Puppy Weight Gain Guide: How Much Growth Is Normal Per Week?

Key takeaways:

• Puppies grow at different rates based on breed, with steady weight gain being key to healthy development.
• A balanced diet, portion control, and regular feeding schedules support proper growth.
• Monitoring weight, appetite, and energy levels helps detect any health concerns early.

Puppies grow at an incredible pace in their first few weeks, quickly transforming from tiny newborns into playful, energetic companions. While every breed develops at its own rate, monitoring weight gain helps ensure your puppy is on a healthy track. Growth patterns can vary significantly—some small breeds may gain just a few ounces a week, while larger breeds can add pounds in the same timeframe.

Understanding what’s normal for your puppy’s size and breed helps you provide the best care during this critical stage. Factors like genetics, diet, and overall health all influence their development. At PetHealthMD, we’re here to guide you through your puppy’s growth journey, offering expert-backed insights and practical tips to support their healthy milestones.

Ideal weekly puppy weight gain

A puppy’s weight gain is one of the best indicators of healthy development. Since growth rates vary by breed size, it’s important to compare your puppy’s progress with their expected range rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

To get a better idea of what you can expect, here’s a breakdown of typical weekly weight gain based on breed size:

• Tiny breeds (under 10 lbs as adults): 1-5 ounces per week
• Small breeds (10-25 lbs as adults): 5-10 ounces per week
• Medium breeds (25-50 lbs as adults): 1-2 pounds per week
• Large breeds (50-100 lbs as adults): 2-3 pounds per week
• Giant breeds (100+ lbs as adults): 3-5 pounds per week

Puppies don’t always gain weight at a perfectly steady rate—some may have quick bursts of growth followed by slower periods. As long as they continue progressing toward a healthy adult weight, minor fluctuations are normal. If you’re unsure whether your puppy is growing at a safe pace, your vet can assess their body condition and recommend any dietary adjustments.

Factors affecting puppy weight gain

Many factors work together to affect how your puppy gains weight and grows. Understanding these influences helps you support your puppy’s healthy development. Let’s look at both natural characteristics and daily care factors that shape your puppy’s growth.

Internal factors:

• Growth Rate by Size: Small breeds gain about 0.5 ounces weekly, while large breeds can add up to 2.5 pounds during growth spurts. Watch for steady gains based on your puppy’s breed.
• Family History: Your puppy’s parents’ size offers clues about expected growth patterns. Ask your breeder about adult sizes in your puppy’s family line.
• Body Type: Different breeds mature at different rates – some reach adult size by 6 months, others take up to 2 years.

External factors:

• Daily Activity: The right amount of playtime and exercise builds strong muscles. Start with short play sessions and increase activity as your puppy grows.
• Weather Changes: Puppies may need more food during cold weather to maintain healthy growth. Adjust portions during winter months.
• Home Environment: A calm, stable setting encourages regular eating habits. Keep meal times and feeding spots consistent to support steady weight gain.
• Meal Schedule: Regular feeding times and proper portion sizes prevent growth spurts and slumps. Follow feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s age and size.

Tips for healthy puppy nutrition

Growing puppies have a lot of nutritional needs. They require twice as many calories per pound of body weight as their adult dog counterpart during their first year to fuel their rapid growth. Let’s explore these healthy puppy nutrition tips to help your little one thrive:

• Choose quality puppy-specific formulas designed for your puppy’s growth stage. These special formulations provide the perfect balance of nutrients your growing pup needs.
• Look for foods rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats to support muscle development and brain function.
• Create a consistent feeding schedule. Young puppies should start with four meals daily, then gradually move to three and finally two meals by their first birthday. Regular mealtimes help build healthy eating habits.
• Use a standard measuring cup or scale for portions to keep your puppy’s growth on track. Your puppy will appreciate the consistency, and you’ll have better control over their weight gain.
• Keep fresh, clean water always available for your growing pup. With their bodies being 60-70% water, proper hydration supports healthy development.
• Mix new food with current food over 7-10 days to make food transitions gentle. This loving approach helps prevent tummy troubles while keeping your puppy comfortable during dietary changes.

FAQs about puppy weight gain

Caring for a growing puppy means keeping an eye on their weight and overall health. Here are some common questions about puppy weight gain and what you can do to support your pup’s development.

When should I contact my vet about my puppy’s weight gain?

If your puppy’s weight changes drastically in a short time or they seem less energetic, uninterested in food, or unusually thirsty, it’s time to check in with your vet. Puppies grow at different rates, but sudden shifts in weight can sometimes point to digestive issues, parasites like fleas or ticks, or other health concerns. Catching these signs early can help keep your puppy on track.

What are the best ways to adjust my puppy’s diet for healthy weight gain?

If your puppy seems underweight, slightly increasing their portion sizes—about 10% at a time—can help. Stick to high-quality puppy food with at least 25-30% protein to support growth, and split their meals into three or four servings daily to keep digestion smooth. 

If they still aren’t gaining weight after two weeks, a vet visit can help rule out any underlying issues or guide you on the best nutritional adjustments.

What physical signs show my puppy is growing healthily?

A healthy puppy should have bright eyes, a soft and shiny coat, and plenty of playful energy. You should be able to feel their ribs with gentle pressure—similar to pressing on the back of your knuckles—but they shouldn’t be sticking out. Pink gums, a steady appetite, and normal bathroom habits are also signs that your puppy is developing well.

How much exercise supports healthy puppy growth?

Puppies need age-appropriate activity to stay fit without overworking their growing joints. A good rule is five minutes of structured play or exercise per month of age, twice a day. So, a four-month-old puppy would need around 20 minutes per session. Playtime, short walks, and light training, complete with their favorite treats, are great ways to keep them active, but if they start panting heavily or lying down frequently, it’s time to let them rest.

Support your puppy’s healthy growth

Watching your puppy grow and thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of pet parenthood. Each milestone, from early weight gain to steady development, reflects the care and attention you provide. Staying mindful of their nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being helps set the stage for a strong, active life ahead.

At PetHealthMD, we’re committed to helping you navigate every stage of your puppy’s development. From weight tracking to balanced nutrition plans, our expert resources ensure you have the knowledge and support needed to keep your puppy growing strong.