How much to feed a Poodle puppy
Poodles are one of the few breeds where "how much to feed" requires a follow-up question: which size? Standard Poodles hit 45-70 pounds. Miniatures land at 12-18 pounds. Toys top out around 6-9 pounds. The calorie needs across these three varieties differ dramatically, and feeding a Toy Poodle like a Standard is a recipe for a very round, very unhappy little dog.
Standard Poodle puppy feeding
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 8-18 lbs | 450-750 | 1.25-2 | 3-4 |
| 3-6 months | 18-35 lbs | 750-1,200 | 2-3 | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 30-50 lbs | 1,100-1,500 | 2.75-3.75 | 2 |
| 9-12 months | 40-60 lbs | 1,300-1,700 | 3.25-4.25 | 2 |
Miniature Poodle puppy feeding
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 3-6 lbs | 200-350 | 0.5-1 | 4 |
| 3-6 months | 6-12 lbs | 350-550 | 1-1.5 | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 10-15 lbs | 450-600 | 1.25-1.5 | 2-3 |
| 9-12 months | 12-18 lbs | 500-650 | 1.25-1.75 | 2 |
Toy Poodle puppy feeding
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 1.5-3 lbs | 120-200 | 0.3-0.5 | 4-5 |
| 3-6 months | 3-5 lbs | 180-300 | 0.5-0.75 | 3-4 |
| 6-9 months | 4-7 lbs | 250-350 | 0.6-0.9 | 3 |
| 9-12 months | 5-9 lbs | 280-400 | 0.7-1 | 2-3 |
Toy and Miniature: the hypoglycemia risk
Small Poodle varieties, especially Toys under 4 pounds, are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can cause weakness, trembling, seizures, and in severe cases it can be fatal. The risk is highest in puppies under 4 months old.
Prevention is simple: feed more frequently. Toy Poodle puppies under 12 weeks should eat 4-5 times daily, with no gap longer than 4-5 hours during waking hours. Keep corn syrup or honey on hand — if your puppy becomes lethargic and wobbly, rubbing a small amount on their gums can be a lifesaver while you get to the vet.
Standard Poodles: large breed rules apply
Standards are often overlooked as a large breed, but a 60-pound Standard Poodle absolutely qualifies. Use a large breed puppy formula for Standards to ensure appropriate calcium levels during growth. The same controlled-growth principles that apply to Labs and Goldens apply here.
Standards should stay on large breed puppy food until 12-15 months. Miniatures and Toys can switch to adult food earlier, around 10-12 months.
Poodle-specific considerations
Poodles tend to be picky eaters compared to Labs or Goldens. If your Poodle puppy turns their nose up at food, resist the urge to start adding toppers and mix-ins immediately. Offer the food, wait 15 minutes, and pick it up. A healthy puppy will not starve itself — they will eat when hungry. Catering to pickiness early creates a monster you will deal with for years.
That said, Poodles do well with foods that have moderate fat content (14-18%). Their active metabolism and athletic build benefit from quality fats. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also support their coat, which is a bigger deal for Poodles than most breeds given the grooming demands.
Calculate exact portions for your Poodle — any size — with our feeding calculator.
For more puppy feeding guidance, see our puppy feeding schedule by age. Wondering what Poodle food costs? Check our monthly cost breakdown by breed size.