How Often Should a Puppy Eat?
Short answer: 4 meals a day from 8 to 12 weeks, 3 meals from 3 to 6 months, and 2 meals from about 6 months on. Split the day's food evenly: a 10 lb puppy under 4 months needs about 650 kcal a day, so about 160 kcal per meal.
Meals per day by age
| Age | Meals per day | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 4 | Small stomach, high energy needs, blood sugar can drop in toy breeds |
| 3-6 months | 3 | Still growing fast |
| 6-12 months | 2 | Growth slows; most puppies do well on two meals |
| Adult | 2 | Two meals keep hunger and begging down better than one |
Toy breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkie) can need small frequent meals longer, because they are prone to low blood sugar.
How much per day
Under 4 months: 3 × RER · 4 months to adult: 2 × RER
Per meal = daily calories ÷ meals per day
| Puppy weight | Under 4 months (4 meals) | 4 months and older |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lb | 388 kcal, about 97 per meal | 259 kcal |
| 10 lb | 653 kcal, about 163 per meal | 435 kcal |
| 20 lb | 1,098 kcal, about 275 per meal | 732 kcal |
| 30 lb | 1,488 kcal, about 372 per meal | 992 kcal |
Divide by the kcal per cup on your bag to get cups. The calculator below does this for you; see also the puppy feeding guide.
A sample puppy schedule (8-12 weeks)
- 7:00 breakfast, then a potty trip right after
- 11:00 second meal
- 15:00 third meal
- 18:30 dinner, then potty; no food in the last 2 to 3 hours before bed helps house training
Tips
- Pick up the bowl after 15 to 20 minutes instead of leaving food out all day; it helps house training and shows appetite changes.
- Count training treats in the total.
- Weigh your puppy every week or two and adjust; check expected adult size with the puppy weight calculator.
- A puppy that skips more than one meal, vomits or has diarrhea should see a vet, especially toy breeds.
Sources: WSAVA and Pet Nutrition Alliance feeding guidance (RER and growth factors); American Kennel Club puppy feeding advice.
Try the dog food calculator
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full dog food calculator with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should an 8 week old puppy eat?
Four small meals a day, spread through the day.
When can a puppy eat twice a day?
Most puppies can move to two meals at about 6 months.
Should I leave food out for my puppy all day?
It is usually better not to. Scheduled meals help house training and make it easy to see if your puppy is eating less.
How much should a 3 month old puppy eat?
About 3 times its resting energy requirement: roughly 650 kcal a day for a 10 lb puppy, split into 3 or 4 meals.