Puppy Food Calculator
Daily Feeding Guide
Daily Calories (kcal)-
Daily Food Amount-
Meals Per Day-
Per Meal-
Est. Adult Weight-
Estimated Monthly Food Cost-
Puppy Feeding Guide by Age
| Age | Meals/Day | % of Body Weight (dry) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | 4 | 8-10% | Transition from mother's milk |
| 2-4 months | 3-4 | 6-8% | Rapid growth phase |
| 4-6 months | 3 | 4-6% | Reduce to 3 meals |
| 6-12 months | 2-3 | 3-4% | Growth slowing, reduce to 2 meals |
| 12+ months | 2 | 2-3% | Switch to adult food (large breeds: 18mo) |
Monthly Food Cost Estimates (UK)
Small Breed
£20-£40
Medium Breed
£30-£60
Large Breed
£50-£90
Giant Breed
£70-£120
Raw Diet
+30-50%
Premium Brands
+50-100%
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter puppy's weight
Input your puppy's current weight in kilograms. Weigh regularly to track growth.
2
Select age and breed size
Choose your puppy's age in months and breed size category. This determines caloric needs and growth rate.
3
Choose food type
Select dry kibble, wet food, or raw diet. Each has different caloric density requiring different amounts.
4
Review feeding guide
The calculator shows daily calories, food amount in grams, meals per day, and estimated monthly cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my puppy?
The amount depends on your puppy's age, weight, breed size, and food type. As a general guide, puppies need 2-4 times more calories per kg of body weight than adult dogs. A 3-month-old medium breed puppy typically needs about 6-8% of their body weight in dry food per day, split across 3-4 meals.
How many times a day should I feed a puppy?
Under 4 months: 4 meals per day. 4-6 months: 3 meals per day. 6-12 months: 2-3 meals per day. Over 12 months: 2 meals per day. Consistent feeding times help with house training and digestion. Do not free-feed puppies as it makes it harder to monitor intake.
When should I switch from puppy to adult food?
Small breeds (under 10kg adult weight) can switch at 9-12 months. Medium breeds at 12 months. Large breeds at 12-18 months. Giant breeds at 18-24 months. Large and giant breeds need puppy food for longer because their bones and joints take longer to develop. Switch gradually over 7-10 days.
Is raw food safe for puppies?
Raw feeding (BARF - Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is controversial. Proponents cite dental health and coat quality benefits. The BVA and BSAVA advise caution due to bacterial contamination risks (Salmonella, E. coli) to both pets and owners. If raw feeding, use commercial raw food that meets FEDIAF standards rather than homemade.
How do I know if I am feeding too much?
Signs of overfeeding: soft or loose stools, rapid weight gain, pot-bellied appearance, reluctance to exercise, and leaving food in the bowl. You should be able to feel your puppy's ribs with gentle pressure but not see them. Use body condition scoring (BCS) on a 1-9 scale — aim for 4-5.
What should I not feed my puppy?
Toxic foods for dogs include: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts, alcohol, caffeine, avocado, and cooked bones. Keep these completely out of reach. If your puppy ingests any of these, contact your vet or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000) immediately.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.