How Many Calories to Feed a Puppy? Puppy Calorie Requirement by Age, Weight, Breed, and Activity Level

Published: 18 May 2025

How Many Calories Does a Puppy Need?

Several factors influence how many calories a puppy requires each day, including age, weight, breed size, activity level, and overall health. Generally, Puppies need up to twice as many calories per pound as adult dogs.

Puppies require around 40 to 55 calories per pound of body weight daily, depending on their breed and activity level. For example, a 15-pound puppy might require 600 to 825 calories per day. This total should be divided into 3 to 4 meals, adjusting portions weekly as your puppy grows.

To get a more personalised estimate of your puppy’s daily calorie needs, be sure to check out our free Puppy Calorie Calculator.

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A puppy’s calorie needs can be estimated using the Resting Energy Requirement (the energy they require at rest for normal body functions) and the Daily Energy Requirement ( the total amount of energy they need). For a comprehensive explanation, check out our guide on dog calorie requirements.

RER (Resting Energy Requirement) = 70 × (Weight in kg)^0.75
DER (Daily Energy Requirement) = RER × Activity Factor
Activity Factors:

Low Activity = 2.0
High Activity = 3.0

Let’s explore the caloric needs of puppies of different breeds based on their weight, age, and activity level.

How Many Calories Does a Toy Breed Puppy Need?

Toy puppies like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians don’t get very big, usually staying between 4 and 12 pounds. Even though they are small, their bodies work fast and burn a lot of energy. So, for every pound they weigh, they need more calories than bigger puppies do. This extra energy helps them grow strong and stay active. Here’s the calorie needs of toy breed puppies by their weight and activity levels:

Weight	Calorie Needs (Low Activity)	Calorie Needs (High Activity)
1.2 – 2.5 lbs	100 – 160 kcal/day	150 – 220 kcal/day
2.5 – 4.5 lbs	160 – 240 kcal/day	220 – 320 kcal/day
4.5 – 6.5 lbs	200 – 280 kcal/day	270 – 380 kcal/day
6.5 – 9 lbs	230 – 300 kcal/day	300 – 420 kcal/day
9 – 12 lbs	250 – 320 kcal/day	330 – 460 kcal/day

This feeding chart provides general calorie estimates based on average toy breed puppy weights and activity levels. Individual needs can vary significantly due to metabolism, growth rate, and health status. Always consult your veterinarian to tailor a feeding plan for your puppy’s development.

For a detailed calorie chart showing toy breed puppy needs by each pound of body weight and activity level, download the full PDF here.

Download Toy Puppies Calorie Chart

Understanding Activity Levels!

Low Activity: Primarily indoors with short walks or limited playtime (e.g., puppies with health issues or very young puppies).
High Activity: Enjoys frequent and longer walks, active play sessions (fetching, running), and spends a significant amount of time moving throughout the day.

How Many Calories Does a Small Breed Puppy Need?

Small breed puppies—like Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, and French Bulldogs—typically reach an adult weight between 12 to 25 pounds. These breeds grow quickly and have higher metabolisms than medium or large breeds, meaning they require calorie-dense meals in small, frequent portions.

Their nutritional needs evolve as they grow, and providing too few or too many calories can lead to poor development or weight-related issues. Below is a breakdown of their daily calorie needs according to weight and activity level.

Weight	Calorie Needs (Low Activity)	Calorie Needs (High Activity)
2.5 – 4.5 lbs	160 – 250 kcal/day	230 – 330 kcal/day
4.5 – 8 lbs	240 – 360 kcal/day	320 – 460 kcal/day
8 – 12 lbs	300 – 420 kcal/day	400 – 550 kcal/day
12 – 18 lbs	350 – 480 kcal/day	460 – 620 kcal/day
18 – 25 lbs	400 – 540 kcal/day	520 – 700 kcal/day

These calorie guidelines are based on typical small-breed puppy weight ranges and energy requirements. Keep in mind that actual needs may vary depending on breed, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Want precise calorie needs for small-breed puppies by every pound? Get the complete version in the downloadable PDF chart.

Download Small Breed Puppies Calorie Chart

How Many Calories Does a Medium-Breed Puppy Need?

Medium breed puppies — including breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies — typically grow to an adult weight between 25 to 50 pounds. Their energy needs are moderate compared to toy or large breeds. Below is a summarised breakdown of daily calorie needs by current weight and activity level.

Weight	Calorie Needs (Low Activity)	Calorie Needs (High Activity)
4 – 8 lbs	200 – 320 kcal/day	300 – 450 kcal/day
8 – 15 lbs	300 – 480 kcal/day	450 – 650 kcal/day
15 – 25 lbs	450 – 650 kcal/day	650 – 900 kcal/day
25 – 35 lbs	600 – 780 kcal/day	800 – 1050 kcal/day
35 – 50 lbs	700 – 950 kcal/day	950 – 1250 kcal/day

The figures in this chart are averages and are meant to offer a general idea of daily calorie needs for medium-breed puppies. Variations in individual metabolism, breed traits, and daily activity can impact true requirements. Please consult your veterinarian for personalised advice.

This summary provides an overview. For a pound-by-pound calorie breakdown for medium breed puppies, download the full PDF chart.

Download Medium Breed Puppies Calorie Chart

How Many Calories Does a Large or Giant Breed Puppy Need?

Large and giant breed puppies — like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards — grow rapidly and can reach adult weights anywhere from 50 to over 100 pounds. While they need more total calories than smaller breeds, their calorie-per-pound requirement is lower. This is because fast overfeeding in large breeds can lead to skeletal disorders and joint stress, making measured caloric intake vital during their growth period.

Weight	Calorie Needs (Low Activity)	Calorie Needs (High Activity)
8 – 15 lbs	300 – 480 kcal/day	450 – 650 kcal/day
15 – 30 lbs	500 – 750 kcal/day	700 – 1050 kcal/day
30 – 50 lbs	700 – 950 kcal/day	950 – 1300 kcal/day
50 – 75 lbs	900 – 1150 kcal/day	1200 – 1550 kcal/day
75 – 100+ lbs	1100 – 1400 kcal/day	1450 – 1800+ kcal/day

Large breed puppies grow rapidly and have complex nutritional needs. This chart outlines estimated calorie needs by weight, but it is not a substitute for professional advice. To avoid overfeeding, underfeeding, or long-term joint issues, always involve your veterinarian in diet planning.

For large breed puppies, access the full PDF for detailed calorie needs by weight (per pound) and activity level.

Download Large Breed Puppies Calorie Chart

Once you have an idea of your puppy’s daily calorie needs, it’s important to divide that amount into appropriate meals. For guidance on how frequently to feed your growing pup, check out our guide on Puppy feeding frequency.

Do Calories from Treats Impact Your Puppy’s Diet?

Yes, calories from treats count toward your puppy’s daily intake and can quickly add up, especially for small or toy breeds. Here’s how they affect your puppy:

Disrupt the balance of essential nutrients
Contribute to unhealthy weight gain
Can cause developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD) in large breeds
They can spoil the appetite for main meals
They can interfere with training

Puppies are in a rapid phase of growth, and every calorie must support healthy bone development, cognitive function, and immunity. According to WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, treats should never exceed 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from their complete and balanced puppy food.

FAQs

Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions about puppies and their calorie needs.

How to Assess if Your Puppy is at a Healthy Weight?

To assess if your puppy is at a healthy weight, check for the following signs:

Ribs and Waist: You should be able to feel your puppy’s ribs without excessive fat covering. There should also be a noticeable waist when viewed from above.
Body Condition Score (BCS): The BCS is a scale used to assess whether a puppy is at an ideal weight. A score of 4-5 (on a 5-point scale) or 5-6 (on a 9-point scale) is considered ideal.
Side View: When viewed from the side, your puppy should have a slight tuck in the abdomen (not a sagging belly).

How to Monitor Weight and Adjust Portions?

Weigh your puppy weekly to track growth. Use a pet scale or a regular scale by weighing yourself first, then holding your puppy and subtracting your weight from the total.
Follow your puppy’s feeding chart (based on breed and size) or use a dog calorie calculator. Use measuring cups to ensure portions are accurate. If you’re unsure about the portion sizes, your vet can help tailor a feeding plan based on your puppy’s needs.

What to Do if Your Puppy Refuses Food?

If your puppy refuses food, consider the following steps:

Check for Illness: If your puppy is refusing food, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Monitor for other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhoea, and contact your vet if necessary.
Try Different Food: If your puppy doesn’t like their current food, try offering a different brand or flavor to see if they prefer it.
Feeding Schedule: Establish a consistent feeding schedule. If food is left out for too long, puppies may develop picky eating habits.
Make it Appealing: Try adding some warm water or a bit of puppy-safe broth to their food to make it more enticing.
Limit Treats: If your puppy is refusing food, limit the number of treats they are given, as it could be impacting their appetite for regular meals.

Can I Feed My Puppy Adult Dog Food?

No, generally you should not feed your puppy adult dog food. Puppies have different nutritional needs from adult dogs. They require:

Higher levels of protein: For muscle and tissue development.
Higher levels of fat: For energy and brain development.
Higher levels of calcium and phosphorus: For proper bone growth.
Specific ratios of nutrients: To support their rapid growth.

Feeding adult dog food to a puppy can lead to nutritional deficiencies and developmental problems, especially skeletal issues.

Can I Feed Homemade Food to My Puppy?

Yes, you can feed homemade food to your puppy, but it requires careful planning to ensure the meal is nutritionally balanced. Puppies need a precise balance of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals to grow properly. Consulting with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist is essential to ensure your homemade meals meet your puppy’s nutritional needs. Supplementing homemade meals with specific vitamins and minerals may also be necessary.

How Do I Know If I’m Feeding Too Much or Too Little?

You can determine if you’re feeding too much or too little by keeping an eye on your puppy’s weight, energy levels, and overall health:

Too Much: If your puppy is gaining weight too quickly, has a round belly, or is becoming sluggish, you may be feeding too much.
Too Little: If your puppy appears ribby, is always hungry, or is losing weight, you may need to increase their portions.