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How to split daily food for my 4-month-old puppy's three meals?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 months old | 36 lbs

Hi my puppy is 4 months old and weighs 36lbs. I know I should feed him three times a day, but is the amount consistent each feeding period. He eats Purina Puppy Chow, it says he should eat 1cup3/4 - 2cup1/3.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I usually just go in the middle. The bag recommends about 2 cups per day so break that amount into 3 feedings (they don’t have to be equal). Be sure to continue to follow the bag as his age and weight changes. Kisses to Ace!

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    Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 20th, 2017

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Jack is eating about the same amount each day, you can switch him over to eating twice a day and making sure that his weight is stable. Most dog food bags will have feeding directions on them which show how much food should be fed per day for dogs of a certain weight. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2018

    Yes I like feeding three times a day for several more months. I adjust the amount at each feeding depending on how hungry he is. I want him to be hungry and just finish the meal. If he’s starving and woofs it all down in a few seconds then you are not feeding enough. Gradually he’ll stop being hungry at the mid day meal, then I go to two feedings daily for the rest of his life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jasper.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2018

    I generally switch to twice a day feeding when the puppy isn’t very interested in the mid day meal. That usually happens at six to eight months. If she’s a normal weight you can go to twice a day feeding now. If she’s thin and not finishing her meals then I would continue feeding three times a day. I always feed twice daily then for the rest of their life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Gracie.

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