science diet puppy food chart

How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

Growing dogs need plenty of food and your veterinarian may tell you to feed a new puppy a few times a day. However, what about when your dog gets older? You might wonder, "how often should I feed my dog," or "how much should my dog eat?"

To answer those questions, here are some feeding guidelines that cover boisterous puppies, relaxed seniors, and every age in between.

Nourishing a Puppy

Since puppies grow quickly, they need to eat highly nutritious food and they need it often. Since they tend to burn so much energy, you'll start out feeding your puppy frequently, then slowly wean them down to less regular feedings. This process will help them grow big and strong.

6 to 12 Weeks

Puppies should be eating food nutritionally designed to meet their needs for bone and muscle growth, like Hill's Science Diet Puppyfoods, which fuels your on-the-move puppy. A quality puppy food contains optimal amounts of protein, DHA, and vitamins to keep your puppy growing at appropriate rates. For puppies, four feedings a day are recommended for ages six to twelve weeks. It's also a good idea to start puppies with moistened food to help them chew.

3 to 6 Months

Feedings can decrease to three times a day during this period. You will see your puppy start to mature during this phase their baby potbelly and pudginess will start to disappear. Its recommended to feed them puppy-sized portions until you see signs that their body is maturing.

6 to 12 Months

At this age, reduce to twice-daily feedings. Keep in mind that after your dog is neutered, their energy level may decrease, so it may be a good time to switch from nutrient-rich puppy food to adult food. While you should always check with your vet about your puppies specific growth, typically smaller breeds should transition to adult food at 10-12 months, while larger breeds may take a little longer 1214 months or even longer. Bigger breeds should continue on puppy food longer, up to 14 months.

Not sure what your dog needs? It's also good to make the switch to adult food over a period of a few days. Too abrupt of a change may cause stomach problems for your pooch. To transition between foods, mix your dog's current food while gradually increasing to their new food. Over the course of a week, gradually decrease the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food for a safe and comfortable transition.

As with anything that plays a pivotal role in your dog's overall health and development, talk to your veterinarian about proper feeding regiments. While dog food bags and cans will often provide feeding instructions on the packaging, feeding habits can vary from dog to dog based on breed, weight, health conditions and more. Your vet will be able to provide you the best recommendation to the sized proportions you should be feeding your pup to help set themup healthy growth.

Feeding an Adult Dog

Once your dog is fully grown, you need to make sure you're feeding dog food that keeps them healthy and fit, so that they avoid developing health issues. Food type and portion size should be tailored to breed, size, and lifestyle. Again, this is a good conversation to have with your veterinarian to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Years 1 to 7

Most owners feed adult dogs two half-portions a day. How much is that? It depends on your dog. Measure food, rather than eye-balling it, to make sure your dog is getting the right amount each day. Keep an eye on your dog for signs of weight gain, and cut down on food if necessary under the supervision of your vet. Some of the signs your dog is overweight include not being able to feel their ribs, loss of a discernible waist, pads of fat over the hips and base of the tail and a waddling gait.

Dogs should eat at regular times, usually once in the morning and once in the evening the key is consistency. Also, keep in mind that the type of food you choose is important. If you have a more sedentary dog, consider a food that matches their lifestyle to ensure they still get the right nutrients without causing weight gain.

Years 7+

Your dog is getting older, a little slower perhaps. You have to remember dogs age more quickly than people do, so major health changes occur much earlier in life. Choose a food, like Science Diet Seniorfoods, formulated with ingredients to support brain function, energy, a healthy immune and digestive system and a luxurious coat. Food formulated for aging pets also takes into consideration that they have likely slowed down this includes their metabolism. Dog foods like Senior Vitality help give your older pup the right amount of calories, while including additional nutrients to help them get that youthful spirit back.

Caring for a Senior

Your dog has officially made it over the hill of middle age. With seniority your dog is changing, so make sure you're keeping an eye on their nutrition and health, and consult your vet to see if you should switch to a senior dog food. Larger breed dogs may reach seniority sooner than smaller breeds, so it is important to ask your vet when your pooch has reached this phase. For instance, your shih tzu might still be barreling around the house at eleven, but your golden retriever might be slowing down by age seven.

It might be around this time that you'll want to cut back on food to avoid the weight gain that comes with less activity. You should also watch senior dogs for signs of weight loss, which can be a sign of health issues, like dental problems. Continue with twice a day feedings. Your dog may appreciate the routine. If you see changes to your dog's weight or eating habits, talk to your vet.

Feeding your dog the right amount of high-quality dog food through each step of their life will go a long way to keeping your four-legged friend healthy. Just as eating amounts vary from person to person, eating amounts vary from dog to dog, which is why consulting your vet is the best place to start.

Keep in mind the above age ranges and information are just guidelines. Health issues might age your dog faster, or they could remain vital well into their senior years. Monitoring your dog's health, choosing high-quality dog food for every life stage, and keeping an open dialogue with your vet will help you answer how much to feed your dog and make the best choices to nourish your furry friend through puppyhood and into his golden years.

Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Puppy

Bringing home a new puppy is a wonderful thing, but its also an adjustment that your family and pup will need to get used to. Paying close attention to his ever-changing nutritional needs is one of the most essential ways to keep him on track to lead a healthy life.

Your puppys feeding schedule should stay as regulated as possible, especially when hes very young. A very young puppy should continue eating the same food the breeder or shelter has been feeding him for a few days to help settle him into his new surroundings. Whenever you switch him to a new food, do it gradually. Mix a little of the new food in with the old, gradually increasing the proportion of new food over the course of a week. This is easier on his stomach and will help him get used to the flavor and texture. Putting your puppy on a daily feeding schedule will regulate his digestion and make housetraining easier for both of you.

If youre not sure whether you switch food from what the shelter or breeder has been feeding your puppy, be sure to ask your vet at your pups first veterinarian appointment. Your vet will be able to provide recommendations based on your puppys health, breed, rate of growth and more. Even if you have had a puppy in the past and fed him a certain type of food it is still wise to consult your vet as different dogs have different nutritional needs.

How Much Should my Puppy Eat?

The amount of food your puppy eats should be enough to maintain his ideal body weight. Use the puppy feeding guide on the label of your dog food as a starting pointthe amount you feed him depends on his age, size, breed, activity level, temperament, environment and health. To keep him at a healthy weight, do not overfeed him, even if he still seems hungry or begs for more food. If you have a large-breed puppy, you may be inclined to leave food out for him at all times or feed him a few extra cups per day, but this can lead to obesity and bone development problems. As a general rule, a young puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times a day to keep up with his high-energy lifestyle. This amount should be reduced to twice a day after he reaches 6 months of age.

Talk to your vet about how much your puppy should be eating each day. Be sure to tell your vet what type of food you are currently feeding your puppy, as not all dog food contains the same level of nutrients. This could affect the amount of food that is recommended for you to feed your puppy.

Choosing the Right Food for your Puppy

The right diet for your puppy should be high in fat, protein and calories to nurture and maintain his development into adulthood. Make sure you read the packaging to see what benefits your food offers your puppy. Some foods contain health-enhancing vitamins and antioxidants to protect the immune system and minerals that promote urinary health.

Puppy food is available in wet or dry forms, and what you choose will largely depend on your and your puppys preferences. Dry food is made up of small pieces called kibbles. Its cost-effective, keeps well and is easy to serve. Wet food is available in cans, and is better for puppies who need extra hydration, as it contains up to 70% more water than dry food. If you want to add variety to your puppys meals, you can mix the two foods together. Do your research and choose a food that gives him everything he needs to grow and develop to his full potential. Look for foods that are complete. This means you can feed him without the need for supplements or additional food.

When your puppy becomes an adult, he will need a different level of nutrients than he did when he was younger. Depending on his size and breed, he should be switched from puppy to adult food somewhere between 1 and 2 years of age. Larger dogs may not reach adulthood until they are around 2 yearsits important to continue feeding them puppy food until they are fully grown.

Picky Eaters

Aside from the occasional dog treat, your puppy should only be eating food specially made for him. If you get into the habit of feeding him table scraps, he may become a finicky eater. This can cause bad habits that affect his behavior, health and weight later in life.

Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

INGREDIENTS:Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Liver Flavor, Ground Pecan Shells, Lactic Acid, Pork Liver Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Iodized Salt, Dried Citrus Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Pressed Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene.