Meals per day by age
| Age | Meals per day |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks | 4 |
| 3 to 6 months | 3 |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 (3 for toy breeds if they struggle) |
| 12 months+ (24 months for giants) | 2, on adult food |
Toy breeds can get low blood sugar if they go too long without food, so they benefit from frequent meals early on.
Working out portions
Puppies under about 4 months need roughly three times the resting energy requirement (RER = 70 x body weight in kg0.75); after that, about twice RER until they're close to adult size. Our puppy feeding calculator does this for you and converts calories into cups of your food.
Large and giant breed puppies
Use a food labelled for large-breed puppies. These control calcium and calories, because growing too fast raises the risk of joint problems. Aim for steady growth rather than the biggest puppy possible. Track progress against the puppy weight calculator.
Is my puppy the right weight?
You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Adjust portions by about 10% if your puppy is getting round or looks bony, and recheck in two weeks. Training treats count too, so take them out of the daily total.
Frequently asked questions
Should I let my puppy eat as much as it wants?
Not usually. Free-feeding puppies, especially large breeds, makes them grow too fast and gain fat. Measured meals are better.
When should a puppy switch to adult food?
Around 9 to 12 months for small breeds, 12 to 15 for medium and large, and up to 18 to 24 months for giant breeds.