¿Cuánta comida necesita un cachorro? Guía completa de alimentación

Why puppies need more energy than adults

During growth, the puppy's body builds muscle, bone, nerve tissue and organs at a rate that will never be repeated. The energy requirement of a puppy under 4 months of age is equivalent to 3 times its resting requirement.

The four phases of feeding in the first few weeks

Puppy feeding evolves quickly:

• 0 to 3-4 weeks: exclusive breastfeeding.
• 4 to 8 weeks: gradual weaning with soft porridge.
• 2 to 6 months: maximum relative caloric need, four feedings per day.
• 6 months to maturity: reduce to two daily intakes.

Sack tables: a starting point, not an absolute truth

The ration tables are guidelines for the average puppy. Individual variability is real. The table is the starting point; the body condition score is the final arbiter.

The specific risk of large breeds: growing up fast is not better

In large breeds, overfeeding the puppy is as dangerous as underfeeding. Accelerated growth can lead to developmental orthopedic diseases.

Signs that the quantity is correct

These clinical signs confirm that feeding is adequate:

• The ribs are palpated with light pressure but are not visible.
• Progressive and steady growth.
• Consistent and well formed stools.
• Age-appropriate energy.