When your Miniature Pinscher is old enough and ready to leave the breeder, you will most likely leave with your new pup and a sufficient amount of food for a least a week. You will have done your homework and will follow the breeder's instructions for feeding. Keep in mind that the dog's feeding needs will change as he dog gets older. An adult Miniature Pinscher typically eats one meal daily. If the dog is fed more than it requires per day, it is going to gain weight. If weight gain occurs, there are other issues that are likely to occur. The Min Pin is a sturdy, muscular little dog that, despite its appearance has a light bone structure. If the light bone structure is required to manage a more than necessary number of pounds, the Min Pin may have medical issues including pain. An overweight smaller dog is a candidate for significant joint problems.

Owners should be aware that, if their Miniature Pinscher is overweight, it is not only likely to develop joint problems, but also it can have an increased risk for diabetes and breathing problems. If these medical problems develop, a Min Pin owner is likely to be faced with significant financial output for veterinarian bills to address the medical problems. If a thyroid problem would develop, it can usually be treated with medicine and dietary management. No dog owner wants to see their pet suffer. In the case of the Min Pin, many medical problems can be avoided by using good nutritional management by an owner.

Feeding instructions for the Miniature Pinscher are typically one half ounce of food for each one pound of weight. There is some debate as to whether or not a dog should be eating "people" food. The standard rule of thumb is that table food should be avoided particularly if they are high in sugar or sodium. If a small dog eats such foods, it can gain weight rapidly. If the dog continues to eat an inappropriate diet, there is a high chance that sugars and sodium can build up and become toxic. The Min Pin owner may not realize that there is a toxic process occurring in the pancreas or kidneys until serious symptoms occur that are possibly unable to be medically treated. The bottom line is that overfeeding and feeding inappropriate foods can cause pain and a number of medical problems that will shorten the life span of the Min Pin.