Hello, I am rescuing my first puppy next Monday. She’ll be 11. When we get her, she will be 5 weeks old, and I have never had a dog that young. Her foster parents are giving her litter 3/4 cup twice daily.
She’s an Australian shepherd/great pyrenees/golden retriever mix. Concerning feeding them twice or three times a day, I keep reading conflicting information. Which do you recommend?.
I have an appointment with a vet on that Friday, but I wanted to ask you what you thought, hoping to get a response before I pick her up, and if it is three times a day, how much would you feed her each time, given that she’s almost three months old?
I’m really excited to take on this challenge, but it’s also a little nerve-wracking not knowing exactly how much to feed her. -Michele Solano
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Mother’s milk is the best puppy food for your puppy during the first month of life because it has the ideal ratio of nutrients for a growing puppy.
A formula made specifically for puppies is the best choice if you are rearing puppies alone without the mother or if you need to supplement puppies for another reason. (Don’t substitute a kitten or human formula. ).
Puppies should be weighed daily. Even though a puppy might not put on weight the first day (a healthy starting weight varies by breed and can be determined by your veterinarian), there should be gradual weight gains after that. Contact your veterinarian if a puppy loses weight or fails to gain weight.
Puppies should always be breastfed and raised by their mothers. However, there are instances (such as when a puppy is left an orphan) where bottle feeding puppies becomes necessary. However, bottle feeding in the incorrect manner, quantity, style, or time frame can result in disease or even death. Here is how to bottle feed puppies:
As long as puppies gain weight daily and don’t exhibit signs of hunger (such as crying) until just before the next feeding is scheduled, it is typically unnecessary to monitor their exact calorie intake. Commercially available milk substitutes offer guidelines for what a typical puppy might consume each day, such as 2 teaspoons per 4 ounces of body weight. Keep an eye on these because puppies who consume too much at one feeding may experience diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
When it comes to a 5-week-old puppy feeding schedule, this is typically the time when owners begin to wean their puppies.
After puppies have finished weaning, keep an eye on their diet and weight. If you’re wondering what to feed puppies, stick to puppy dog food (instead of adult formulas) because it’s made especially for ideal growth, has a balanced diet, and contains supplements for brain development.
What Amount of Solid Food is Sufficient for a Young Pup?
Depending on their size and weight, your 5-week-old puppy will require a different amount of solid food. You must modify the amount of food you are giving them to account for the fact that puppies typically eat three to four meals per day.
A good guideline is to begin each meal with 1/4 cup of dry food. After eating, if your puppy is still ravenous, you can gradually give them more food.
On the other hand, if your puppy refuses to eat or leaves food in the bowl, they might not be ready for solid food yet. Until they’re ready for more solid food, you can continue to give them milk in this situation.
In any case, be sure to consult your veterinarian about the nutrition of your 5-week-old puppy and confirm that you’re feeding them the appropriate amount of food. Your five-week-old puppy will be healthy and content in no time with the right care and nutrition!
How Much Food Should I Feed My Puppy?
These amounts are for every 24 hours.
| Ideal Weight of Dog (At Maturity) | Weaning-12 Weeks | 4-5 Months | 6-8 Months | 9-11 Months | 1-2 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-12 lbs | 0.5-1 cup | 0.75-1 1/3 cups | 0.5-1.5 cups | Adult portion | Adult portion |
| 13-20 lbs | 0.5-1.25 cups | 1-2 cups | 9.75-1.25 cups | 1-1.5 cups | Adult Portion |
| 21-50 lbs | 0.5-1.5 cups | 1.5-2.75 cups | 1.25-2.25 cups | 2-3 cups | 2-4.25 cups |
| 51-75 lbs | 0.75-2.5 cups | 1.5-4 cups | 1.5-3.75 cups | 2.5-4.75 cups | 4.25-6.25 cups |
| 76-100 lbs | 1-2.5 cups | 2.75-3.75 cups | 2.75-6.25 cups | 4.75-7 cups | 6.25-11 cups |
| 101+ lbs | 2.5 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 3.75cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 6.25 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 7 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 | 11 cups + 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100 |
FAQ
How often should I feed a 5 week old puppy?
Five-week-old puppies should eat three to four times a day. Sadly, dogs of small breeds or those bred to be “micro” or “teacup” sizes are more prone to hypoglycemia. As a result, puppies might need to eat more frequently, up to four to six small meals per day. They might need to be fed more frequently in some circumstances.
Does a 5 week old puppy still need milk?
When it comes to a 5-week-old puppy feeding schedule, this is typically the time when owners begin to wean their puppies. When weaning puppies, use a commercially produced, balanced food. You can add a little extra water to wet puppy food or soften kibble with water or broth to a soupy consistency.
Can a 5 week old puppy eat dry food?
Your puppy should be able to eat solid foods at the age of six weeks. Many owners still choose to soak their food at this time, and puppies whose teeth are still developing will enjoy the softness!
HOW LONG CAN 5 week old puppies go without eating?
Puppies, unlike older dogs, don’t have fat reserves. Therefore, they can’t go longer than 12 hours without food. This is especially true for toy breeds because blood sugar drops, or hypoglycemia, can cause serious complications. Puppies are also more susceptible to dehydration than older dogs.