Puppy Feeding Schedule Calculator
How many meals a day and how many calories your puppy needs, from its age in months and current weight.
How it works
RER = 70 × (kg)^0.75 · daily calories = RER × growth factor (3.0 under 4 months, 2.0 from 4 months) · meals/day: 4 under 3 mo, 3 from 3–6 mo, 2 after
Puppies burn calories far faster than adult dogs because they are building tissue, so their maintenance factor is 2–3× the resting requirement rather than the 1.6 of an adult. Just as important is meal frequency: small stomachs and fast metabolisms mean young puppies need frequent small meals to avoid blood-sugar dips, tapering to twice a day as they mature.
Worked example
A 4-month, 15 lb (6.8 kg) puppy has RER = 70 × 6.8^0.75 ≈ 295 kcal. At 4 months the growth factor is 2.0, so it needs ≈ 590 kcal/day, split into 3 meals of about 197 kcal each.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a young puppy?
Under 3 months, aim for 4 small meals a day; from 3–6 months, 3 meals; after 6 months most puppies move to 2 meals a day, the adult pattern.
Why does the calorie factor drop at 4 months?
Growth is fastest in the first few months and slows afterward. Early on a puppy may need about 3× its resting requirement; from roughly 4 months to adulthood that eases to about 2×, then to the adult 1.6.
When do I switch to adult food and portions?
Most dogs finish growing between 10–16 months, later for giant breeds. Ask your vet, then use a dog food portion calculator with an adult activity factor.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.