What Do Puppy Eat? How to Feed Them? Feeding Chart and Tips

Puppies can grow healthy and strong with a complete and balanced diet in the first months of their lives. It is critical that all puppies receive the necessary nutrients, are fed according to their growth rate, and avoid harmful foods.

When it comes to puppies' nutritional needs, certain key nutrient groups stand out: Protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals must be provided in appropriate amounts and in balance. It supports the growth period. Incorrect or inadequate nutrition can negatively affect the long-term health of a puppy.

Although quality nutrition is important for the health of puppies, sufficient water consumption should not be neglected. In order for nutrition to be complete and balanced, it is essential to consider water consumption, which is one of the most basic needs of the metabolism.

In this article, we will answer the question "What do puppies eat?" You can find information about age-specific feeding schedules, daily food intake, feeding frequency, and puppy feeding charts, primarily focusing on the answers to the question:

Warning: This article is for general information purposes only. The energy and nutritional needs of puppies may vary depending on their age, expected adult weight, growth rate, health status, and the energy density of the food used. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate food amount and feeding plan.

The Importance of Puppy Nutrition

Ensuring that puppies receive all the nutrients they need during their growth period is one of the cornerstones of their healthy development. In this process, creating a balanced feeding program is extremely important not only for physical health but also for mental development.

Insufficient or unbalanced nutrition can lead to serious health problems in puppies, such as growth retardation, weakened immune system, and bone deformities. Appropriate intake of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus is crucial. Not providing adequate amounts of protein can negatively affect skeletal development, especially in large and giant breed puppies. Similarly, insufficient protein intake can negatively impact muscle development in puppies. This can prevent your dog from performing adequately in physical activities.

For your puppy to grow healthily, a complete and balanced food appropriate for its developmental stage should be chosen. Even if the food is complete and balanced, giving more than necessary does not mean healthy growth. Vitamin or mineral supplements should not be added to the food unless recommended by a veterinarian.

Puppy nutrition can generally be considered in terms of breastfeeding, weaning, and the post-weaning solid food period. The feeding method, meal frequency, and energy needs change in each period.

How to Feed Newborn Puppies?

Proper nutrition is crucial for the healthy growth and development of a strong immune system in newborn puppies. It carries. First, mother's milk, especially colostrum, which is obtained in the first 24-48 hours after birth, is the most ideal source of nutrition for puppies. During this period, mother's milk provides all the nutrients the puppies need, and they should be fed every 2-3 hours. When mother's milk is not available, milk powders come into play. Dog milk powders offer a nutritional content similar to mother's milk. Instead of cow's milk, milk powders formulated for puppies should be used. The preparation ratio, daily amount, and feeding frequency should be determined according to the product instructions and the veterinarian's recommendation. Milk Powder Weaning usually begins at 3–4 weeks and progresses gradually up to 7–8 weeks. In the guide published by the National Academies, mother It is stated that puppy food can be offered from approximately the fourth week, when breast milk alone begins to be insufficient. Initially, puppy food can be softened with warm water or appropriate milk powder. As the puppy gets used to solid food, the amount of liquid added is reduced. Access to clean and fresh water should be provided during this period.

When breast milk is unavailable, milk powders come into play. Dog milk powders offer a nutritional content similar to breast milk. Instead of cow's milk, milk powders formulated for puppies should be used. The preparation ratio, daily amount, and feeding frequency should be determined according to the product instructions and the veterinarian's recommendation.

Milk Powder

The weaning process usually begins at 3–4 weeks and progresses gradually up to 7–8 weeks. The guide published by the National Academies states that puppy foods can be offered from approximately the fourth week, when breast milk alone begins to be insufficient. Initially, puppy food can be softened with warm water or appropriate milk powder. As the puppy gets used to solid food, the amount of liquid added is reduced. During this period, clean and Fresh water access should be provided.

Under normal circumstances, puppies are fed with mother's milk for the first 3-4 weeks after birth, or with puppy milk powder if they are deprived of mother's milk for any reason. From this point, the weaning period begins, and it is recommended that they eat wet food along with milk and a certain amount of dry food for approximately 3-4 weeks. Since dry food can be difficult to chew, it is recommended to give it moistened with water during the transition period.

What Do Puppies Eat?

Various alternatives when planning the feeding of puppies It is known that "What does a puppy eat?" Common answers to the question can be listed as follows:

Puppy Foods

Puppy foods recommended by veterinarians and formulated according to the needs of puppies ensure healthy and balanced growth of puppies. Their key feature is that they are formulated to contain all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients necessary for the development of puppies.

A good puppy food should be appropriate for your dog's age, expected adult size, and health status. The product description should be checked to ensure the food offers complete and balanced nutrition for the growth period. Digestibility, energy density, and kibble size should also be considered during selection.

Puppy foods are offered in dry and wet forms. Whether the food is dry or wet is not an indicator of quality alone. The chosen product should be suitable for puppies. Puppy food should be suitable for dogs, complete and balanced. Wet food can be considered for puppies with poor appetite or those who have difficulty chewing dry food. If dry and wet food are to be given together, the total daily amount should be adjusted taking into account the energy provided by both foods.

Things to Consider When Choosing Puppy Food

Things to consider when choosing puppy food can be listed as follows:

Suitability for Life Stage: The product description should state that the food is formulated for puppies or during their growth period. The food should provide complete and balanced nutrition for this period.

Expected Adult Size: Small, medium, large and giant breed puppies do not have the same growth rate. Especially for large and giant breeds, suitability for these groups should be specified. The foods should be evaluated.

Energy Density and Feeding Chart: Two foods of the same weight may provide different amounts of energy. The feeding chart on the packaging should be evaluated together with the energy value of the food and the expected adult weight of the puppy.

Manufacturer and Quality Control: Small Door Veterinary emphasizes that the ingredient list alone is not a sufficient evaluation criterion. The manufacturer's quality control processes, collaboration with nutritionists, and ability to provide detailed nutritional information about the product should also be considered.

Ingredients List: The ingredients list can be reviewed, but the quality of the food should not be determined by a single ingredient or the protein source at the top of the list. The presence of grains in the food does not directly mean that the product is of low quality or harmful.

Puppy's Adaptation to the Food: After consuming the food, appetite, stool consistency, weight gain, and body condition should be monitored. Repeated vomiting, diarrhea, If significant itching or problems with weight development are observed, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Veterinary Assessment: For puppies with health problems, those not growing at the expected rate, or those with special nutritional needs, food selection should be done in consultation with a veterinarian.

What Can Puppies Eat Besides Food?

Before going into details, it is generally not recommended to feed pets with homemade food. There are several reasons for this. It is difficult to ensure that they get all the necessary nutrients at home, and making this sustainable is quite laborious. In addition, it is known that costs can increase. However, it is possible to offer puppies various foods other than dry and wet food as treats or snacks. Here are some safe foods that puppies can consume in addition to their food:

Meat and Protein Sources:

• Chicken: Boiled, skinless and boneless Chicken can be a good source of protein for puppies. Spices and oil should not be added during cooking. It is important not to give raw chicken. For details, you can read our article "Is Eating Raw Chicken Safe for Dogs?". Turkey: Boiled turkey meat can be given without fat and spices. Fish: Fish such as salmon or sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can be given boneless and cooked. However, it should not be given in excess. Eggs: Boiled eggs provide high-quality protein. Raw eggs should not be given because there is a risk of salmonella. Vegetables: Carrots: Carrots, cooked or raw and cut into small pieces, are a healthy snack for puppies. They are rich in fiber and are good for dental health. supports.
• Turkey: Boiled turkey meat can be given lean and unseasoned.
• Fish: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, can be given boneless and cooked. However, moderation is key.
• Eggs: Boiled eggs provide high-quality protein. Raw eggs should not be given as there is a risk of salmonella.

Sebzeler:

• Carrots: Carrots, cooked or raw and cut into small pieces, are a healthy snack for puppies. They are rich in fiber and support dental health.
• Peas: Cooked peas can be given as a low-calorie snack; they are rich in vitamins.
• Zucchini: Boiled zucchini is easily digestible and rich in fiber. It can help with digestive problems such as constipation.
• Spinach: Small amounts of cooked spinach can provide vitamin and mineral support.

Meyveler:

• Apples: Small amounts of pitted apples are a healthy snack for dogs. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber.
• Bananas: Small amounts of bananas can provide potassium and vitamin support. Avoid excess, as they contain a lot of sugar.
• Wild Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, blueberries can be a healthy snack for your puppy. However, they should not be given in excess. Grains: Rice: Boiled white or brown rice is easy to digest and can be beneficial for puppies with stomach problems. Oats: Cooked oatmeal is a fiber-rich and easily digestible food. Make sure it is unsweetened and plain. Barley: Cooked barley can be a carbohydrate source that can provide energy for your puppy. Dairy Products (Caution): Yogurt: Unsweetened, plain yogurt can be given in small amounts. It contains probiotics and can support digestion. However, some puppies Dogs may have lactose intolerance, so caution should be exercised.

Grains:

• Rice: Boiled white or brown rice is easy to digest and can be beneficial for puppies with stomach problems.
• Oats: Cooked oatmeal is a fiber-rich and easily digestible food. It should be unsweetened and plain.
• Barley: Cooked barley can be a good source of carbohydrates to provide your puppy with energy.

Dairy Products (Caution):

• Yogurt: Unsweetened, plain yogurt can be given in small amounts. It contains probiotics and can aid digestion. However, some puppies may have lactose intolerance, so caution should be exercised.
• Cheese: Low-fat cheeses can be given in small amounts as a treat. However, due to their lactose content, they should not be given in excess.

Special Foods:

• Sweet Potatoes: Boiled sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber and are easy to digest.
• Pumpkin: Cooked pumpkin supports digestion and can help with stomach problems. It can be used in cases of constipation or diarrhea.

Important Note: If homemade meals are planned to form the basic diet of a puppy, the recipe should be edited by a specialist. PetMD recommends consulting a veterinary nutritionist when evaluating homemade or special diets. The energy, protein, fat, vitamin and Meeting mineral needs in a balanced way with randomly prepared recipes can be difficult.

Harmful Foods for Puppies

Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, caffeine, alcohol, and products containing xylitol, also known as xylitol, can be toxic to puppies. These foods can lead to serious poisoning and, in some cases, death.

Theobromine in chocolate can cause serious symptoms related to the digestive system, nervous system, and heart. Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Consumption of grapes and raisins can result in acute kidney damage in some dogs. These foods should be kept out of reach of puppies.

Important: If you suspect your puppy has consumed a harmful food, contact your veterinarian immediately without waiting for symptoms to appear. Keep the packaging of the consumed product, Share the estimated amount and consumption time if possible. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give a homemade mixture without veterinary advice.

Puppies may develop allergic reactions to some foods. Chicken, beef, and dairy products can be triggers for food allergies in some dogs. However, not every puppy that consumes these foods will develop allergies. Allergy symptoms in dogs may include itching, recurring skin or ear problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Puppy Feeding Chart: Amount of Food and Number of Meals According to Age

The daily amount of food to be given to a puppy cannot be determined solely by its current weight. Age, expected adult weight, growth rate, body condition, and the energy density of the food should be evaluated together.

FEDIAF 2025 Feeding Guide, 8 weeks to 1 The formula calculates the energy needs of the puppy up to a certain age based on its current weight and expected adult weight. When the formula in the guide is calculated as an example for dry food with an energy density of 4 kcal/g, the following approximate daily amounts are obtained:

A puppy weighing 1 kg can consume approximately 40–55 g of food per day, 3 kg 85–125 g, and 5 kg 130–185 g. The daily amount may be approximately 215–310 g for puppies weighing 10 kg and 360–520 g for those weighing 20 kg.

Important: These values ​​are calculated assuming that the puppy's current weight is between 25–75% of its expected adult weight. The energy density of the food, growth rate, and body condition may change the actual portion.

Puppy's age	Basic nutrition	General meal schedule	How to determine daily amount?
Birth–3/4 weeks	Mother's milk or puppy milk powder	With mother's milk or according to veterinary plan	If milk powder is used, product instructions, puppy's age and weight are taken into account
3/4–8 hafta	Softened puppy food in addition to mother's milk	Usually 4 small meal	The product's recommendation for the weaning period is divided into small portions
2–3 months	Complete and balanced puppy food	Generally 4 meals	The daily gram amount in the packaging is divided into four
3–6 months	Complete and balanced puppy food	Generally 3 meals	The daily gram amount in the packaging is divided into three
6–12 month	Puppy food suitable for breed size	Generally 2 meals	The daily gram amount on the packaging is divided in half
12 months – physical maturity	Puppy food suitable for large and giant breeds that are still developing	Generally 2 meals	Product table, weight gain and veterinary evaluation are used

How to Calculate Portion Size for Puppies?

To find the portion size, divide the recommended daily amount of food on the packaging by the number of daily meals for the puppy. Measuring with a kitchen scale instead of a standard cup will give more consistent results.

The following values ​​are mathematical examples showing how to divide the daily amount of food into meals. They are not a daily food recommendation for your puppy.

Daily amount in packaging	Portions in 4 meals	Portions in 3 meals	Portions in 2 meals
120 g	30 g	40 g	60 g
180 g	45 g	60 g	90 g
240 g	60 g	80 g	120 g

For example, if the product packaging recommends 180 g per day, a 2-3 month old puppy can be given 45 g per meal in four feedings. The same daily amount can be divided into 60 g per meal when the number of feedings is reduced to three. The total daily amount should not be automatically increased when the number of feedings decreases.

Yavru Köpeklerin Su Tüketimi

Your puppy should always have access to clean, fresh water. Water is vital for all biological processes in your puppy's body. Dehydration can quickly lead to serious problems in puppies. Particular attention should be paid to water intake, especially in hot weather or when they are very active. The cleanliness of the water bowl and the freshness of the water should be checked regularly. Any sudden change in your puppy's water intake could be a sign of a health problem; therefore, you should not ignore it.

You can find detailed information on this topic in our article "How Much Water Should Dogs Drink?".

Common Mistakes in Puppy Feeding

Common mistakes in puppy feeding include overfeeding, using the same portion size for every puppy, and not accounting for calories outside of meals. These mistakes can negatively affect the puppy's growth rate and body condition.

Feeding without measuring: Just because a puppy is in its growth phase doesn't mean it should consume unlimited amounts of food. Excessive energy intake can lead to rapid growth and fat accumulation.

Leaving the food bowl full all day: VCA Animal Hospitals states that free feeding can increase the risk of overweight. In large and giant breed puppies, uncontrolled energy intake can contribute to problems with skeletal development.

Using the same gram amount for every puppy: Two puppies of the same age and weight may have different expected adult weights or energy needs. The energy density of the food also changes the daily gram amount.

Consider treats separately from daily portion: Treats, training foods, and other snacks are included in the daily energy intake. The total of these foods should not exceed 10% of the daily calories.

Switching to adult food on a fixed date: Small and medium breeds generally reach physical maturity earlier than large and giant breeds. The timing of switching to adult dog food should not be determined solely by the puppy's age.

Giving uncontrolled mineral supplements to large breed puppies: Large and giant breed puppies need controlled calcium and phosphorus balance. Calcium or other mineral supplements should not be used without a veterinarian's recommendation.

Combining dry and wet food without changing the quantity: When two foods are given together, the total energy provided by both should be calculated. Otherwise, the puppy may be overfed without realizing it.

Ignoring water intake: The puppy should have constant access to clean water. Significant and persistent changes in water intake should be monitored.

Not monitoring weight development: The feeding chart on the packaging is an initial recommendation. The puppy's weight, growth rate, and body condition should be assessed regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a puppy's food be changed suddenly?

A puppy's food should not be changed suddenly if possible. The new food can be gradually increased while reducing the amount of the old food. If vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite develops, feeding should be stopped and a veterinarian should be consulted.

When should a puppy be taken to the vet if it is not eating?

If loss of appetite is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or inability to drink water, a veterinarian should be consulted without delay. Puppies are more susceptible to prolonged nutrient and fluid loss than adult dogs.

Why does a puppy constantly act hungry?

Constantly appearing hungry does not always indicate insufficient food intake. Fast eating, learned behaviors, or the energy density of the food can create this appearance. If weight development is not appropriate or if hungry behavior becomes pronounced, a veterinary evaluation is necessary.

What can be done if a puppy eats its food too quickly?

Meals can be divided into smaller portions without changing the daily amount. A slow-feeding food bowl can be used, and the puppy can be fed in a quiet area. If frequent coughing, gagging, or vomiting occurs during feeding, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Is it necessary to feed a puppy at night?

Healthy puppies that have been weaned and are consuming sufficient amounts of their daily meals may not need an extra night meal. This rule does not apply to newborns, orphaned puppies, or puppies with health problems. The feeding schedule for these puppies should be determined by a veterinarian.

Kaynaklar:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-growing-puppies

https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/nutrition/dog-puppy-nutrition-101/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/proper-puppy-nutrition-nourishes-rapid-growth/

https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_whats_in_a_balanced_dog_food

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

https://europeanpetfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FEDIAF-Nutritional-Guidelines_2025-ONLINE.pdf