How Many Calories Should Puppies Have?

A puppy's calorie needs will vary based on breed and activity level.

Breed Differences

It's difficult to give an exact caloric value, as growth rates and activity levels differ greatly among puppies of different breeds. According to the Phouka Dog Pages, tracking a puppy's age against its weight in a calorie chart is a good starting point.

Other Sources of Calories

Don't forget about treats or table food scraps. Giving any of those to a puppy will add to its daily caloric intake. Not adjusting for these extra calories could lead to a chubby puppy, and potential obesity problems in the future.

Bottom Line

There's no clear-cut value that determines the number of calories a particular puppy needs in a day. It's best to use a calorie chart or the feeding guidelines printed on the labels of puppy foods, or consult your veterinarian.

References

• Phouka Dog Pages: How Much to Feed Your Dog

Resources

• Trish Wamsat's Adobe Dogs: Your New Puppy