All new puppy owners want to make sure they are providing the best possible care for their furry friends. One of the most important aspects of puppy care is feeding – but how much should you be feeding a 4-month-old pup? In this blog post, we will discuss the recommended daily caloric intake for puppies at 4 months old, as well as some tips on how to properly feed your pup.
How Much Should You Feed a 4-Month-Old Puppy?
By the time a puppy is 4 months old, it needs a few small meals each day that are evenly spaced out. They are usually fed 3 times a day, but in some special circumstances, may be receiving 4 meals a day. You’ll want to know the overall daily serving in order to divide it properly into portioned meals.
It’s impossible to say that one specific amount of food is right for all 4-month-old puppies because their weight affects how much they should be eating. A tiny Chihuahua will need far less food than a large Great Dane. That’s why we recommend using your puppy’s weight as a guide when determining how much to feed them each day.
Here is a chart that lists the average daily caloric intake for puppies of different weights:
| Puppy’s Weight | Overall Daily Serving | Serving For Each Meal |
| 3 to 5 pounds | 1.33 cups | .44 cups |
| 5 to 10 pounds | 2.5 cups | .83 cups |
| 10 to 20 pounds | 3 cups | 1 cup |
| 20 to 30 pounds | 4.5 cups | 1.5 cups |
This chart is meant to be used as a general guideline and it’s important to consider any additional factors that may affect how much food your dog needs, such as:
- Activity Level: A puppy who runs and plays all day will need more calories than a pup who is mostly sedentary.
- Metabolism: Some dogs have faster metabolisms than others and may need more food to maintain their weight.
- Breed: Some breeds are more prone to weight gain than others and may need a lower calorie diet.
- Health Conditions: Dogs with health problems like diabetes or thyroid issues may require special diets that differ from the average puppy.
If you are unsure about how much to feed your specific puppy, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you determine the best diet for your pup based on their individual needs.
How Many Treats Should a 4-Month-Old Puppy Have?
In addition to their regular meals, puppies can have up to two small treats per day. These treats should make up no more than about five to ten percent of their daily caloric intake. For example, a 20-pound puppy could have 100 to 200 calories worth of treats each day.
When choosing treats for your puppy, look for healthy options that are low in calories and free from unhealthy ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can also give your puppy small pieces of their regular dog food as treats.
Don’t feed your young pup table scraps or human food at this age. It will only lead to begging behavior and can cause digestive problems, especially if the scraps contain foods that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, or grapes.
As your puppy grows older, you can increase the number of treats they have each day as long as their overall caloric intake remains appropriate for their weight and activity level.
What is the Best Food for a 4-Month-Old Puppy?
When it comes to what kind of food to feed your puppy, we recommend sticking with high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for their age, weight, and breed. Avoid ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy, which are common allergens for dogs. You should also avoid foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and they require a diet that is high in protein and fat to support their rapid growth.
Avoid giving your puppy adult dog food that isn’t specifically designed for puppies. These diets can be lacking in the nutrients that puppies need and can cause them to become malnourished or overweight.
If you are unsure about what kind of food to feed your puppy, always consult with your veterinarian. They can help you choose a food that is right for your pup based on their individual needs.
How Often Should a 4-Month-Old Puppy Eat?
You can feed your 4-month-old dog 3 times a day. At this point in your dog’s development, they can handle slightly larger amounts of food at once but aren’t ready for 2 large portions a day. As mentioned above, some 4-month-old pups still eat 4 times a day. This is best if your pup has digestive issues or is a small breed.
In order to tell how many times your dog needs to be fed each day, pay attention to its energy levels and weight. A dog who is always begging for food and seems to be gaining weight may need to be fed less often. A dog who is always tired and doesn’t seem to be growing as quickly as it should need more food.
It can be hard for dog owners to be available 3 or 4 times a day to feed their puppy. It’s best, at least for the first year, to try to be around during mealtimes so you can monitor your pup’s food intake and make sure they’re eating enough.
If you can’t be home for every meal, there are a few options to consider. You can ask a friend or neighbor to stop by and feed your puppy while you’re gone. Professional dog walkers can help as well.
You could also invest in an automatic dog feeder that will dispense food at set times throughout the day. You can put a small camera in the feeding area in order to monitor your pup’s eating habits and make sure the feeder is working properly.
What Time of Day Should I Feed My 4-Month-Old Puppy?
The best time to feed your puppy is when you eat. It can be right before or right after your meals, depending on what works best for your schedule. Many owners choose to feed their dogs after their own dinner so they can show their pup they are the head of the pack in a positively reinforced way.
Whatever time you choose to feed your puppy, try to be consistent from day to day so they can learn when it is time to eat. Try to avoid feeding your puppy too late at night as this can make it harder for them to sleep through the night.
It’s a good idea to align potty training with your puppy’s mealtimes as well. Puppies usually need to relieve themselves about 20 minutes after eating or drinking. If you feed your puppy right before a walk, it will likely have to go to the potty as soon as you get home.
By paying attention to your puppy’s natural rhythms and providing them with consistent meals, you can help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
When it comes to water, your 4-month-old pup will need to regularly drink throughout the day to stay hydrated. The best way to ensure your puppy is getting enough water is to always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available.
Keep an eye on your pup to make sure they don’t drink too much. And feel free to take away their water bowl an hour or two before bed to ensure that there aren’t any accidents overnight.