A 6-week-old puppy should eat a complete puppy food, softened with warm water, in about four small meals a day. At this age puppies are usually weaned or nearly weaned, but they are still tiny and need steady nutrition and a gentle transition. Use the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point and ask your vet to check the amounts for your puppy’s breed and weight.
General information, not veterinary advice. Puppies this young need a vet check, vaccinations and deworming.
What to feed
- A food labeled for puppies (or “growth”), with a statement that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles. Adult dog food does not have enough calories and nutrients for a growing puppy.
- Small-breed or large-breed puppy formula if it fits your puppy’s expected adult size. Large-breed puppy foods control calcium and calories to support steady bone growth.
- Warm water to soften. Mix dry kibble with warm water and let it sit until it is mushy. Many 6-week-olds do better with a soft texture because they are still learning to chew.
- Canned puppy food can be mixed in if your puppy is picky. Our review of Royal Canin Puppy Mousse covers one soft starter option.
How often to feed
Feed about four meals a day, spaced evenly. Smaller breeds and very small puppies may need an extra snack, since they can drop their blood sugar if they go too long between meals. Leave out fresh water at all times, and remove uneaten soft food after 15 to 20 minutes.
How much to feed
The amount depends on the food’s calorie content and your puppy’s size. Weigh your puppy weekly and compare with the bag’s chart. If your puppy looks round and sluggish after eating or ribs show clearly, adjust and tell your vet at the next visit. A healthy puppy should have a visible waist when seen from above and ribs you can feel but not see.
Transition tips
- If your puppy is still nursing or taking milk replacer, shift gradually over a week or two rather than all at once.
- Keep the same food the breeder used for the first few days, then change slowly by mixing old and new foods over 7 to 10 days.
- Do not give cow’s milk. Many puppies cannot digest it well, which can cause diarrhea.
- Skip table scraps, cooked bones, grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol.
Signs of a problem
Call your vet if your puppy refuses two meals in a row, has diarrhea lasting more than a day, vomits repeatedly, or seems weak or cold. Diarrhea and vomiting in young puppies can turn serious quickly, including from parasites or viral illnesses like parvo.
Looking ahead
Around 3 to 4 months your puppy will start losing baby teeth, which can change how they eat; see what to feed a teething puppy. If you are comparing younger ages, we also cover what to feed puppies at 4 weeks.
Bottom Line
Feed a six-week-old puppy a quality puppy food, softened with warm water, four times a day. Watch weight and stools, avoid milk and table scraps, and keep your vet appointments for vaccines and deworming.
