How Much Should a 3-Month-Old Puppy Eat

How Much Should a 3-Month-Old Puppy Eat?

How much should a 3-month-old puppy eat? This is one of the most common queries among new pet parents. Most of us don’t know how much is too much for a puppy to eat, and with this article, we’ll help you figure things out.

3-month-old puppies are usually fed three times during the day, but this can vary based on activity level and the size of your puppy. For example, a 5-pound puppy will need ¾ – 1 cup of food daily, while a 7-pound puppy needs about 1-2 cups. 

Puppies are individuals; thus, their food requirements vary from pup to pup and even breed to breed. It depends on your puppy’s age, physical condition, activity level, and health.

Can I Give Treats To a 3-Month-Old Puppy?

You can give your puppy treats, but be careful about the size and type. A small portion of chicken or beef liver is acceptable for your pup. Ensure that the liver is not too fatty or greasy, as this can harm a pup’s teeth and digestive system.

If you give your puppy treats, you should be mindful of the type of goodies you purchase. Some are high in calories and fat and will make your puppy fat. Don’t stress too much if your puppy doesn’t devour their treat. The first time might be a little scary, but once they get used to eating treats from you, it won’t be a problem anymore.

You should also avoid giving your pup human-grade meat or bones as treats because they can be dangerous. Human-grade meat is often contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to serious health problems if eaten by your pet.

What Kind of Food is Best for a 3-Month-Old Puppy?

The choice of dog food can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to make an educated decision regarding your puppy’s diet.

It would help if you first considered the purpose of your puppy’s diet. A puppy will need a high-quality diet during their growing stage.

Puppies need a well-balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients to achieve their maximum growth potential.

A general rule of thumb is that if you’re going to feed your puppy any commercial food, make sure it contains at least 20% protein and 10% fat (or more). If you don’t feed this level of nutrition, then it’s unlikely that your puppy will grow up strong and healthy.

If you’re feeding your puppy raw meaty bones (or other raw foods such as chicken), ensure they’re fed in small amounts several times per day rather than one large meal a day. It’ll help prevent bloating, which can happen when large meals are given regularly.

How Often Should I Feed a 3-Month-Old Puppy?

It’s important to provide puppies with food specifically designed for their age and size. Puppy food contains more protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus than adult dog food, which will help your puppy grow strong and healthy. 

Generally, 3-month-old puppies should be fed 2-3 times daily. The first meal should be at 9 am, and the second should be at 5 pm, with an afternoon snack around 1 pm if desired. 

When feeding a 3-month-old puppy, portions should be adjusted according to the individual puppy’s needs. A working or active puppy will require more calories than a less active one. A good rule of thumb is to feed puppies 1/2 cup per every 5 pounds of body weight and split this amount into two meals.

Also, puppies should always have access to fresh water.

How Much Should I Feed a 3-Month-Old Puppy?

Puppies are born with a fast metabolism and need to eat more food than older dogs. The amount of food your puppy should eat depends on age, size, and activity level.

Here’s a general chart you can follow:

PUPPY’S WEIGHT3-4 MONTHS FOOD REQUIREMENT
3-5 pounds¾-1 cup
6-10 pounds1-2 cups
11-20 pounds2-3 ½ cups
21-30 pounds3 1/3 – 4 ½ cups
31-40 pounds4 ½ – 5 2/3 cups
How Much Should I Feed a 3-Month-Old Puppy Chart

Tips for Healthy Feeding Habits in Puppies

  • Start with puppy-specific food.

Puppies have very different nutritional needs than adult dogs. Look for high-quality puppy food specifically formulated to meet the unique dietary requirements of puppies, such as higher levels of proteins and fats, specific amounts of vitamins and minerals, and smaller kibble sizes.

Feeding your puppy human-grade or adult dog food isn’t going to provide them with the nutrition they need in their early years.

  • Keep mealtimes consistent.

Puppies learn best when there is a routine, so feeding your pup at the same times each day is important. It helps reinforce good eating habits and prevents your puppy from developing bad behaviors such as begging for food or scavenging for scraps.

  • Offer balanced meals.

A balanced diet is essential for your pup’s health. Ensure you’re offering foods high in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best proportions of these three macronutrients to include in your puppy’s daily meals.

  • Limit treats.

It’s very tempting to treat your puppy every time they do something right, but too many treats can lead to weight gain. It’s important to limit treats and snacks throughout the day. Instead of using treats as rewards, try praising or petting your pup.

  • Stay hydrated.

Water is essential for your puppy’s health and should always be available. Make sure to offer fresh water daily and keep their bowl filled to drink whenever they need a refill.

  • Avoid table scraps.

Giving your pup some extra leftovers from the dinner table can be tempting, but it’s important to avoid doing so. Table scraps can lead to unhealthy weight gain and make your pup sick if not properly digested. Stick to dog-specific foods for the best results.

Conclusion

How Much Should a 3-Month-Old Puppy Eat

3-month-old puppies are the sweetest little things. They’re still developing but growing so fast that every day is an adventure, and they’re known for being rambunctious.

Puppies can quickly eat up all of your food and then seek out the next best thing, which is why it’s essential to keep your puppy on a nutritionally balanced diet. It’ll help keep the puppy satiated and prevent overeating and obesity.

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