Feeding Puppies
From mother's milk to adult kibble — the most nutritionally critical year of your dog's life.
The first twelve months shape your dog's skeleton, immune system, and lifelong relationship with food. Get the macronutrient balance, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and energy density right and you set the stage for a longer, healthier life.
Weaning from mother's milk
Puppies typically start the transition at 3–4 weeks. Mix a high-quality puppy food with warm water or puppy formula to a porridge-like consistency. Reduce the liquid gradually until pups eat solid food by 7–8 weeks. Keep mum available — she'll naturally reduce nursing.
Daily feeding schedule
- 8–16 weeks: 4 meals per day.
- 4–6 months: 3 meals per day.
- 6–12 months: 2 meals per day.
Calorie needs by age and size
The ranges below are illustrative starting points only — individual puppy needs vary substantially with breed, growth rate and body condition. Confirm portions with your vet.
| Age | Small breed | Medium breed | Large breed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 200–300 kcal | 350–500 kcal | 550–800 kcal |
| 3–6 months | 300–450 kcal | 500–800 kcal | 900–1,400 kcal |
| 6–12 months | 350–500 kcal | 700–1,000 kcal | 1,200–1,800 kcal |
Large-breed considerations
Large and giant-breed puppies must eat a large-breed-specific puppy formula. These have controlled calcium and lower calorie density to slow growth and reduce the risk of skeletal disease. Standard puppy food can cause permanent harm to a Great Dane or Rottweiler puppy.