Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience, but ensuring they get the right nutrition at the right times is crucial for their growth and development. Puppies have different dietary needs at each stage of their early life. This guide will help you establish a proper feeding schedule to keep your puppy happy and healthy.

Newborn to 4 Weeks: Mother’s Milk or Formula

For the first four weeks of life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. If the mother is unavailable, a high-quality commercial puppy milk replacer should be used. Puppies at this stage nurse frequently, about every 2-3 hours.

4 to 6 Weeks: Transitioning to Solid Food

At around four weeks, puppies begin transitioning to solid food. Start by offering a puppy-specific mush made by mixing high-quality puppy kibble with warm water or puppy formula. Feed them four times a day, gradually decreasing the amount of liquid as they adjust to solid food.

6 to 12 Weeks: Frequent Small Meals

By six weeks, puppies should be eating solid puppy food. Choose a high-quality, protein-rich diet formulated for growth. At this stage, puppies should be fed four times a day to keep their energy levels stable and support their rapid development.

3 to 6 Months: Reducing Meal Frequency

As your puppy grows, you can begin reducing feeding frequency. Between 3 and 6 months, feed them three times a day instead of four. Their growth rate will start to slow down, but they still need nutrient-dense food to support their bones and muscles.

6 to 12 Months: Transition to Twice Daily Feeding

Between 6 and 12 months, puppies can be transitioned to a twice-daily feeding schedule. Smaller breeds may reach maturity around this time, while larger breeds may continue growing for up to two years. Continue feeding a high-quality puppy formula until they reach their adult size.

12 Months and Beyond: Transitioning to Adult Food

At around 12 months (or later for large breeds), most puppies can switch to adult dog food. Make the transition gradually over a week by mixing increasing amounts of adult food with their puppy food. Continue feeding twice a day to maintain a healthy routine.

Additional Puppy Feeding Tips:

• Always provide fresh water.
• Avoid feeding human food, especially toxic items like chocolate, grapes, and onions.
• Stick to a consistent feeding schedule to help with digestion and potty training.
• Monitor their weight and adjust portions accordingly.

A well-planned feeding schedule ensures that your puppy grows into a strong and healthy adult dog. If you’re unsure about your puppy’s dietary needs, consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.