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® Puppy foods, 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 — 12–14 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.
Tasty Tips
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 Senior foods, 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.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Can Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Entrée Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Mini Chicken, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight with Joint Support Large Breed Dog Food
This weight management and mobility support dog food was created with Hill’s unique understanding of the biology of overweight dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
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Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
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Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.