How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog? Complete Feeding Guide

Feeding your dog the right amount of food isn’t just a matter of convenience it’s essential for their overall health, energy, and quality of life. As a pet parent, one of the most important questions you’ll face is: how much food should I feed my dog?

The answer varies depending on your dog’s age, breed, weight, activity level, and even the type of food you choose. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to ensure your pup gets just the right amount no more, no less.

Why Feeding the Right Amount Matters

Feeding your dog too little or too much can have serious consequences.

• Overfeeding is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs, which contributes to joint pain, heart disease, diabetes, and decreased lifespan.
• Underfeeding can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, lethargy, a dull coat, and even behavioral problems.
• Portion control ensures your dog receives the ideal amount of nutrients for their stage in life, breed, and lifestyle.

Feeding isn’t just about quantity it’s about meeting their daily energy requirements and supporting their body’s needs.

Key Factors That Affect How Much to Feed

Every dog is different. Here are the most important variables that determine feeding quantity:

1. Dog Size and Weight

Larger breeds generally require more food. However, the required calories per pound of body weight tend to decrease as dogs get bigger.

2. Age

• Puppies need more frequent meals and a higher caloric intake.
• Adult dogs require steady, maintenance-level calories.
• Senior dogs often need fewer calories but more joint and digestion support.

3. Activity Level

Is your dog a couch potato, a weekend hiker, or a full-time working dog? Active dogs need more calories to fuel their day.

4. Breed and Metabolism

Some breeds, like Greyhounds and Border Collies, have naturally higher metabolisms. Others, like Bulldogs, are more sedentary.

5. Food Type

• Kibble is more calorie-dense.
• Wet food has higher moisture and fewer calories per ounce.
• Raw diets vary widely in nutrient density.

General Feeding Guidelines by Weight

Here’s a helpful daily feeding chart based on your dog’s body weight. These are general guidelines using dry kibble.

Dog Weight	Dry Food (cups/day)	Wet Food (oz/day)
5–10 lbs	½ – ¾ cup	6–8 oz
10–20 lbs	¾ – 1 ½ cups	8–12 oz
20–50 lbs	1 ½ – 2 ½ cups	12–24 oz
50–100 lbs	2 ½ – 4+ cups	24–36 oz

Note: Always check your dog food label. Calorie density varies between brands.

Puppy, Adult, and Senior Feeding Schedules

🐶 Puppies

Puppies grow rapidly and need 2–3 times the calories of adults per pound of body weight. Feed them:

• 3–4 meals/day (under 6 months)
• 2–3 meals/day (6–12 months)

Look for high-calorie, protein-rich puppy formulas.

🐕 Adults

Most adult dogs do best with two meals per day. Choose a food that suits their activity level.

🐾 Seniors

Older dogs may slow down. Lower calorie intake may be needed to prevent weight gain. Opt for senior dog food with:

• Joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin)
• Fiber for digestion
• Moderate fat and protein

Wet Food vs. Dry Food vs. Raw: How It Affects Portions

🥣 Dry Kibble

• Higher in calories per cup (avg. 300–450 kcal)
• Easy to measure and store
• Requires water intake monitoring

🥫 Wet Food

• Lower in calories per ounce (avg. 20–30 kcal/oz)
• Dogs may feel fuller due to moisture content
• Great for picky eaters

🥩 Raw/Fresh Diets

• Caloric density varies widely
• Often needs weighing with a kitchen scale
• Must be carefully balanced to meet nutritional standards

If you’re mixing wet and dry food, adjust portions accordingly. You want to avoid double-feeding on calories!

Using Calorie Requirements to Calculate Amounts

To be precise, calculate your dog’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER):

📌 RER Formula:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75

Then multiply by an activity factor:

• Sedentary: ×1.2
• Average: ×1.6
• Active: ×2.0 or more

✅ Example:

Let’s say your 30 lb dog is moderately active:

• 30 lb = ~13.6 kg
• RER = 70 × (13.6)^0.75 ≈ 512
• 512 × 1.6 = 819 calories/day

Check your dog food bag to see how many calories per cup, then divide!

How to Read Dog Food Labels for Feeding Info

Dog food labels can be confusing, but they’re your roadmap to proper feeding.

Look for:

• Calories per cup (kcal/cup) or per can
• Feeding guidelines based on weight and life stage
• AAFCO statement: Look for “Complete and Balanced” for your dog’s life stage

Tip: Use a digital scale for accurate feeding if you’re switching brands or formats.

Signs You’re Overfeeding or Underfeeding

🚩 Overfeeding

• Weight gain
• Soft or frequent stools
• Lack of interest in food
• Food left in the bowl

🚩 Underfeeding

• Ribs or spine easily visible
• Low energy or lethargy
• Constant begging
• Poor coat quality

You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs—but not see them—and they should have a defined waist.

Vet Tips: When to Reevaluate Feeding Amounts

• Weight Change: If your dog gains/loses 5–10% of their body weight, it’s time to adjust.
• Life Stage Changes: Puppy → adult → senior transitions call for reevaluation.
• Activity Changes: Seasonal exercise changes (e.g., winter vs. summer) affect calorie needs.
• Illness or Surgery Recovery: Nutritional needs may increase during healing.

Your vet can calculate custom RER and guide portion adjustments based on health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ How do I know if my dog is overweight?

Feel along your dog’s ribs. If they’re hard to feel or hidden under fat, your dog may be overweight. Look for a waistline when viewed from above.

❓ Should I free-feed my dog?

Free-feeding works for some but can lead to overeating and obesity in others. Measured meals are more consistent and help with monitoring.

❓ How much food should I give if I offer treats?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. If you’re using a lot of training treats, reduce meal portions slightly to balance.

❓ Can I feed different amounts on active days?

Yes! Dogs doing hikes, agility, or long play days may need 10–20% more food. Just return to the normal amount the next day.

Want to know exactly how much food your dog needs each day?
Use the calculator below to find the perfect portion based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and the food you’re using. It’s quick, simple, and vet-informed!

Conclusion

Feeding your dog the right amount of food is a foundational part of good pet parenting. While guidelines are helpful, the best feeding plan is personalized—based on your dog’s weight, breed, activity level, and life stage.

✅ Monitor your dog’s body condition
✅ Adjust portions as needed
✅ Read food labels and calculate calories when possible
✅ Don’t hesitate to consult your vet for tailored advice

By staying informed and intentional, you’ll ensure your furry companion stays healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.