Puppy Feeding Tips Essential Guide to Healthy Mealtime

Diet is the cornerstone of puppy health. By choosing some of the best puppy dog food, you can ensure that your furry friend gets the support he needs for growth, health and overall well-being.

(Whispering …… just adopted a new pooch? Awesome! Don’t miss the special offer at the end of the article where newbies adopting a pet for the first time can get 40% off Zera premium puppy food.)

What should I feed my puppy?

It’s a question every dog owner asks, “What should I feed my puppy?” If you’re asking this question right now, then you’re not alone! There are so many options on the market that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you with the “what, when, and how much” to get your baby off to the best start.

The first step is simple: provide your dog with a well-balanced diet that contains quality ingredients that will help him or her grow and develop. At Zera, we believe our “Zera Essentialsâ„¢ Puppy – Chicken & Lentil Recipe” is one of the best choices on the market. This premium puppy food is packed with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and digestive enzymes to help improve digestion, strengthen the immune system and promote healthy growth. This nutrient-rich diet helps keep your puppy in tip-top shape, reduces unnecessary vet visits, and saves you money in the long run.

Ready to get started? Check out Zera’s Puppy Food Starter Kit – a great value for new dog parents who want the best for their own pups.


Dry food, wet food or both?

Dry puppy food (or rough-ground food) is a popular choice for obvious reasons – it’s cost-effective, easy to use, and the chewing gently cleanses your puppy’s teeth and gums, promoting oral health. On the other hand, wet treats are usually tastier and more appealing to picky pups, but tend to be more expensive.

Can’t choose between the two? Actually, it doesn’t have to be that way! Many pet parents choose a mix of dry and wet food to provide a balanced and varied diet. Simply be mindful of your puppy’s daily calorie needs and make sure that the paired food does not exceed the recommended intake. A brief conversation with your veterinarian can help you determine the right ratio. Also, don’t forget to provide plenty of fresh water with your puppy’s meals.

If you’d like to try adding fruits and vegetables to your puppy’s diet, check out Can My Dog Eat Spring Fruits and Vegetables to make sure you’re making safe and healthy choices.


How much water does my puppy need?

Hydration is key to your puppy’s health. Make sure you have fresh water available at all times, and during the warmer months, consider placing water bowls in multiple places around the house to keep your puppy cool and hydrated. As a general rule, puppies need about a half cup of water every few hours, while older puppies need a half to one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Don’t forget to wash the water bowl daily to prevent bacteria growth.


How often should I feed my puppy?

In the early years of your puppy’s life, it is vital to feed frequently. Feed three to four times a day, or more often if your puppy is very young. As your puppy grows, you can gradually reduce the frequency of feedings. At 5 to 6 months of age, most puppies can transition to 2 or 3 meals per day. To make the transition smoother, you can slowly reduce the number of midday meals and slightly increase the portion sizes of breakfast and dinner.

With proper feeding practices and a high-quality diet like Zera Essentialsâ„¢, you’ll be building a solid foundation for your puppy’s health and happiness. Bon appétit!

At around 6 months of age or when puppies are spayed or neutered, their growth process begins to slow down. This is a good time to monitor your furry friend’s weight and adjust food portions if necessary. Overfeeding your puppy can lead to health issues such as joint problems and obesity. While those round, chubby bellies may look cute, it’s important to keep your puppy slim and healthy.

Puppy Feeding Chart

Weight (lbs) 1-3 months (cups/day) 3-5 months (cups/day) 5-7 months (cups/day) 7-12 months (cups/day)
Weight up to 5 lbs ½ – 1 ½ – ¾ ½ – ¾ ¼ – ½
6 – 10 lbs. 1 – 1½ ¾ – 1 ¾ – 1 Half to 3/4
11 – 20 lbs 1½ – 2½ 1 – 1¾ 1 – 1½ ¾ – 1¼
21 – 40 pounds 2½ – 4½ 1¾ – 3 1½ – 2½ 1¼ – 2¼
41 – 60 lbs 4½ – 6 3 – 4 2½ – 3½ 2¼ – 3¼

What is the best time to feed my puppy?

Once you know how much and how often to feed your puppy, it’s time to create a feeding schedule. Breaking up the daily feedings into multiple meals is the easiest way to keep them happy and healthy. Try to align their meal times with your meal times – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Consistency is key, so make sure you feed your pup at the same time every day. Also, please feed them as early in the evening as possible so they can digest their food before bedtime. This helps reduce the chances of accidents at night.

Should I leave food for my puppy?

It is best not to leave food out for your puppy as free choice eating can lead to poor eating habits, weight gain and digestive problems. Puppies thrive when they eat at regular mealtimes. However, if you are unable to provide a midday meal due to work, you may need to leave food out for a while during the puppy years. Be sure to phase out free-choice eating when your puppy is old enough to transition to 2-3 meals per day.

When should I stop feeding my dog puppy food?

Your puppy can continue to eat Zera Puppy Food until they are approximately 12 to 15 months old. At that point, you can gradually transition to a “whole life stage” food, such as Zera’s Premium Superfood line. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package, or adjust the amount according to your dog’s individual needs. After all, you know your dog best! Their activity levels, habits and overall health will help you determine the correct portion size.

For example, if your dog hangs out around the house all day, then you can feed them less. However, if you take them on adventurous hikes, then consider increasing the amount they eat to help them regain their strength. Weather changes, such as extreme heat or cold, can also affect their metabolism, which means they may need more food. If your dog is sick or injured, consult your veterinarian to determine if their nutritional needs have changed.


Hey, new dog parents! Congratulations on adding a furry new member to your family! To celebrate, we’re offering you an exclusive 40% discount on your first purchase of Zera Tasty Puppy Food. Please use code PUPPY40 at checkout to provide your dog with optimal nutrition.

Offer valid for new users only. Coupon can only be used once.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *