Puppy feeding and growth
How do I know if I am overfeeding my puppy?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Signs include ribs that are hard to feel under a layer of fat, no visible waist when viewed from above, weight gain that is faster than typical for the breed and age, and loose stools from too much food at once. Compare growth against breed expectations rather than judging by appetite alone.
The hands on check
Run flat hands gently along the puppy's sides. Ribs that require noticeable pressure to feel, or that cannot be felt at all, suggest too much body fat for a growing puppy. This check works even on fluffy coated breeds where visual assessment alone can be misleading.
Weight gain versus breed expectations
Comparing weekly or monthly weight gain against typical growth curves for the breed or size category, rather than just watching the number go up, helps distinguish normal growth from gaining unusually fast, which is a more specific sign of overfeeding than weight gain alone.
What to do about it
If overfeeding seems likely, reduce the daily amount by around 10 percent, recheck body condition and weight trend after two weeks, and cut back on treats and scraps at the same time, since these often go unaccounted for in the daily calorie total.
Key takeaways
- Ribs hard to feel and no visible waist are the main hands on signs of overfeeding.
- Compare weight gain against typical breed growth curves, not just a rising number.
- Reduce the daily food amount by about 10 percent if overfeeding seems likely.
- Account for treats and scraps, which often go unnoticed in the daily calorie total.