introduce solid food gradually, not to stop nursing immediately.
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Transition to Solid Food: Around 4-6 Weeks
As your puppy becomes more comfortable with solid food, gradually increase the amount and use less water to soften it. Offer small meals several times a day rather than one large meal. Continue feeding a complete dog food for puppies appropriate for their age and expected size.
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, food allergy, or other health concern, ask your veterinarian which pet food for puppies is appropriate.
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Fully Weaned: Around 6-8 Weeks
By around 6 to 8 weeks, many puppies can eat puppy food on their own and get most of their nutrition from solid food.
You can offer dry puppy food, wet food, or a combination of both, as long as the food is formulated for puppies and provides complete and balanced nutrition. Always keep fresh, clean water available.
If you are bringing home a puppy around 8 weeks, ask what food they have been eating and, if possible, keep the same food for the first few days. If you want to change their food, transition gradually over about a week to help avoid digestive upset.
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Growing Puppies: 2-6 Months
Once your puppy is fully weaned, feeding becomes more regular. At 2 to 6 months, puppies are still growing quickly and need food formulated to support their development.
Many puppies do well with three meals a day, although their ideal schedule depends on their breed, size, and individual needs. Check the feeding guide on the food package and measure each meal rather than guessing.
Your puppy’s portion can also change as they grow. When adjusting portions, consider their current weight, expected adult size, activity level, body condition, and the food's calorie content.
Large and giant breed puppies have unique nutritional needs. So, choose food made just for their size. When in doubt, your veterinarian can help you determine the right food and feeding routine.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Maxi Starter Mother and Baby Dry Dog Food 4kg
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Older Puppies: 6-12+ Months
As your puppy gets older, growth slows, and many can move to two meals a day.
This is also when you can start thinking about the eventual switch from puppy food to adult dog food. The timing depends largely on your dog’s size and growth rate.
Small and medium-sized dogs often reach adult size around one year, while large and giant breeds may keep growing until around 15 to 16 months or longer. Rather than switching based on age alone, check with your veterinarian to determine when your puppy is ready.
Read more: How to Choose Dog Food: A Complete Guide by Life Stage, Size, and Dietary Needs
How to Choose the Right Puppy Food
Start with the basics: look for food that matches your puppy's life stage, size, and nutritional needs.
1. Look for Food Made for Puppies
Puppies need food formulated to support growth and development, so look for products that are clearly made for puppies or for growth.
Check the label for the life stage and size the food is intended for. If your puppy is expected to grow into a large or giant dog, look for a formula designed to support their specific growth needs.
2. Choose Complete and Balanced Food
If puppy food is your puppy's main diet, choose one that is complete and balanced for growth. This means it provides the nutrients they need as they develop.
Treats and toppers can be part of your puppy's routine, but they shouldn't replace regular meals. Homemade pet food for puppies should only be used as a main diet if it has been properly balanced with guidance from your veterinarian.
3. Consider Your Puppy’s Size and Breed
A Chihuahua puppy and a Great Dane puppy do not grow in quite the same way, so their food needs can be different, too.
Small-breed puppies may benefit from food suited to their smaller mouths and higher energy needs, while large- and giant-breed puppies need careful control of calories and nutrients as they grow. When choosing food, consider your puppy's expected adult size, not just how big they are today.
4. Decide Between Dry, Wet, or Mixed Feeding
Dry and wet puppy food can both work well. Dry food is convenient to measure and store, while wet food has a softer texture that some puppies may find easier or more enjoyable to eat.
You can also combine wet and dry food if your puppy does well with both. Just remember to account for both when planning their daily portions.
If you are comparing options, you can browse Pet Express’ selection of dry dog food and wet dog food.
5. Consider Your Puppy’s Individual Needs
Not every puppy will have the same experience with food. Some may have a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or other health concerns that require a different feeding plan.
If your puppy is not gaining weight as expected, has ongoing digestive problems, or has a known health condition, talk to your veterinarian before changing their diet or adding supplements.
Read more: Optimizing Your Pet's Diet: Wet vs. Dry Pet Food
How Much Should You Feed a Puppy?
Wondering how much food should go into your puppy's bowl? No single amount works for every puppy. Their needs depend on their age, current weight, expected adult size, activity level, and the calories in their food.
The easiest place to start is the feeding guide on the food package. Measure the recommended daily amount, then divide it between your puppy's meals. As they grow, keep checking their weight and body shape and adjust their portions when needed.
And do not forget about treats. Training treats may seem small, but they still count toward your puppy's daily food intake. Keep them small and give them in moderation so your puppy gets most of their nutrition from their regular meals.
Dog Food
Acana Adult Dry Dog Food 11.4kg
Acana Adult Dry Dog Food 2kg
Acana Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food 2kg
6 Puppy Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Feeding a puppy does not have to be complicated, but a few common mistakes can affect their health and growth. Knowing what to avoid can help you build better feeding habits from the start.
1. Changing Food Too Quickly
Switching your puppy to a new food too quickly can cause digestive upset. If you need to change their food, do it gradually over about a week by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with their usual food.
2. Overfeeding
Puppies grow quickly, but that doesn't mean they need unlimited food. Overfeeding can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and unhealthy weight gain that may affect their development.
Measure your puppy’s meals and adjust portions as they grow. If you are unsure how much they need, check the food label or ask your veterinarian.
3. Giving Too Many Treats
Treats are useful for training, but they should not replace balanced meals. Keep treats small and limit how many you give throughout the day so your puppy does not get too many extra calories.
4. Feeding Too Many Human Foods
Some foods that are safe for people can be harmful to dogs, while others may simply add unnecessary calories to your puppy’s diet. When in doubt, stick to dog food and treats instead of feeding table scraps.
5. Adding Supplements Without Advice
If your puppy is eating a complete, balanced diet, it usually doesn't need extra vitamins or minerals. Adding supplements without guidance can also throw off the balance of nutrients in their diet.
If you think your puppy needs a supplement, consult a veterinarian first.
Read more: How to Safely Transition Your Dog or Cat to a New Food
Feeding Your Puppy Gets Easier as They Grow
From their first weeks of nursing to their transition to adult food, your puppy’s nutritional needs will change as they grow. The key is to choose food that matches their life stage and size, measure their portions, and adjust their feeding routine as their needs change.
You do not have to figure it all out at once. Keep an eye on your puppy’s growth and body condition, follow the feeding guide on their food, and ask your veterinarian when you are unsure.
Ready to stock up for your growing pup? Browse Pet Express’ dog food and milk collection online or visit the nearest Pet Express branch for more options.
FAQ
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When can puppies eat solid food?
Puppies can usually start learning to eat soft solid food at around 3 to 4 weeks. By 6 to 8 weeks, many puppies can eat solid puppy food on their own.
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How often should I feed my puppy?
Young puppies usually need several small meals throughout the day. As they grow, they can gradually move to fewer meals. Many older puppies do well with two meals a day.
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Can puppies eat wet and dry food?
Yes. Puppies can eat wet food, dry food, or a mix of both. Just make sure the food is formulated for puppies and provides complete and balanced nutrition.
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When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
It depends on your puppy’s breed and size. Small and medium-sized dogs may be ready at around one year, while large and giant breeds may need puppy food for longer. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right time.
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How much should I feed my puppy?
The right amount depends on your puppy’s age, weight, expected adult size, activity level, and the food you use. Start with the feeding guide on the package, measure their meals, and adjust portions as they grow.
