PUPPY FEEDING

FREQUENCY (BY AGE)

8-12 WEEKS OF AGE
At 8 weeks, you can feed your puppy
softer food (like canned, dehydrated, or
get dry food wet). It's best to wait to
feed dry foods until 9-10 weeks
Feed 3-4 times a day (as smaller meals
will help them better digest their food)

3-6 MONTHS OF AGE

Reduce to feeding 3x a day
Try to feed your pup at a consistent time
each day
During this stage, your puppy should
start becoming less “round”

6-12 MONTHS OF AGE

Reduce to feeding 2x a day, but
remember that each pup is different, so
monitor their energy levels and stools
and find what works best for your pup!
Try to feed your pup at a consistent time
each day

HOW TO DECREASE MEAL FREQUENCY

First, reach out to your vet to see if your pup is ready for the transition
When you transition from 4 meals to 3 or 3 to 2, you want to make sure
to do it gradually
Slowly give your pup less and less food during lunch (or the feeding time
you will be removing) and giving them more food in their
breakfast/dinner
If you are going to be changing your dog's feeding times altogether, you
can start feeding them 10-15 minutes earlier/later to slowly get them
used to the new feeding time

PUPPY FEEDING TIPS

1. DON'T FREE FEED 2. INCORPORATE TRAINING
Free feeding can cause unwanted pests, One of the best times to train your pup is
difficulty in monitoring change in appetite, when their “food drive” is higher. Stick to
and more. very short training bursts.

3. MIND THE 10% RULE 4. CLEAN FOOD BOWL

The 10% rule states that treats should only It’s recommended to wash your pup’s
make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric bowl at least a couple of times a week, as
intake. bacteria can grow and thrive in their bowl

5. STICK TO A SCHEDULE 6. ADD ENRICHMENT

sticking to a feeding schedule will help Use a snuffle mat, Kong, etc to make
your pup also maintain a more normal and mealtime interactive for your pup.
consistent potty schedule.

7. MONITOR THEIR WEIGHT 8. MEASURE THEIR FOOD

Weighing your dog frequently can help Dog foods come with feeding guidelines.
you keep an eye on sudden changes that Instead of just “eye-balling” what you think
may be related to health issues. a cup is, get an actual measuring cup!