Little puppies become big ones in no time. To support all that growth that they’ll be doing until they reach adulthood, they’ll need lots of calories and should be gaining weight steadily each week. So how much weight should a puppy gain per week?
There is no standard weight gain for puppies each week because dogs vary so much in size. Small breed puppies will gain a few ounces each week until they’re fully grown, while large breed puppies will gain a few pounds a week. Here, we’ll look at how much weight your particular puppy should be gaining and what to do if they’re not.
Generally, puppies of all sizes should be gaining around 1 to 2 grams of weight per day per kilogram of expected adult weight per day. That roughly translates to around 0.25 to 0.5 ounces per pound of expected weight per week.
So, for small breed puppies whose adult weight will be 10 pounds, that means that your puppy should be gaining 2.5 to 5 ounces of weight per week. On the other hand, your large breed puppy whose adult weight is around 75 pounds should be gaining 18.75 to 37.50 ounces per week – about 1.17 to 2.34 pounds.
Small and Large Breed Puppy Growth
Little dogs reach adulthood between 9 and 12 months of age. By the time they reach around 4 to 5 months old, they’ll be half of their adult weight.
Large breeds achieve half their adult weight by the time they are between 9 and 12 months old and are fully grown at 2 years old
What if My Puppy isn’t Gaining Enough Weight?
Puppies need to be fed the right amount of puppy-specific food that is richer in calories, protein, and fat than adult dog food. While eating this food, if you can see your puppy’s ribs, it’s time to increase their portions. You’ll also want to visit a veterinarian because it’s possible that your puppy has intestinal parasites or an illness that is preventing proper weight gain. The veterinarian will examine your puppy to see if there are any underlying health issues preventing weight gain. They may also recommend a deworming treatment to get rid of any intestinal parasites. If your puppy is healthy but still not gaining enough weight, the veterinarian may advise adding a high-calorie supplement to their diet or increasing the number of meals they have each day. It’s important to follow the veterinarian’s advice to ensure your puppy is getting the correct nutrition for their growth and development.
What if My Puppy is Gaining Too Much Weight?
Puppy food is rich in calories to support healthy growth, but too much of a good thing may lead to obesity. This is especially important to monitor in large breed dogs who are prone to bone and joint issues. In addition to monitoring your puppy’s weight, it’s also important to make sure they’re getting enough exercise. Puppies need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore to help them develop strong muscles and bones. You can take your puppy for walks, play fetch, or engage in other types of physical activities to help keep them active and healthy. If you’re concerned about your puppy’s weight or overall health, it’s always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian for advice and guidance on how best to care for your furry friend.
Little puppies become big ones in no time. To support all that growth that they’ll be doing until they reach adulthood, they’ll need lots of calories and should be gaining weight steadily each week. So how much weight should a puppy gain per week?
