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How many times a day should I feed my small 8-week-old puppy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Male | neutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 14 lbs

Hi, our dog's breeder told us to feed him twice a day (1/2 cup each time) which we have been doing the past week since bringing him home. I'm hearing mixed things about feeding two or three times a day. What is best for a dog his size? He's around 4lbs right now, 8 weeks old.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 29th, 2017

I understand how confusing it can be to read and obtain conflicting information. Since Wallace is only 2 months old and is so small, I generally recommend feeding at least 3-4 times per day. The purpose of more frequent feeding at a young age and small size is to maintain an adequate blood glucose (sugar) at all times. Very small, young dogs are at a risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can lead to lethargy, weakness, or even seizures if they do not eat frequently. Continue feeding Wallace the same volume of food, but divide it into 3-4 meals per day rather than 2 for the next month or so. Around 5-6 months of age, you can decrease his feeding frequency to twice daily. Just remember to keep an eye on the chart that is found on your bag of food since the volume of food that Wallace will need will change as he gets older and larger. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Wallace! :-)

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2017
Hi and thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Since every bag of dog food is different calories per kibble, it is best to use the guidelines on the back of the bag when determining how much to feed your little one. However as a general rule of thumb for a small breed dog, feeding 1/4/-1/2 cup of food 3x times a day is best for a puppy at this age. You can reduce this to twice daily feedings once he is between 6-8 months of age, and feed adult food once he is 1 year of age. I hope this helps and best wishes with your new puppy! Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on July 28th, 2018
It really depends on your dog's size and age. Smaller breed dogs usually do better with 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day as they are more prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Once they are a bit older, you can decrease their meals to 2-3 times a day depending on what works. If you are concerned about Toby's eating habits, or you notice he is getting sluggish/lethargic in between meals, dividing out his daily meals to 3-4 a day may help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Archie. What a cutie! Yes, I would divide his food into three meals per day until he is at least 12 weeks of age. Then it is usually fine to go down to two meals. Start with the recommendation on the side of the food bag. Every food varies in calories per cup. So start with their recommendation. Then I base the feeding amount on how puppy looks as he grows. He should have a thin covering over his ribs and a defined waist from the top and side views. Also he should have free access to water at all times. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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