Puppy feeding and growth
Why does my puppy's appetite change so much week to week?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Puppy growth happens in uneven waves rather than a steady line, so appetite naturally rises during faster growth stretches and eases during quieter ones. Weather, activity level, and teething can add further week to week variation on top of this underlying growth pattern.
Growth spurts drive much of the swing
During a fast growth stretch, often lasting a week or two, a puppy's calorie needs genuinely rise, which shows up as a hungrier puppy at mealtimes. Once that growth phase eases, appetite typically settles back down closer to its previous level, which can feel like an unexplained dip if you are not expecting it.
Other contributing factors
A particularly active week of long walks or new training sessions raises calorie burn and appetite along with it. Hot weather tends to reduce appetite slightly, while a teething flare up can make a puppy eat more cautiously for a few days even while still hungry.
When the variation is worth watching more closely
Occasional week to week swings within an overall steady upward weight trend are normal. A pattern of appetite dropping and staying low for more than a week, or swings accompanied by other symptoms, is different and worth discussing with a vet.
Key takeaways
- Uneven growth spurts are the main driver of week to week appetite changes.
- Activity level, weather, and teething all add further natural variation.
- Occasional swings within a steady overall weight trend are normal.
- Appetite that stays low for more than a week, or with other symptoms, needs closer attention.