Making sure your new puppy eats well is one of the best ways to help it grow up strong and healthy. Giving it complete and balanced puppy food gives their growing bodies exactly what they need. 

How often should I feed my puppy? If you're asking this, you're definitely not alone, it's a top question for new puppy parents.

Continue reading to discover our puppy feeding plan, which tells you how many times a day to feed your new little companion.

Your Puppy's Changing Meal Plan

For about the first month of their life, puppies get nearly all their food from their mother's milk. This milk is rich with everything they need, helping them build up their ability to fight off sickness and supporting their early growth.

Then, around the four-week mark, the owner or breeder usually starts the process of slowly mixing in puppy food as the puppy begins to drink less milk from their mom.

In the weeks that follow, as your puppy continues to grow, its little personality starts to show. Inside, their digestive system and small baby teeth are also continuing to form. This allows them to gradually get comfortable with less mushy, more solid pieces of natural treats.

By the time they are about eight weeks old, your puppy should be ready and able to eat a complete and balanced puppy food that gives them everything they need to grow strong.

How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?

Knowing how many times a day your puppy needs to eat is important, and this is why we've created this simple feeding guide to help you figure this out. It shows you how often to feed your puppy and gives an idea of portion sizes for each stage of their early growth.

This information is perfect if you're just starting with your new puppy and have questions about their diet.

You can find our day-by-day feeding suggestions based on your puppy's age in the chart below:

Feeding the younger pups:

During their first few weeks, newborn puppies rely entirely on their mother's milk for all their nutrition. They nurse very often – usually every 2 to 4 hours, which adds up to about 8 to 10 meals a day! Your main responsibility at this stage is just keeping the mother dog healthy and well-fed. She'll handle feeding her babies until they start becoming more independent.

Now, what if you're looking after a puppy that doesn't have its mother? These orphaned pups need extra care and must be fed on a consistent schedule. You'll use a special puppy milk formula instead of mother's milk. Once an orphaned puppy is about 2 weeks old, they usually need formula feedings around 4 to 5 times each day.

Mother's milk (or formula for orphans) gives these very young puppies the exact nutrients they need. Between 2 and 4 weeks old, puppies start exploring the world around them. This is also the time they can begin trying actual puppy food. You'll introduce it slowly by mixing a small amount into their milk or formula, giving it a soft, easy-to-eat texture in the beginning.

Wondering when young puppies can start drinking water? 

You can introduce water around the 2-to-4-week mark, right about the same time you start introducing puppy food and they begin drinking less milk.

How often to feed a puppy 6 months to a year old

Once your puppy is around six months old, two meals a day are often enough! One in the morning and one in the evening is common. Just be sure to split their total daily food portion evenly between these two meals, and remember that it's also beneficial to rotate protein sources in their meals to support their health and potentially prevent food sensitivities.

How often to feed your dog after the first year

Most dogs are considered adults around their first birthday. It's good to know that large breeds mature more slowly, often taking 18 months to two years to finish growing.

Once your dog is fully grown for their breed size, you can choose to feed them either once or twice a day. Pick the mealtime routine that works best for both your schedule and your dog's preferences.

This is also the right time to switch your dog from puppy food to a healthy food made for adult dogs. Puppy formulas pack extra calories needed for growth, and feeding them to an adult dog could cause unwanted weight gain.

Don't forget, you can always check the feeding guide on your dog food bag for recommendations. And if you have any questions, your veterinarian is a great resource.

No matter your dog's age, try to feed them around the same time each day. Having a predictable meal schedule helps your dog feel secure and know when to expect food.

What if My Puppy Eats Adult Food Too Soon?

If you accidentally give your puppy adult dog food instead of their puppy food, don't panic. It's still food made for dogs, just not perfectly suited for their growing needs.

The main thing you might notice is that the sudden switch could upset their tummy a little or make their poop softer than usual. This usually clears up on its own within a few days once your puppy is back to eating their regular puppy food.

What About Feeding My Puppy First Thing in the Morning?

When you bring your new puppy home, it's helpful to start a routine right away that works for both of you. Remember, your puppy is still learning potty training and how to “hold it” overnight.

Because of this, the very first thing to do when your puppy wakes up is to take them out immediately to their designated potty spot. This reinforces their training and helps build a good habit.

After going potty, your pup will likely be energetic and ready to play. This is a great time for some fun together.

Once they're relaxed after going outside and playing, it's a good time to give them their breakfast. Try to feed them around the same time each morning. For young puppies, somewhere between 7:00 and 8:00 AM often works well, depending on when they wake up.

Final Thoughts

We hope our simple feeding guide leaves you feeling ready to raise a healthy pup set for a long, joyful life! Remember, what your dog eats really matters for their health, so always think about their age and size when choosing food. Every dog is unique, but giving them food that fits their needs does wonders and helps them feel their best.

If you'd like to read more about feeding dogs healthy, natural food, make sure to visit our blog and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and tips!