How Much Weight Should a Puppy Gain Each Week?
Post Date:
October 22, 2023
(Date Last Modified: November 13, 2025)
Puppy growth varies widely by age and the size and genetics of the breed, so owners track weight to assess healthy development.
Typical growth patterns by age and breed size
During the neonatal period through about 8 weeks, puppies follow predictable early weight rules: many neonates should double their birth weight within 7 to 10 days after birth when nursing well [1]. In the first days to two weeks, a common benchmark is a daily gain equal to roughly 5% to 10% of birthweight per day for clinically healthy puppies receiving adequate milk from the dam [2]. By the end of the 8-week neonatal-to-weaning window, many puppies will have increased to multiple times their birthweight, with small-breed pups often achieving adult-weight proportions earlier than large breeds [3].
From about 2 months into the 2–6 month phase, growth accelerates and the pace depends strongly on breed-size category: small (toy and small) breeds commonly approach adult size between about 6 and 9 months of age [4], medium breeds often reach adult height and much of adult mass by approximately 12 months [3], and large-breed puppies continue substantial skeletal and musculoskeletal growth well beyond the first year [5]. For many large breeds, the most active linear (height) growth occurs between roughly 2 and 12 months, while substantial weight and musculoskeletal maturation may continue between 12 and 18 months [4].
The final growth window differs by size class: small-breed dogs commonly finish most growth by under 12 months, often between 6 and 9 months depending on the breed and individual [3]. In contrast, giant-breed dogs (for example breeds with expected adult mass well over 100 pounds) may continue to gain appreciable height and weight until 18 to 24 months of age [5]. Because skeletal maturation timing affects nutrition and activity recommendations, veterinarians use these size-based age windows to guide calorie targets and exercise limits during growth phases [4].
Expected weekly weight gain ranges
Between birth and 8 weeks, a practical quick-reference for many breeders is that healthy puppies often gain roughly 2 to 8 ounces (55–225 g) per week depending on breed size and litter factors [2]. From 8 to 16 weeks the typical weekly gain widens: toy and small breeds may gain about 2 to 6 ounces (55–170 g) per week while medium breeds often add 6 to 16 ounces (170–450 g) per week and large breeds commonly add 1 to 3 pounds (450–1,360 g) per week during peak growth months [3].
| Age | Toy / Small | Medium | Large / Giant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–8 weeks | 2–6 oz (55–170 g) | 3–8 oz (85–225 g) | 4–10 oz (115–280 g) |
| 8–16 weeks | 2–6 oz (55–170 g) | 6–16 oz (170–450 g) | 1–3 lb (450–1,360 g) |
| 4–12 months | steady small gains; most finish by 6–9 mo | moderate gains; many finish ~12 mo | continued rapid gain; may gain into 18–24 mo |
These ranges are broad because individual litter size, birthweight, sex, and genetics produce large variability; monitoring trends is more important than matching a single number exactly [1]. When interpreting ranges, use the lower bound to flag slow growth and the upper bound to flag overly rapid gain that may increase orthopedic risk in large breeds [4].
How to weigh a puppy accurately
Use a digital baby scale or a precision kitchen scale rated for small masses; a model with 0.1-ounce or 1-gram resolution is ideal for neonatal and small-breed puppies [2].
- Place a clean towel on the scale and tare it before putting the puppy on the towel to avoid weighing the fabric [2].
- Weigh at a consistent time daily or every 48–72 hours for healthy litters; early-morning pre-feeding measurements reduce variation from recent meals [3].
- Calibrate the scale periodically using a known weight (for example a packaged 1-lb item or calibration weight) and replace batteries if readings fluctuate [2].
- Record each measurement with date, time, and the puppy’s identifier so slope and deviations are easy to spot over weeks [1].
Common measurement errors include inconsistent timing (weighing pre- and post-feeding), not taring for bedding, and small-scales with insufficient resolution for neonates; each of these can shift apparent weekly gain by measurable amounts and mask true trends [2].
Growth charts and tracking tools
Breed-specific growth charts are preferable when available because they reflect genetically typical adult mass and growth tempo for that breed; when a breed chart is not available, general size-class charts provide useful approximations [3].
Plot weekly weights on a linear chart and calculate a rolling 2–4 week slope to detect plateaus or declines; a consistent upward slope within expected ranges usually indicates adequate nutrition and health [1]. Spreadsheets with simple formulas or free apps that allow date-stamped entries and graphing make deviations easy to review during vet visits [3].
Nutrition and calorie requirements for growth
Puppy calorie needs vary by age and size; a common starting estimate for growing puppies is approximately 55–60 kcal/kg/day for maintenance during slower phases, increasing substantially during rapid growth with many large-breed puppies requiring upward of 100–150 kcal/kg/day at peak growth months depending on activity and metabolism [4].
Expressing fluid or feed volumes clinically uses mL/kg/day for formulas and supplements; for example, milk-replacer feeding rates are commonly prescribed in the range of 100–200 mL/kg/day for neonates depending on age and clinical condition, and such regimens are adjusted under veterinary supervision [2].
When choosing commercial puppy foods, select formulations labeled for growth for the appropriate size class and read the guaranteed analysis: protein and fat percentages and kcal per cup (or per 100 g) guide portioning [3]. Frequent small meals—typically 3 to 4 times daily in young puppies—helps meet caloric needs without overloading the gut, and transitions between formulas should occur gradually over 7–10 days to reduce GI upset [5].
Factors that positively or negatively affect weight gain
Genetics set the upper and lower bounds of growth velocity: littermates can diverge substantially when genetic potential differs, and larger litter sizes correlate with smaller average birthweights and slower early gain in some studies [1].
Health factors that commonly reduce weight gain include intestinal parasites, which frequently cause poor thrive and are detected on fecal testing, and infectious or congenital disorders that interfere with absorption or intake; routine deworming and early fecal exams are standard parts of neonatal care [2].
Environmental stresses—such as inadequate maternal care, high competition at the nipple, cold ambient temperature, or frequent handling—can reduce intake and slow gains; maintaining ambient temperatures recommended for neonates and ensuring equitable access to feeding reduce these risks [2].
Recognizing inadequate or excessive weight gain
Failure to gain, weight plateaus for more than 3–5 days in early life, or any measurable loss are red flags that prompt veterinary evaluation; a drop of more than 5% of bodyweight in a single day or failure to double birthweight in 7–10 days commonly triggers concern in neonates [1].
Excessive rapid gain—for example weekly increases above breed-appropriate upper ranges or sustained gains that cause a puppy to pass predicted size percentiles rapidly—can increase the risk of premature bone growth and joint problems in large-breed puppies and should be managed with calorie adjustments and professional guidance [4].
Common medical causes and diagnostic steps
Veterinarians often start with a history and growth log, then perform a physical exam, fecal parasite testing, a basic CBC and chemistry panel, and imaging if structural anomalies are suspected [1]. Chronic malabsorption, congenital cardiac or hepatic disease, and endocrine disorders are among conditions that may require targeted diagnostics including abdominal imaging or specialized assays [4].
Bringing a concise record of weights, diet, frequency of feeding, deworming history, litter size, and any treatments accelerates diagnosis and tailors treatment plans during the veterinary visit [2].
Practical interventions to improve weight gain safely
Stepwise measures owners can pursue include increasing feeding frequency to small, energy-dense meals; offering a veterinary-formulated puppy diet or adding canned food toppers to raise caloric density; and using vet-recommended milk replacers or fortifiers when nursing or intake is inadequate [3].
Deworming per veterinary guidance and treating skin or oral issues that reduce intake are low-cost steps that often produce measurable weight responses within 1–2 weeks [2]. Use supplements only under veterinary supervision because inappropriate energy-dense supplementation can cause imbalanced nutrient intake and rapid growth that harms large-breed skeletal development [4].
Preventing long-term problems from improper growth
For large-breed puppies, keeping growth steady rather than excessively rapid reduces the risk of developmental orthopedic disease; many guidelines recommend controlled-calorie growth plans that avoid high-energy adult maintenance diets during peak growth months [4].
Chronic undernutrition during growth can produce stunted final size, weakened immune function, and reduced muscle mass; early detection and correction of inadequate weight gain preserve long-term health and reduce lifetime disease risk [1].
Maintain a long-term monitoring plan that transitions from weekly checks in early life to monthly checks as adult size approaches, and consult your veterinarian if a puppy’s growth crosses major percentiles or exhibits sudden slope changes at any age [3].
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