Growing dogs require a lot of food, and your veterinarian may advise you to feed a new puppy many times a day. But what happens when your dog grows older? “How frequently should I feed my dog?” you may question. “How much should my dog eat?”
To help address such queries, here are some feeding suggestions for rambunctious pups, calm elders, and everyone in between.
How much should I feed my Puppy? | Puppy feeding tips.
| Weight at Maturity | Weight at Maturity | 1-1/2 – 3 Months | 4 – 5 Months | 6 – 8 Months | 9 – 11 Months | 1 – 2 Years |
| (lbs) | (kg) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) |
| 3 – 12 | 1.4 – 5.4 | 1/2 – 1 | 2/3 – 1-1/3 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult | Feed as Adult |
| 13 – 20 | 5.9 – 9.1 | 1/2 – 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 – 2 | 3/4 – 1-1/3 | 1 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult |
| 21 – 50 | 9.5 – 22.7 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 – 2-3/4 | 1-1/8 – 2-1/3 | 2 – 3 | 2 – 4-1/4 |
| 51 – 75 | 23.1 – 34.0 | 5/8 – 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 – 4 | 1-1/2 – 3-3/4 | 2-1/2 – 4-3/4 | 2-5/8 – 6-1/4 |
| 76 – 100 | 34.5 – 45.4 | 1 – 2-2/3 | 2-7/8 – 3-3/4 | 2-7/8 – 6-1/3 | 3-7/8 -7 | 5-5/8 – 11 |
| 101 lbs and over | Over 45.4 kg | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Puppies require extremely nutritious food on a regular basis because of their rapid growth. Because they expend so much energy, you’ll feed your puppy regularly at first, then gradually wean him down to fewer frequent feedings. This procedure will assist him in becoming large and powerful.
6 – 12 Weeks
Puppies should eat food that is nutritionally intended to fulfill their demands for bone and muscular growth, such as Hill’s® Science Diet® Puppy Healthy Development, which feeds your active puppy. A high-quality puppy food includes the right quantity of protein, DHA, and vitamins to keep your puppy developing at the right pace. For pups aged six to twelve weeks, the American Kennel Club (AKC) advises four feedings each day. It’s also a good idea to give puppies wet food at first to help them chew.
3-6 Months
During this stage, feedings can be reduced to three times per day. During this stage, you will notice your puppy begin to develop – his baby potbelly and pudginess will begin to fade. The AKC suggests feeding him puppy-sized quantities until you notice indications of his body developing.
6 to 12 Months
Reduce feedings to twice daily at this age. Keep in mind that your dog’s activity level may drop after he has been neutered, so it may be a good time to transition from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult food. While you should always consult your veterinarian about your puppy’s individual growth, smaller breeds should generally move to adult food around 10-12 months, while larger breeds may take a bit longer — 12–14 months or even longer. Puppy food should be fed to larger breeds for a longer period of time, up to 14 months.
Don’t know what your dog requires? It’s also a good idea to gradually transition to adult meals over a few days. A sudden shift may create gastrointestinal issues for your dog. To transition between foods, combine your dog’s existing food with a small amount of his new food. For a safe and easy transition, gradually reduce the amount of existing dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food over the course of a week.
Consult your veterinarian about correct feeding regimens, as with everything that affects your dog’s general health and growth. While the packaging of dog food bags and cans frequently includes feeding guidelines, feeding preferences can differ from dog to dog depending on breed, weight, health problems, and other factors. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you the finest advice on the size proportions you should feed your puppy to help him develop well.
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Tips for Feeding Adult Dog | What should I feed Adult Dog
| Adult Dog Size (lbs) | Dry Food Feeding (Cups) |
|---|---|
| 3 to 12 | 1/3 to 1 |
| 13 to 20 | 1 to 1/3 |
| 21 to 35 | 1-1/3 to 2 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 to 2-2/3 |
| 51 to 75 | 2-2/3 to 3-1/3 |
| 76 to 100 | 3-1/3 to 4-1/4 |
| 100+ | 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for every 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Once your dog is completely grown, you must ensure that he is fed dog food that maintains him healthy and fit so that he does not develop health problems. His diet and portion quantity should be appropriate for his breed, size, and lifestyle. Again, this is an excellent discussion to have with your veterinarian to ensure he gets enough nourishment.
Years 1 -7
Adult dogs are often fed two half-portions each day by their owners. What is the cost of that? It is dependent on your dog. To ensure that your dog gets the proper quantity of food each day, measure it rather than eyeballing it.
Keep a watch on your dog for symptoms of weight gain and, if required, reduce food intake under the guidance of your veterinarian. Not being able to feel your dog’s ribs, the loss of a noticeable waist, fat pads over the hips and base of the tail, and a waddling stride are all indications of obesity.
Dogs should eat at regular intervals, generally once in the morning and once in the evening – consistency is important. Also, bear in mind that the sort of food you eat is critical. If you have a more sedentary dog, choose a diet that suits his lifestyle to ensure he receives the nutrition he needs without gaining weight.
Years 7+
Your dog is getting older, although at a slower pace. Remember that dogs mature faster than humans, thus important health changes occur much sooner in life. Choose a meal, such as Science Diet Senior Vitality, that has nutrients that promote cognitive function, vitality, a strong immunological and digestive system, and a beautiful coat. Food designed for elderly pets takes into account the fact that they have likely slowed down, including their metabolism. Senior Vitality dog food provides the correct number of calories for your senior dog while also providing additional nutrients to help him regain his young spirit.
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Senior Care
Your dog has officially passed the age of middle age. Your dog’s nutrition and health will change as he ages, so keep an eye on him and visit your doctor to determine whether you need to switch to senior dog food. Larger breed dogs may attain seniority sooner than smaller breeds, so ask your doctor when your dog has reached his golden years. For example, your eleven-year-old shih tzu may still be running about the house, but your seven-year-old golden retriever may be slowing down.
You may want to cut back on eating around this time to avoid the weight gain that comes with decreased exercise.
You should also keep an eye out for symptoms of weight loss in older dogs, which might indicate health issues such as dental difficulties. Feedings should be done twice a day. Your dog may like the routine. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s weight or feeding habits.
Feeding your dog, the appropriate quantity of high-quality dog food at each stage of his life can help keep your four-legged buddy healthy. Eating quantities vary from dog to dog, just as they do from human to person, which is why visiting your vet is the best place to start.
Keep in mind that the age ranges and information provided above are only recommendations. Health concerns may cause your dog to age quicker, or he may live long into his senior years. Monitoring your dog’s health, selecting high-quality dog food for each life stage, and maintaining an open discussion with your veterinarian can help you determine how much to feed your dog and make the best choices to nourish your furry companion from puppyhood to his senior years.