Quick answer
Feed roughly 2–3% of your puppy's current body weight in grain-free wet food daily, split into 3–4 meals. Adjust based on your puppy's breed, activity level, and body condition. Use the chart below for a starting point.
Why portion size matters for growing puppies
Puppies need a precise balance of nutrients to support rapid growth without becoming overweight. Overfeeding can strain developing joints and lead to obesity later in life, while underfeeding can stunt development. Grain-free wet food like Harringtons is calorie-dense, so accurate portions are key.
The feeding guidelines on the package are a starting point, but every puppy is different. You'll need to adjust based on your puppy's body condition and energy levels.
Transitioning to grain-free wet food
If you're switching your puppy to a grain-free wet food, do it gradually over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset. Start with 25% new food mixed with 75% old food, then increase the proportion every two days.
Because grain-free recipes are often higher in protein and fat, your puppy may need slightly smaller portions at first until their system adjusts.
Step-by-step portion guide
- Weigh your puppy weekly: Use a digital scale to get your puppy's weight in pounds or kilograms. Puppy weight changes fast, so update the portion every week. Don't guess the weight—a 2-pound difference can change the portion by half a tray.
- Calculate the daily portion range: Multiply your puppy's weight (in pounds) by 0.02 and 0.03 to get the daily range in pounds. For example, a 10 lb puppy needs 0.2–0.3 lb (roughly 3.2–4.8 oz) of food per day. For Harringtons 380g trays, that's about 1/3 to 1/2 tray daily. Start at the lower end if your puppy is less active or prone to weight gain.
- Split into 3–4 meals: Divide the daily portion into equal meals. For a 10 lb puppy on 1/3 tray daily, that's about 1–2 tablespoons per meal. Puppies under 6 months benefit from 4 meals; older pups can do 3. Never free-feed wet food—it spoils quickly and makes portion control impossible.
- Monitor body condition weekly: Check your puppy's ribs and waistline. You should feel ribs with a light layer of fat, and see a visible waist when looking from above. Adjust portions up or down by 10% if needed. If you can see ribs without pressing, increase portions. If you can't feel ribs easily, decrease.
Recommended product
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Chicken with Potato & Vegetables Grain Free Wet Puppy Food 8 x 380g: This grain-free recipe contains 93% freshly prepared chicken and vegetables, with no wheat, dairy, soya, or pork. The high meat content means each serving is nutrient-dense, so you need to measure portions carefully to avoid overfeeding.
Chicken with Potato & Vegetables Grain Free Wet Puppy Food 8 x 380g
