Puppies Have Specific Nutritional Needs
A lot goes on during your puppy’s first year of life, and the best puppy food is one that can keep up with their growing nutritional requirements. Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA will support your pup’s brain and eye development, while higher levels of calcium will aid his growing skeletal system, plus protein to support muscle growth.
Puppies also tend to be more active, so expect your furry friend to eat more calories than an older dog would typically need.
Weight of Dog | Growth less than 4 months (Pregnancy weeks 7 - 9) | Growth 4 to 9 months (Pregnancy weeks 5 - 6) | Growth 10 to 12 months (Pregnancy weeks 1 - 4) |
---|---|---|---|
2 lb (0,9 kg) | 1/2 cup (50 g) | 3/8 cup (35 g) | 1/3 cup (35 g) |
5 lb (2,3 kg) | 1 cup (100 g) | 7/8 cup (85 g) | 2/3 cup (65 g) |
8 lb (3,6 kg) | 1 1/2 cups (150 g) | 1 1/4 cups (125 g) | 1 cup (100 g) |
10 lb (4,5 kg) | 1 3/4 cups (175 g) | 1 1/2 cups (150 g) | 1 1/8 cups (110 g) |
20 lb (9,1 kg) | 3 cups (295 g) | 2 1/2 cups (250 g) | 2 cups (200 g) |
40 lb (18 kg) | 5 cups (495 g) | 4 cups (395 g) | 3 1/4 cups (320 g) |
60 lb (27 kg) | 6 2/3 cups (660 g) | 5 1/2 cups (545 g) | 4 1/3 cups (430 g) |
80 lb (36 kg) | 8 1/4 cups (815 g) | 6 3/4 cups (670 g) | 5 1/2 cups (545 g) |
100 lb (45 kg) | 9 3/4 cups (965 g) | 8 cups (790 g) | 6 1/2 cups (645 g) |
120 lb (54 kg) | 11 1/4 cups (1115 g) | 9 1/4 cups (915 g) | 7 1/2 cups (745 g) |
*Based on Science Diet® dog food recommendations
Breed Size Makes a Difference
Depending on the breed of your puppy, you’ll want to make sure their nutritional needs are met for the size they'll eventually grow into. Large breed puppies (that grow to 55+ lb.) are more susceptible to bone and joint issues due to their rapid growth. Talk to your vet to make sure your large pup is getting the right balance of nutrients.

Science Diet Puppy Food
Science Diet® uses more than 70 years of research to develop nutrition that meets your puppy's biological needs. Maybe that's why Hill's is US veterinarians' #1 recommended.
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Healthy Advantage® Puppy Food
Available exclusively through your veterinarian, Hill's® Healthy Advantage® Puppy food is formulated to provide 5 essential health benefits for your puppy.
Shop Healthy Advantage®Hill's® Science Diet® Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
4.9 (63 Reviews)
Hill’s® Science Diet® Small Bites Puppy dry food is carefully formulated for the developmental needs of puppies, so they get the best start in life & grow to their full potential. Delicious chicken flavor in a small bite size for those that prefer variety.

Amazed at the Quality!
“Our vet recommended Science Diet when we got our new puppy. We had an older dog that ate a different brand, so we were skeptical. But after trying the food out, we were amazed at the quality difference in even the kibble pieces. Then we read the ingredients difference and decided. Our new puppy will stay on Science Diet!"
– amandajjj, Readyville, TN
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