Puppy Feeding Guide:
What, How Much & When
Feeding a puppy wrong is more common than feeding them right. Get the exact portions by age and breed size, learn to read a dog food label like an expert, and find out which kitchen foods could send your puppy to the emergency vet.
Why Puppy Nutrition Is Different from Adult Dog Nutrition
A puppy is not a small adult dog. Their body is building itself from scratch — bones, muscles, organs, brain — all growing at the same time, all needing specific nutrients in the right amounts and ratios.
This is why puppies need a food specifically designed for “growth.” Puppy foods have higher levels of protein, DHA (for brain development), calcium, and phosphorus in a ratio that supports healthy bone growth.
How Often to Feed by Age
Meal frequency matters more than most new owners realize. Maltipoos in particular are at real risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) if they go too long without food. Regular meals are health maintenance for small breeds.
How Much to Feed: Portions by Age and Breed Size
These are starting guidelines. Always cross-check with the bag’s feeding chart for your specific product and adjust based on your puppy’s body condition.
| Age | Meals/Day | Toy Breeds Under 10 lbs adult | Small Breeds 10–25 lbs adult | Medium Breeds 25–60 lbs adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 3–4 | ¼–⅓ cup/day | ⅓–½ cup/day | ¾–1 cup/day |
| 10–12 weeks | 3 | ⅓–½ cup/day | ½–¾ cup/day | 1–1½ cups/day |
| 3–4 months | 3 | ½–¾ cup/day | ¾–1 cup/day | 1½–2¼ cups/day |
| 4–6 months | 2–3 | ½–¾ cup/day | ¾–1 cup/day | 2–2¾ cups/day |
| 6–9 months | 2 | ½–¾ cup/day | ¾–1 cup/day | 2½–3 cups/day |
| 9–12 months | 2 | ½ cup/day | ¾–1 cup/day | 2½–3 cups/day |
Which size category are our breeds? Maltipoos are toy breeds (under 10 lbs adult). Cavapoos and Teddy Bears are small breeds (10–25 lbs adult). Follow the toy or small column based on your specific puppy’s projected adult weight.
How to Check If You’re Feeding the Right Amount: The Rib Test
Too Thin
Ribs clearly visible from across the room. Hip bones prominent. Increase by 10% and reassess in 1 week.
Ideal Weight
Feel ribs easily with light pressure but cannot see them. Slight waist visible from above. This is where you want to be.
Too Heavy
Have to press firmly to find ribs. No visible waist. Reduce portions by 10% and increase exercise gradually.
How to Switch Foods Without Causing Diarrhea
Changing your puppy’s food too fast is the single most common cause of diarrhea that isn’t actually an illness. The bacteria in your puppy’s gut need 7–10 days to adjust to a new protein or formula.
Days 1–3: Mostly Old Food
Mix 75% old food with 25% new food. Watch stool consistency. If it goes soft, slow down even more.
Days 4–6: Even Split
50% old food, 50% new food. One loose stool on day 5 or 6 is okay. More than that, slow back to the 75/25 stage.
Days 7–9: Almost All New
25% old food, 75% new food. Some sensitive puppies need an extra 3–4 days at this stage.
Day 10+: Full Transition
100% new food. If diarrhea returns, go back to 75/25, hold for a full week, then try again.
I hear from new owners every week who switched foods on day three because “my puppy didn’t like it” and now have a puppy with diarrhea. A healthy puppy will eat when they’re hungry. Stick with the transition plan. The food drama usually resolves itself within a week.
— Dan, Owner | Boundless Horizon Puppies, Millersburg, Ohio | Est. 2022How to Read a Dog Food Label in 5 Minutes
🏷 The 5 Things That Matter on Every Dog Food Label
The AAFCO Statement
Look for: “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth” or “all life stages.” Avoid “maintenance” — that is adult dog food only.
The First Three Ingredients
A named protein (chicken, beef, salmon, turkey) should be the very first ingredient. If the first ingredient is “corn,” “wheat,” or “meat by-products,” that is not a quality food.
The Guaranteed Analysis
Puppy foods should have a minimum of 22% crude protein and 8.5% crude fat.
The Preservatives Used
Natural preservatives (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, rosemary extract) are fine. Avoid BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin.
The Feeding Guide on the Bag
Use the bag’s own guide as your baseline — it is calibrated to that food’s specific calorie content. Adjust based on body condition and your vet’s guidance.
Good Ingredients vs. Red Flags
✅ Look For These
- Named whole protein as #1 ingredient (chicken, salmon, beef)
- DHA (from fish oil or egg yolk) — brain and eye development
- Natural antioxidants: Vitamin E and Vitamin C
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus for gut health
- No corn syrup or added sugars
- AAFCO growth statement on the label
- Brand with a veterinary nutritionist on staff
✗ Avoid These
- “Meat by-products” as the first or second ingredient
- BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin as preservatives
- Artificial colors: Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2
- Corn syrup or sucrose as an ingredient
- Generic “animal fat” — species should be named
- Corn, wheat, or soy as the first three ingredients
- No AAFCO growth statement on the label
Foods That Can Kill Your Puppy
These are not just “unhealthy” foods. Several can cause organ failure or death from a single exposure. Keep them permanently out of your puppy’s reach.
Chocolate
Theobromine is toxic to dogs. Dark and baking chocolate are most dangerous, but all forms are harmful.
Grapes & Raisins
Can cause sudden kidney failure. Even a small amount is dangerous.
Onions & Garlic
Destroys red blood cells. Includes powdered forms hidden in seasonings.
Xylitol
Artificial sweetener in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters. Causes rapid liver failure.
Macadamia Nuts
Causes weakness, tremors, vomiting, and hyperthermia within 12 hours.
Avocado
Persin in the flesh, skin, and pit causes vomiting, diarrhea, and heart damage.
Safe Treats and the 10% Rule
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s total daily calories. Safe options for our three breeds:
Water: The Most Important Nutrient of All
Fresh water must be available at all times. Puppies dehydrate quickly. The only time to limit water is the last hour before bed to reduce overnight accidents during potty training.
- Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls — plastic scratches and harbors bacteria
- Wash the bowl daily — biofilm is invisible but unhealthy
- Check the bowl every few hours — puppies knock them over constantly
- In summer, offer ice cubes as a treat — most puppies love them
Feeding Questions We Hear Every Week
📚 Sources & Expert References
- American Kennel Club — Puppy Nutrition Center
- ASPCA — Toxic Substances for Dogs
- AVMA — Feeding Your Dog
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) — 2023 Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, Growth category
- Case, L.P. et al. Canine and Feline Nutrition. Mosby Elsevier, 3rd Edition.
- Boundless Horizon Puppies LLC — Licensed Ohio puppy placement, Millersburg, OH 44654 — Est. 2022
Browse Our Available Puppy Breeds
Every puppy comes with health testing, ENS training, and our 2-year health guarantee
Maltipoo
Designer Breed · Hypoallergenic
Maltese × Toy Poodle. Playful, smart, and deeply affectionate.
Cavapoo
Designer Breed · Family Favorite
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle. Gentle, adaptable, wonderful with children.
Teddy Bear (Shichon)
Designer Breed · Hypoallergenic
Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise. Soft, cuddly, and endlessly affectionate.