You just brought home your bundle of puppy joy, and their appetite seems infinite! If you're asking yourself, “How much should I feed my puppy?", we’ve got you covered. 

Our puppy feeding chart is your go-to cheat sheet for managing puppy portion sizes. It’s here to save you (and your pup!) from guesswork and over-gobbling.

This magical chart (okay, not literally magical, but still pretty cool) takes the mystery out of puppy portion sizes, making sure your buddy gets exactly what they need — no more, no less. 

From a puppy feeding schedule by age and weight, to tips on timing and food types — we’ll give you everything you need to know about feeding your little love. 

 

Why Puppy Feeding Guidelines Matter

While our puppy feeding guidelines might not transform you into a five-star dog chef, they will help you serve up the right stuff for your growing dog. 

Puppies aren’t just mini adult dogs, they have totally different nutritional needs, from building strong bones and muscles to fueling their lightning-speed zoomies. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), young puppies typically require three to four meals per day, depending on their age and size—essential for steady digestion and growth optimization.

Feeding your puppy correctly during this crucial stage sets the stage for your healthy, happy adult dog. Miss the mark now and they could end up with growth issues, tummy troubles, or too much fat (and too little fitness!)

That’s why it’s super important to follow age-appropriate portions, adjusting with time, and adding in tons of TLC. Puppyhood doesn’t last forever, but its impact sure does. And given what a rockstar puppy parent you are, you’ll have this feeding business down in no time.

 

How Much Should I Feed My Puppy by Age and Weight?

Finding the right portion for your pup is all about tuning into their growing needs. That’s where our Puppy Feeding Chart by Age and Weight comes in. it’s your trusty sidekick in the quest for balanced growth and overall wellness.

Too much food? Puppy pudge. Too little? No bueno for your dog’s healthy development. This chart will give you a solid starting point, but as you know, every pup (including yours!) is unique, so tweak portions based on your observations and your vet’s helpful guidance.

Consider this your puppy portion GPS, so you can navigate feeding your dog Jinx nutritious kibble with confidence.

 

Recommended Daily Feeding (Cups/Day) – Dogs up to 20 lbs

Recommended Daily Feeding (Cups/Day) – Dogs 21–60 lbs

Add 1/2 cup for every 10 lbs over 60 lbs.

Standard measuring cup = 8 oz.

 

How Often Should Puppies Eat?

We’ve arrived at the million-dollar question: “How often should puppies eat?” Here’s a hint: Not every time they give you those adorable, pleading eyes.

Because of their tiny tummy and turbo-charged metabolism, your puppy needs more frequent meals than an adult dog. Finding the right puppy-feeding frequency can help keep your dog’s energy up, their blood sugar steady, and their mood cheerful.  

So, how many meals to feed your puppy daily? Here’s your quick guide:

• 6 – 12 weeks — 4 meals a day

• 3 – 6 months  — 3 meals a day

• 6 – 12 months — 2 meals a day

Think of it as pacing their fuel. Frequent meals keep your little one from running on empty or being overstuffed. As they grow, they’ll gradually shift to fewer meals a day with bigger portions, just like their pup parent!

Choosing the Right Puppy Food

You clearly have a great picker when it comes to choosing the best food for puppies. Your little buddy is growing fast, and their food needs to keep up. That means nutrient-dense, high-quality puppy food made just for puppies — not adult dogs or “one-size-fits-all” blends.

A great puppy food option like Jinx is packed with quality protein, healthy fats, and DHA (brain-boosting omega-3 magic!) to help your pup build strong bones, a sharp mind, and a superdog immune system. 

Whether you opt for Jinx wet food, kibble, or a combination of both — these meals will fuel their growth, adventures, and overall happiness :)

Wet vs Dry Puppy Food

Ahh, the age-old question: wet vs dry puppy food — which is better? It often depends on your pup’s taste and texture preferences, teeth, and tummy. 

• Dry kibble is packed with nutrients, easy to store, helps keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean, and it’s got that satisfying crunch dogs love. 

• Wet food is hydrating, full of wholesome flavor, and easier to chew, hence why it’s great for tiny mouths and picky eaters!

• Combo feeding is totally a thing — mix and match Jinx wet and dry to get all the best in one bowl.
  

How to Read Puppy Food Labels

Who needs a PhD in nutrition when you’ve got Jinx’ hot tips for reading puppy food labels!

• Look for phrases like “complete and balanced for growth” or “formulated for puppies.”

• Quality protein like chicken or salmon should be the very first ingredient, not a mystery “meat byproduct #47.”

• Avoid junk like artificial flavors, unnecessary fillers, or long chemical-sounding ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Puppy food should sound like food, not a science project. 

When Should Puppies Switch to Adult Food?

It’s your dog’s rite of passage into adulthood… But it’s not always obvious when it’s happening. When should puppies switch to adult food? Here’s our helpful guide. Most pups make the leap between 10–12 months, but don’t toss the puppy kibble just yet! It can depend on your dog’s size and breed.

• Small to medium breeds — around 10–12 months

• Large breeds — may need puppy food up to 14–16 months to support healthy joints and bones 

Be sure to watch out for these signs: slowing growth, less interest in puppy food, or your vet saying, plain and simply, it’s time for adult dog food.

Switching too early could mean missing out on vital nutrients. Let your dog enjoy puppyhood a little longer — they only get one!