Puppy Feeding Guide 2025 Vet-Approved Chart & Tips 🐶🥩
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Puppy Feeding Guide 2025 Vet-Approved Chart & Tips 🐶🥩
By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc
Feeding a puppy is one of the most important things you’ll do for their long-term health—but it’s also one of the most confusing. Too much, and you risk obesity or joint issues. Too little, and you stunt growth or create food anxiety.
I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Woopf. I’ve guided thousands of pet parents through the feeding stages. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly how much to feed your puppy, how often, and how to adjust for growth and behavior.
🍼 Puppy Feeding Basics: What You Need to Know First
- ✅ Puppies need more calories per kilogram than adult dogs
- ✅ Nutritional balance is crucial—don’t DIY without vet guidance
- ✅ Choose food that’s labeled for “Growth” or “All Life Stages” (AAFCO/WSAVA compliant)
Pro Tip: Breed size plays a big role in how much and how often they eat.
📊 General Puppy Feeding Chart (Dry Food Estimate)
| Weight (Adult Size) | 8–12 weeks | 3–6 months | 6–12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5–10kg) | 200–300g/day (3–4 meals) | 250–350g/day (3 meals) | 220–300g/day (2 meals) |
| Medium (10–25kg) | 300–500g/day (3–4 meals) | 400–600g/day (3 meals) | 350–500g/day (2 meals) |
| Large (25–40kg) | 450–700g/day (3 meals) | 600–850g/day (3 meals) | 550–750g/day (2 meals) |
| Giant (40kg+) | 700–1000g/day (3 meals) | 900–1300g/day (3 meals) | 800–1100g/day (2 meals) |
*These are dry food estimates. Always check your specific food label for kcal/cup or kcal/kg, and adjust based on your vet’s recommendation.*
🔁 How Often to Feed Your Puppy
- 8–12 weeks old: 4 meals/day
- 3–6 months: 3 meals/day
- 6–12 months: 2–3 meals/day
- 12+ months: Usually 2 meals/day (unless advised otherwise)
Vet Tip: Stick to set mealtimes. Freefeeding encourages overeating and unpredictable toilet habits.
🥩 Should I Feed Kibble, Raw, or Fresh Cooked?
- ✅ Choose what works for your dog and your lifestyle
- ✅ Ensure the food is nutritionally complete and balanced
- ❌ Avoid boutique, exotic, or untested diets for growing dogs
Vet’s Choice: I recommend well-established brands that meet AAFCO/WSAVA guidelines—especially during growth stages. You can explore raw or fresh food later with guidance.
🍗 Treats: How Much Is Too Much?
- 🎁 Treats should never exceed 10% of total daily calories
- 💡 Use tiny training treats—or break large ones into crumbs
- ✅ Healthy options: freeze-dried meat, boiled chicken, low-fat cheese
Pair treats with training walks using the Woopf Dual Pocket Dispenser for easy access.
⚖️ Adjusting Feeding as Your Puppy Grows
- 📏 Weigh your puppy weekly until 6 months of age
- 🧠 Monitor energy, stool quality, and body condition score
- 📉 Reduce intake slightly if gaining weight too fast
Vet Tip: Puppies go through growth spurts—adjust portion sizes every 2–3 weeks!
💩 What Their Poop Tells You About Feeding
- 💩 Firm, brown, 1–2x/day = healthy
- 💦 Loose or frequent = possibly overfeeding or food mismatch
- 🧪 Mucus, blood, or foul smell = talk to your vet
💬 What Puppy Owners Say
“We were totally lost on portions. This guide gave us a routine, and now our pup has regular energy and predictable potty breaks.” – Abby & Rosco
“I didn’t know how fast puppies burn calories! No wonder he was stealing from the counter.” – Raj & Milo
🎁 Woopf Feeding Essentials
- Woopf Treat + Poop Bag Pouch
- Explorer Harness – Makes treat-based training walks safe and stress-free
- Bungee Lead – Keeps walk-and-feed moments calm and controlled
Final Thoughts
Feeding your puppy isn’t about guessing—it’s about growing with confidence. With the right food, routine, and vet-backed advice, you’ll fuel their body, mind, and behavior in all the right ways.
