How much food should a 3 month old lab puppy eat

How Much To Feed A Puppy By Weight And Puppy Feeding Chart

There are many elements to keeping your dog healthy. These include giving your dog enough exercise, playtime, and, of course, food. But do you know how much to feed a puppy? Are you wondering, How much food should I feed my puppy?

Lets discuss what a puppys diet should consist of, how much a puppy should eat, and how often a puppy should be fed. We hope our puppy feeding guide will help you provide the proper diet for your pup.

Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed A Puppy By Weight

Curious to know, How much should I feed my puppy? How much food to feed a puppy depends on age and weight. Most dog and puppy food packages have a feeding chart on the label, similar to our chart below. Be sure to check your puppys specific food bag for the label so you know how much to feed him. While this chart is a good baseline, we recommend double-checking with your vet, as all dogs dietary needs are unique.

How Much Food Should I Feed My Puppy?

These amounts are for every 24 hours.

How Often To Feed A Puppy

So now that you know how much to feed your puppy, you might be wondering, How many times a day should a puppy eat? Setting a routine for your puppys feeding schedule is critical so he can learn when to expect his food.

• 4-12 Weeks: Young puppies need three or more feedings per day to adequately meet their nutritional needs. So, according to the feeding guide that comes with their food or the chart above, divide that by three or more and give the food to them throughout the day.
• 3-12 Months: As your puppygets older, you can reduce the number of feedings to twice daily. Their energy level should be reduced; thus, they dont need as much food throughout the day.
• 12+ Months: Most adult dogs eat two meals per day. Youll want to divide their food requirement by two.

Puppy Feeding Schedule

A typical feeding schedule for puppies is 7 am, noon, and 5 pm. If you decide to do more than three feedings, you can adjust your schedule for puppy eating times as needed. Make sure to keep that last feeding around the 5 oclock mark. That way, your pup has ample time to digest the food and eliminate it one last time before bedtime.

Keep To The Feeding Schedule To Avoid Overeating

We know that it can be tempting to leave food out all day for your puppy to munch on, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, free-choice feeding encourages overeating, which can cause your pup to gain too much weight. Portion control is key to making sure your puppy eats the proper amount for his size and age. Learning how much to feed a puppy and choosing the best food and nutrition helps avoid overeating, which leads to obesity and ensures proper development.

Dog Feeding Schedule By Age

Heres a quick timeline of a puppys nutrition in the first few months of his life. You will find more details just below our how much to feed a puppy chart.

• 0-3 Weeks: Puppies should be with their mother and nurse as they please. The mothers milk has the nutrients necessary to provide proper nutrition and protect puppies from diseases. During this time, you dont need to worry about how much to feed puppies because their mother providesthem with nutrition.
• 3-4 Weeks: Puppies will begin developing teeth and will begin weaning off their mothers milk.The puppy caregiver can blend a 50:50 portion of canned wet puppy food with a milk replacer in a flat saucer, gradually reducing the amount of milk replacer until youre only giving them puppy food. One should not be concerned if the puppies dont like the new food right away. It may take a few days to adjust to the new formula. Rubbing fingers in the mixture and then gently on the puppys nose and mouth can make the transition smoother.
• 4-6 Weeks: By this time, puppies should be fully transitioned to puppy food.
• 6 Weeks-6 Months: Puppy food based on their size and breed.
• 6-12 Months: Gradually begin to switch your puppy to adult food. Small breeds can switch between 7-9 months, and larger breeds can switch around the 12-month mark. It doesnt hurt to keep him on puppy food longer than needed to make sure hes getting all the nutrients he needs as a developing dog but since puppy food has higher calories, be sure to watch for unnecessary weight gain. A balanced diet that also maintains a healthy body weight is important for an adult dog.

What Can Puppies Eat?

A dogs food needs differ as they age, and you uncover different dietary needs. Here is a guide to our top recommended items for several different canines.

Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

Puppies and adult dogs have different nutrient needs. To help puppies grow into adult dogs, they require more protein, micronutrients, and carbs. Protein provides them with amino acids and energy. Puppies need more fat as they use a significant amount of energy, and fats help them absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Puppy formulas always have more fat than adult foods.

Calcium is vital to developing healthy bones and teeth. Puppies need more calcium than adults. However, larger breeds need than smaller breeds due to their rapid rate of growth. It is healthier to feed your puppy food that is formulated for their specific breed size to ensure they get the right amounts of essential nutrients like calcium.

DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is vital to puppy growth and is very important to brain and vision development. t is found in their mothers milk but is added to puppy food in the form of fish protein or fish oils.

Puppies also require a high amount of calories to help them grow, so its essential to purchase a high-quality food brand for your puppy. You want them to have a balanced diet to ensure healthy growth and development, and adult dog food will not meet their needs.

A puppys mouth is smaller than an adult dogs mouth, which helps explain why their food is not as big as adult kibble. Feeding puppies adult dog food can be dangerous because the kibble is larger, and the texture is harder to chew. Giving a puppy adult dog food can cause damage to their teeth, jaws, and overall health.

The same can be said for puppy treats. Treats made for adult dogs are often larger and harder to chew. Puppy treats ingredients also tend to be more suitable for them than those made for adult dogs. If you can, stick to treats that specifically say they are safe for puppies.

If youre looking for high-quality food for your little friend, perhaps you could try The Farmers Dog, one of our top picks for fresh dog food. Its a healthy solution for dogs of all ages. Learn more in our The Farmers Dog review.

How Long Do Puppies Eat Puppy Food?

For many breeds, puppies will need to eat a puppy-specific recipe until they reach a year or 12 months old. Smaller breeds may make the transition between 7 and 9 months old. Larger breeds, like the Great Dane, stay on puppy formulas for longer, some even until 18 months old.

How long your pup needs to stay on puppy food will depend on breed, health, and size. It is always better to stay on puppy food a little too long than to switch too early. Switching too soon can deprive them of vital nutrients needed to reach full development and can lead to health issues later in life. Discuss this change with your vet before making the switch.

Dont overlook the importance of planning and allowing for a transitional process when changing dog food. Imagine eating the same meals every day. Then, suddenly, you switch to something completely different. Youll probably experience a tummy ache orother gastrointestinal problems.

The same thing goes for your puppy. Remember that its a process that should take a minimum of six days and sometimes longer (up to several weeks).Do not try out too many different new foods at a time, as this can lead to digestive upset and stomach pain. It can also lead to body weight issues if your pup isnt eating enough. You want to keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule and feed the appropriate amount for their age.

Puppyhood Is The Best Time To Consider Pet Insurance

As a puppy, your dog has probably not shown any significant health concerns at a young age. Since pet insurance companies dont cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you sign up, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout his lifetime.

Pet insurance can help support you financially during the unpredictable puppy years when dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldnt and run into dangerous situations. Check out our pet insurance guide to learn more and to determine whether pet insurance is worth it for your puppy. You can also use our free tool below to get instant pet insurance quotes.

Your Best Puppy And Dog Food Options (And Other Tips)

Remember, having a dog who has his dietary needs met will be happier and healthier as a result. Not eating enough can lead to malnutrition, and overeating makes your pup obese (read our tips to help your dog lose weight). You do not want your puppy to become a picky eater, or develop a sensitive stomach, so stick to puppy formulas. If you have any concerns about how much to feed a puppy, are worried your puppy is not eating enough, or need help ensuring they are on the right diet, reach out to your vet. This is a perfect topic to bring up at a puppy checkup.

Are you looking for more dog food articles? Weve got plenty of resources on various dog diets and nutrition, including our recommended foods for any age, diet type, and health concern, the best dog food delivery services for puppies and adult dogs, and homemade dog food recipes.

How Much Should a Australian Shepherd Eat? (Feeding Chart)

Australian Shepherds are intelligent, affectionate, active, protective, and overall well-behaved. This breed originated in California, United States, and is a descendant of herding breeds. Additionally, these dogs are curious and have a keen, penetrating gaze.

How much should a Australian Shepherd eat?

The amount of food an Australian Shepherd eats depends on the dogs size, age, metabolism, build, and activity level. The recommended amount for an Australian Shepherd is 1.5 to 4 cups of high-quality and dry dog food two times a day. It should be divided equally into two meals a day.

Australian Shepherds are energetic and love indulging in physical activities. As a result, they require high calories to retain their energy spent in various activities. Unlike other breeds, these dogs do not like being couch potatoes and will get bored if they do not have anything to do with their energy.

The amount of food an Australian Shepherd requires depends on age, metabolism, activity level, and build. If your dog is active during the day, it will need loads of calories, hence, lots of food. Therefore, all dogs do not have similar food requirements, and it is normal if your dog consumes less food than another.

Additionally, the quality of dog food you purchase for your Australian Shepherd also plays a crucial role in its food intake. High-quality dog foods will nourish your dog, make it healthier and help it grow strong. Also, such dog foods are rich in calories, and you will have to feed fewer amounts of them in every meal.

It is necessary to ensure that your Australian Shepherd is fit. Instead of leaving food out in the open for the whole day, feed it twice. There are several ways to check if your dog is overweight, and you can limit the food intake if that is the case.

2 to 3 week old Australian Shepherd:

Australian Shepherd puppies just 2 or 3 weeks old rely on their mothers milk for nutrition and sustenance. It provides them with everything they need. If the mother is not around, you can feed it puppy milk formula. 3-week old puppies can have the puppy milk formula instead of their mothers milk without any issues.

4 to 5 week old Australian Shepherd:

4 or 5-week-old Australian Shepherd puppies are old enough for you to begin the weaning process. They will grow teeth and make the suckling uncomfortable for the mother, so she will spend less time feeding her puppies. Also, you can expect the mother dog to regurgitate food for her puppies; nothing is alarming. Moreover, you will have to provide milk for the puppies, and you can start adding small amounts of crumbled dog food to the milk to get them used to having solid foods. You can start with about a cup of protein-rich, premium dog food.

6 to 7 week old Australian Shepherd:

When your Australian Shepherd puppies have become 6 or 7 weeks old, you will have to feed them four times a day. You must evenly distribute a full cup of premium, protein-rich dog food across 4-meals in one day. Give them 4-meals in one day until they are 4-months old.

8 to 9 week old Australian Shepherd:

After reaching the age of 8 or 9 weeks old, you will have to decrease the number of meals they consume per day. It will go from 4 meals to 3 meals a day, and you will have to divide 1 1/2 cups of dog food across the 3-meals. The dog food should be of good quality. Otherwise, they will feel hungry after their meals and will grow up to be malnourished.

10 to 11 week old Australian Shepherd:

If you have Australian Shepherd puppies which are between 10 to 11 weeks old, you will have to feed them about 1.5 cups of dog evenly distributed across 3-meals a day. Each meal will have to provide about half a cup of dog food. As the puppy grows, the amount of food has to increase.

3 month old Australian Shepherd:

3-month-old Australian Shepherd puppies need to maintain a healthy weight. Feeding too much can lead the puppy to be overweight. Depending on the activity and other factors, a 3-month-old puppy will require about 1.5 to 2 cups of protein-rich dog food. If you believe your puppy is too skinny or overweight, do not hesitate to contact the local veterinarian for a checkup.

4 month old Australian Shepherd:

A 4-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy will still need to feed 3 to 4 times daily. Since the puppy is growing, it will need proper nutrition and sustenance. Therefore, you must purchase premium and protein-rich dog food for your puppies. You can continue feeding it 2 cups of dog food a day.

5 month old Australian Shepherd:

Puppies of the Australian Shepherd breed that are 5 months old should be fed 2 cups of dog food in one day. You can divide the 2 cups of dog food into 3-meals. Evenly spacing out the food will help it digest better because its digestive systems are delicate. Therefore, avoid overfeeding the puppy.

6 month old Australian Shepherd:

At 6 months, an Australian Shepherd puppy will consume 2 cups of dog food. You can provide it 2 meals if you want. However, most dog owners suggest providing 3 meals per day till they are adults. Puppies are very active and will get hungry throughout the day. So, providing meals 3 times a day will keep their energy levels high.

7 month old Australian Shepherd:

When the Australian Shepherd puppy is 7 months old, you must feed it more. You will have to provide around 2.5 cups of dog food per day. Additionally, you can still stick to giving meals 3 times a day. You can gradually switch from 3 to 2 times a day. But, do it slowly and give the puppy some time to adjust.

8 month old Australian Shepherd:

At 8 months old, an Australian Shepherd puppy will require about 3 cups of dog food to retain the energy spent on various physical activities. Moreover, as the puppy is close to becoming an adult, it will need more nourishment than before. So, food quantity needs to increase too.

9 month old Australian Shepherd:

For a 9-month-old Australian Shepherd you will have to feed it around 3.5 cups of protein-rich dog food. Purchase dog food from a reputable brand as it will benefit the puppy because it will receive the necessary proteins and nutrition it needs to become a healthy dog.

10 month old Australian Shepherd:

At 10 months old, an Australian Shepherd puppy will need about 4 cups of dog food. Dog food must be protein-rich for their developing muscles. From 10 months old, you can serve the puppy 2 meals a day, 2 cups each time. It will help increase energy and do different types of activities with you.

Here is a detailed list of how much you should expect an Australian Shepherd to eat as it gradually grows from a puppy to an adult. Additionally, buy dog foods from reputable brands as it will benefit the dog. Also, good quality dog foods have all the necessary ingredients and nutrition that a growing puppy requires.

Australian Shepherd feeding chart

For your convenience, we have prepared an Australian Shepherd feeding chart.

Follow the food chart above, and you will have a healthy dog growing up in your home.

Are you overfeeding your Australian Shepherd or not feeding enough?

Overfeeding an Australian Shepherd can make it overweight and lazy. As a result, you will see that the dog or puppy does not frequently participate in physical activities. So, you should not provide the puppy or dog with too much food and take it for 1 or 2 walks a day.

On the other hand, not feeding an Australian Shepherd enough food will cause it to feed burnt out and exhausted. The puppy or dog will not have enough strength to run around or do any physical activities and will mostly stay indoors. Insufficient dog food can result in the malnourishment of the puppy, and you will observe it looks skinnier than usual.

To check if your dog is overweight, look down at your puppy, and you will notice its waist. Then, place your hands on its back, keep your thumb on its spine, and the fingers spread downward. Slowly move your downs down, and you will be able to feel the ribs of the puppy, but if you cannot, it means it needs to participate more in activities, and you should provide less food.

How frequently to feed your Australian Shepherd?

The frequency of meals depends on the age of the dog. If you have an Australian Shepherd puppy, it will require meals 3 to 4 times a day. So, you must provide dog food for the puppy 3 or 4 times a day.

On the other hand, if you have an adult Australian Shepherd, you must provide it with 2 meals per day. However, the food quantity has to be more than that of a puppy since it requires more calories.

Recommended feeding time:

There is no recommended feeding time for an Australian Shepherd. You can provide meals once a day and another time during the night before it goes to sleep. However, the frequency of food depends on the age of the dog.

Most dog owners advise providing food at fixed times. This action helps the dog get used to meal times and will be able to maintain a routine. Additionally, it will allow the puppy or dog to get to know its owner better.

Final Thoughts

An Australian Shepherds recommended amount of food depends on age and several other factors, such as build and activity. Moreover, the dog food you purchase plays a crucial role in the frequency of meals per day. Buy from reputable brands to provide your dog with all the required nourishments.