Puppy Weight Gain Per Week: What’s Normal?
Updated October 2026
Normal weekly weight gain depends almost entirely on expected adult size: toy puppies may gain only a few ounces a week, while giant breed puppies can gain over 2 lb a week at peak growth. The number matters less than the pattern — a smooth, steady upward curve with no sudden stalls or spikes is what healthy growth looks like.
A little clarity for the growing years
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Typical weekly gain by size
These are rough guides for the fast-growth phase (about 2–6 months), not targets. Individual puppies vary, and growth naturally slows after 6 months.
| Adult size | Typical weekly gain (peak) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toy (2–12 lb) | 2–6 oz | Weigh in grams or ounces for accuracy |
| Small (12–25 lb) | 0.5–1 lb | Steady, modest gains |
| Medium (25–50 lb) | 1–2 lb | Fastest around 3–5 months |
| Large (50–90 lb) | 2–3 lb | Peak gains look dramatic — that is normal |
| Giant (90–200 lb) | 3–5 lb | Astonishing but normal at peak |
How to track it properly
Weigh on the same scale, at the same time of day, once a week — mornings before breakfast are most consistent. Plot the numbers or just keep a running list; after 4–6 weeks you will see your puppy’s personal curve emerge. Compare the curve’s shape against the breed’s typical pattern, not single weeks against a table.
- Same scale, same time of day, weekly
- Toy breeds: kitchen scale in grams or ounces
- Large breeds: bathroom scale (weigh yourself, then yourself holding the puppy)
- Log every reading — memory lies, notebooks do not
When weekly gain signals a problem
One odd week means little — puppies have growth spurts and plateaus. Patterns over 2–3 weeks are what count. Call your vet if weight stalls for two consecutive weeks during the fast-growth phase, if the puppy loses weight at any point, or if rapid gain comes with limping or reluctance to move.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight should a puppy gain per week?
It depends on size: ounces per week for toy breeds, 1–2 lb for medium breeds, and 3–5 lb for giant breeds at peak growth. The trend matters more than any single week’s number.
Is it normal for puppy weight gain to slow down?
Yes. Growth is fastest from 2–6 months and tapers steadily after that. A slowing curve after 6 months is normal development, not a problem.
My puppy didn’t gain weight this week — should I worry?
Not from one week alone. Growth comes in spurts. Worry if weight stalls for two or more consecutive weeks during the fast-growth phase, or if the puppy loses weight — then call your vet.
Can a puppy gain weight too fast?
Yes, especially large and giant breeds. Consistently overshooting the breed’s typical curve plus a roly-poly body condition means growth is too fast — see our guide on slow growth for large breeds.