Puppy Feeding Guide: How Much, How Often, and What to Feed

Puppies grow faster than at any other stage of life. Their brains, muscles, and bones are developing at lightning speed - which means nutrition is everything. Knowing how much to feed a puppy, what type of food to choose, and how often to feed can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market.

That’s why we created this puppy feeding guide: to give you clear, science-backed answers on feeding puppies at every stage, plus tips on choosing the best puppy food for long-term health.

Why Feeding Puppies Is Different

Unlike adult dogs, puppies have higher energy and nutrient needs. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, puppies require almost twice the daily energy of adult dogs during early growth. The AKC adds that this means more frequent meals, higher protein, and carefully balanced nutrients to fuel development.

Feeding a complete and balanced diet designed specifically for puppies is crucial. High-quality kibble for puppies, like Brothers, ensures your pup gets the right amount of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in every bite.

How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?

Pet parents often ask, how much do I feed my puppy? or how much kibble do I feed my puppy? The answer depends on several factors:

Age - Younger puppies need more calories per pound of body weight.
Breed size - Small breeds have faster metabolisms; large breeds need slower, steady growth to protect their joints.
Activity level - Active pups burn more calories and may require additional food.

A general rule of thumb, per The Kennel Club, is to follow feeding guidelines on your puppy food packaging as a baseline, then adjust based on your vet’s advice and your puppy’s body condition.

Tip: You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs but not see them. If your puppy is losing weight, feed a little more; if gaining too quickly, cut back slightly.

How Often to Feed a Puppy

Young puppies can’t handle large meals. Instead, they thrive on smaller, more frequent feedings:

8 - 12 weeks old: 4 meals per day
3 - 6 months old: 3 meals per day
6 - 12 months old: 2 meals per day

The AKC notes that regular feeding times also help with house training - puppies quickly learn when to expect food (and when it’s time to go outside).

How Long to Feed Puppy Food

Many pet parents wonder when they should transition from puppy to adult dog food.

The VCA recommends keeping puppies on growth-specific diets until they reach 80–90% of their expected adult size. For small breeds, this may be 9–12 months; for large and giant breeds, closer to 12–18 months. Feeding lower quality food, commonly seen in adult formulas, can lead to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances during critical growth periods.

Best Puppy Food for Small and Large Breeds

Puppies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Their nutritional needs depend heavily on breed size:

Best puppy food for small breeds: Small dogs burn energy quickly. They need calorie-dense kibble with higher protein and fat to support their fast metabolisms.
Best puppy food for large breeds: Large and giant breed puppies need controlled energy and calcium levels to prevent overly rapid growth, which can lead to joint issues.

At Brothers, our formulas are designed to balance growth across all breeds, with high-quality protein sources and gut-supportive probiotics that adapt to your puppy’s needs.

Can I Feed My Puppy Adult Dog Food?

The short answer: no. Puppies have different nutrient requirements than adults. VCA Animal Hospitals warns that most adult dog food doesn’t have the right balance of calcium, phosphorus, and calories needed for proper growth. Feeding low quality, adult food, too early can result in poor bone development and long-term health issues.

Choose food formulated specifically for puppies - like Brothers - to ensure your pup gets the nutrition they need during their critical growth window.

Choosing the Best Puppy Food

With so many options, what is the best puppy food for your dog? Here’s what to look for:

High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient
Balanced fat and calorie content appropriate for growth stage and breed size
Probiotics and prebiotics to support digestion and immunity
No fillers, corn, wheat, or soy that can irritate sensitive stomachs
AAFCO compliance for complete and balanced diet

At Brothers, we craft kibble for puppies with exactly these standards: real animal protein, controlled nutrients for steady growth, and probiotics to nurture gut health from the start.

Transitioning to New Puppy Food

If you’re switching foods, do it gradually to prevent stomach upset:

Day 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new
Day 3–4: 50% old, 50% new
Day 5–6: 25% old, 75% new
Day 7: 100% new food

This slow transition helps puppies adjust and gives probiotics time to establish balance in the gut.

Why Brothers Dog Food for Puppies?

Puppies deserve more than just calories - they need food designed to support long-term health. Brothers’ puppy formulas deliver:

Premium protein sources for strong muscles and healthy growth
Probiotics to build a resilient gut microbiome
Balanced nutrients tailored to growing puppies
Allergen-conscious recipes free of fillers and artificial additives

By feeding Brothers from the start, you give your puppy the best possible foundation for lifelong wellness.

Final Thoughts

Feeding puppies isn’t complicated when you understand their unique needs. Remember:

How much to feed a puppy depends on age, breed size, and activity
How often to feed a puppy changes as they grow - starting at 4 meals per day and tapering down to 2
Stick with food formulated for puppies
Choose the best puppy food with high-quality protein, probiotics, and balanced nutrients

With the right food - and the right feeding schedule - your puppy will grow into a strong, healthy adult. With Brothers, you can trust you’re giving them more than nutrition: you’re giving them prevention, balance, and the foundation for a thriving life. Don’t forget to check in with your veterinarian about your puppy’s unique nutritional needs and growth milestones - they can help guide you in tailoring the perfect plan for your pup.