Puppy feeding tips

Your dog’s diet plays a vital role in helping to give them a healthy body and mind, so what should they eat, how much should you give them and what’s the best way to feed them? Read some of our hints and tips in our guide to feeding your puppy.

What should I feed my puppy?

Healthy puppies can burn twice as many calories as an adult dog, so it’s important that their diet is balanced and meets their high energy needs. Your puppy’s food should be:

High in calories
Rich in protein
Packed full of essential nutrients
Easy to chew and swallow

Your puppy’s food should be specifically formulated to their needs and must be age-appropriate. There are lots of different diets to choose from and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find the right food for your dog. If you’re overwhelmed by the choice, then always speak to your puppy’s breeder or your vet to find out what they recommend.

How much should I feed my puppy?

The amount of food that a dog needs depends on their age, breed, how energetic they are and if they have any medical conditions. Feeding your puppy too much may cause excessive weight gain, an upset stomach, or, particularly in larger breeds, bone deformities, so it is very important to follow the feeding guidelines given on any packaging. Also, pay attention to whether the feeding guides on the pack are for the puppy’s current body weight or their estimated adult body weight. If based on estimated adult body weight, it may be helpful to speak to the breeder to find out how big mum and dad are.

Younger puppies should always be fed small amounts regularly, and this decreases in frequency as they get older. If you’re not sure how often to feed your puppy then here is a rough guide:

When you start to offer solid food or when weaning (usually at around two months old) – four to six meals a day
From two to three months – four meals a day
From four to six months – two to three meals a day
Over six months – two meals a day (depending on the breed)

How can I check my puppy is gaining weight?

Regularly weighing your puppy can help you check that they’re growing at a healthy rate for their age, size and breed. Speak to your vet, breeder or breed club if you’re not sure how to do this, or if you need any guidance on how much your dog should weigh or look. Puppy growth charts can also be very helpful to track your puppy’s growth. Speak to your vet to see if they can supply you with one of these.

Getting in to good feeding habits

It’s important that you get into good feeding habits while your dog is still young. When feeding your dog:

Choose somewhere to put their bowl that can be easily cleaned, such as on a tiled or wipeable floor
Give them their food in a quiet place where they won’t be interrupted or distracted
Avoid feeding your dog immediately before or after exercise, as it can cause a life-threatening condition known as bloat
Don’t feed your dog table scraps. Some foods may upset your dog’s stomach, while others, such as chocolate, onions and grapes, can be poisonous to them
Cooked bones can be dangerous and can break into small parts that can cause damage in your dog’s mouth, throat or intestines, so never give them

How should I serve wet puppy food?

If you give your dog wet puppy food, then it’s best to serve it at room temperature. Warmer food is more appealing to dogs and will smell better, taste nicer and should be easier for them to digest. If you keep your food in the fridge, remember to take it out an hour before feeding. This will allow it to reach room temperature and be more enjoyable to eat. If you’re not able to leave the food out, then you can warm it up in the microwave, but make sure it’s served at room temperature and is never hot.

How should I serve dry puppy food?

Most dogs love the crunchy texture of dry kibble, but others may prefer slightly moist food. If your puppy prefers moist foods, particularly when they are younger, then you can always add a small amount of water before serving it. Be careful to avoid adding milk.

Dry food can help support dental health more than wet foods. However, whether dry or wet, it can be helpful to give them regular dental treats to keep their teeth healthy. Ideally, you should also introduce them to tooth brushing at a young age. Remember that if you are giving dental treats they need to be taken into consideration when working out the puppy’s daily calories, and the feeding guide should be reduced slightly.

Think your dog may be affected?

If you're worried about your dog's health, always contact your vet immediately!

We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice, but if you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information

Find a vet near you

If you're looking for a vet practice near you, why not visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Find a vet page.

Find a dog trainer or behaviourist

Our online register helps you find accredited dog training instructors and canine behaviourists who have proven specialist knowledge, skills and experience.