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Feeding the best puppy food possible

The best puppy food provides the right balance of nutrients, calories and satisfaction. Here's everything you should look for when it's time to feed your new furry friend.

The Best Puppy Food Starts with Science

Just like a baby, your puppy needs food that provides a specific balance of nutrients for the first year of life.

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.

A Healthy Feeding Schedule

Puppies eat a lot and they eat often, but too much can lead to begging and weight issues. Use this puppy food calculator* to find a proper feeding schedule, and remember: size, age and breed are also factors, so check with your veterinarian first.

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

Feeding Options that Fit

Flavor is only part of your puppy’s dining experience, which is why we provide a variety of forms. Hill’s puppy nutrition is field-tested with the dogs of our Pet Nutrition Center to ensure your little one will come running for mealtime.

Dry Puppy Food

Puppy kibble is designed to fit smaller mouths, and provide a texture and aroma that growing pups crave.

Wet Puppy Food

Feed canned puppy food as a meal, or as a delicious “topper” to dry puppy food. Try Hill’s® Science Diet® peel & serve trays for small & toy breed puppies for a quick, convenient mealtime.

Puppy Training Treats

When it comes to training your furry friend, the right treat can go a long way. Hill’s® Science Diet® treats provide a delicious AND nutritious way to help your pup learn.

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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.

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Shop Hill’s® Puppy Food by Brand

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.

Shop Science Diet®

Bioactive Recipe Puppy Food

Hill’s Bioactive Recipe Grow + Learn is made with nutrient-rich ingredients to help growing minds learn new skills.

Shop Bioactive Recipe

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®
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Caring for Your Puppy

ARTICLES AND TOOLS

Pet Care Center

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