Feeding your Puppy
I’ve been asked, “How much should I feed my puppy?”
During my second litter I found the following article helpful.
How_Much_to_Feed_A_Dog_to_Meet_His_Energy_Needs
Based on this article I generated a simple spreadsheet that I used with Wendy until she was about one year old. Here is the shortened version of the spreadsheet in 5 lbs increment.
| Artemis M/L Breed Puppy |
Merrick Puppy Plate |
|||||||
| 327 | kcal/cup | 389 | kcal/can | |||||
| Age Weeks | Wt lbs |
Puppy Weaning – 4 mos Kcal/day |
Puppy 4 mos – Adult Kcal/day |
No. Cups | % of Can | |||
| 10 | 618.2 | 1.5 | 30% | |||||
| 15 | 822.3 | 1.9 | 50% | |||||
| 8 | 20 | 1026.5 | 2.5 | 50% | ||||
| 25 | 1230.6 | 3.2 | 50% | |||||
| 30 | 1434.7 | 3.8 | 50% | |||||
| 35 | 1638.8 | 1092.5 | 3.8 | 100% | ||||
| 16 | 40 | 1842.9 | 1228.6 | 2.6 | 100% | |||
| 45 | 2047.0 | 1364.7 | 3.0 | 100% | ||||
| 50 | 1500.8 | 3.4 | 100% | |||||
| 55 | 1636.9 | 3.8 | 100% | |||||
| 60 | 1772.9 | 4.2 | 100% | |||||
| 65 | 1909.0 | 4.6 | 100% | |||||
| 70 | 2045.1 | 5.1 | 100% | |||||
Here is how to read the table. Take, for example, a 8 wks old average FCR puppy that weighs about 20 lbs. Feeding Artemis Med/Lg Breed Puppy they should get about 2.5 cups per day along with 1/2 can of Merrick Puppy Plate Can food. I would feed them
1-1/2 cups in the morning of the dry and in the evening 1 cup dry mixed with the 1/2 can.
Once they get to be 4 mos old, the energy requirement is reduced. Again, for example, a 16 wks (4 mos) old puppy will weigh about 40 lbs and they should be eating about 2-1/2 cups dry and a full can. I would split this up with a morning feeding of 1-1/2 cups of dry and in the evening 1 cup dry mixed with 1 full can.
Always remember, if you can easily feel their ribs, then their weight is optimal, if not, cut back on your feeding.
…P