Puppy feeding and growth
How much should a 5 month old puppy eat?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Five month old puppies are usually still on 3 meals a day, though some small breeds are beginning the move to 2. Food amounts keep increasing for medium, large, and giant breeds, while small breed puppies often start levelling off as they approach their adult size well before their larger counterparts.
Small breeds start slowing down
A small breed puppy expected to weigh 6 kg (13 lb) or so as an adult may already be close to three quarters of that weight by five months, so its calorie needs per kilogram start easing off. Watch for a puppy that suddenly needs less food than the chart suggests, since overfeeding a slowing small breed is an easy way to start a lifelong weight problem.
Medium and large breeds are still climbing
In contrast, a medium or large breed puppy at five months typically has a long way to go and needs its food amount reassessed every couple of weeks rather than left static. Underfeeding a fast growing large breed puppy at this stage can show up as poor coat quality or low energy.
A note on neutering timing
Some puppies are neutered or spayed around five to six months. If that happens, expect calorie needs to drop by roughly 10 percent afterward due to a slightly slower metabolism, and reweigh a few weeks post surgery rather than assuming the pre surgery portion still fits.
Key takeaways
- Five month old puppies are usually still on 3 meals a day.
- Small breeds often start needing proportionally less food as they near adult size.
- Medium and large breeds typically still need their food amount increased regularly at this age.
- Expect calorie needs to drop slightly after neutering or spaying and adjust portions afterward.