AnimalsDetails

Puppy nutrition

Puppy Feeding Chart and Calculator

Puppies need about twice the calories per pound of an adult dog. Choose 'Puppy under 4 months' or 'Puppy 4 months to adult size', enter your pup's current weight and the kcal per cup of their puppy food.

Food type

Feed per day

-

Daily calories
-
Resting energy (RER)
-

Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories. Recheck weight every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust by 10% if needed.

Puppy feeding chart (daily cups at 400 kcal/cup)

Current weightUnder 4 months (×3)4 months to adult (×2)
3 lb0.7 cups (265 kcal)0.4 cups (176 kcal)
5 lb1.0 cups (388 kcal)0.6 cups (259 kcal)
10 lb1.6 cups (653 kcal)1.1 cups (435 kcal)
15 lb2.2 cups (885 kcal)1.5 cups (590 kcal)
20 lb2.7 cups (1098 kcal)1.8 cups (732 kcal)
30 lb3.7 cups (1488 kcal)2.5 cups (992 kcal)
40 lb4.6 cups (1846 kcal)3.1 cups (1231 kcal)
50 lb5.5 cups (2182 kcal)3.6 cups (1455 kcal)

Meals per day by age

Large-breed puppies need extra care

Big puppies that grow too fast are at higher risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Feed a food labeled for large-breed puppies, keep them lean (ribs easy to feel), and don't add calcium supplements. Our puppy weight calculator shows whether your pup's growth is on track.

Frequently asked questions

How many times a day should I feed my puppy?

3 to 4 meals a day until about 4 months old, then 3 meals until 6 months, then 2 meals. Toy breeds may need 4 small meals for longer to avoid low blood sugar.

When should a puppy switch to adult food?

Small breeds around 9 to 12 months, medium breeds around 12 months, and large and giant breeds at 12 to 18 months or when they reach adult size.

Related tools and guides