How Much Should a Dog Eat? The Ultimate Feeding Guide

Published: 14 Jan 2025

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

On average, adult dogs need about 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight in food daily. Puppies often need 4% to 6% of their expected adult weight to support growth. Older dogs may require 1% to 2% of their body weight per day to prevent weight gain.

Which Factors Affect the Portion Size of Food Your Dog Needs

The food needs of a dog can vary based on several factors:

Age: Puppies need more calories and proteins for growth, while adult dogs need steady maintenance. Senior dogs may need fewer calories, especially if they are less active.
Weight: Larger dogs require more food than smaller dogs, but the food type and activity levels also affect their calorie consumption.
Activity Level: Dogs that are more active (such as working dogs or playful pups) burn more calories and require a higher calorie intake than sedentary dogs.
Type of food: Kibbles are dense and contain more calories than wet, semi-moist dog food or raw food.
Breed-Specific Needs: Some breeds, like working dogs or those with high metabolism (e.g., Border Collies), require more calories. Conversely, breeds prone to obesity (e.g., Bulldogs) may need fewer calories.
Health Status: Dogs that are recovering from illness, pregnant, or nursing require extra food to support healing, growth, or milk production.
Spaying or Neutering: Spayed or neutered dogs may have a slightly lower metabolic rate, requiring less food to maintain weight

How Much Should a Puppy Eat?

Most puppies need to eat 4–6% of their expected adult body weight daily in food (wet or dry). Feeding your puppy the right amount helps keep their bones strong, energy high, and body healthy.

Puppy Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Estimated Adult Weight	2–3 Months	4–5 Months	6–8 Months	9–10 Months	11–12 Months
3–12 lbs (Toy Breeds)	½ – ¾ cup	¾ – 1 cup	⅔ – 1 cup	½ – ¾ cup	Adult portions
13–20 lbs (Small Breeds)	⅔ – 1 cup	1 – 1½ cups	¾ – 1⅓ cups	¾ – 1 cup	Adult portions
21–40 lbs (Medium Breeds)	¾ – 1¼ cups	1¼ – 2 cups	1 – 2¼ cups	1¼ – 2½ cups	2 – 2¾ cups
41–65 lbs (Large Breeds)	1 – 2 cups	2 – 3 cups	2 – 3½ cups	2½ – 4 cups	3 – 4¼ cups
66–90 lbs (XL Breeds)	1½ – 2½ cups	2½ – 4 cups	3 – 4½ cups	3½ – 5¼ cups	4½ – 6 cups
91+ lbs (Giant Breeds)	2½ cups + ¼ cup per 10 lbs over 90	4 cups + ¼ cup per 10 lbs	4½ cups + ¼ cup per 10 lbs	5¼ cups + ¼ cup per 10 lbs	6 cups + ¼ cup per 10 lbs

Download Puppy Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Always adjust amounts based on your puppy’s energy level, body shape, and brand of food (check calories per cup!). For a custom plan, speak with your vet or a certified canine nutritionist.

How Much Should an Adult Dog Eat?

As mentioned above, adult dogs typically require around 2% to 3% of their ideal body weight in food each day to stay healthy and maintain a stable weight.

Adult Dog Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Dog Weight	Age 1–3 Years	Age 4–5 Years	Age 6–7 Years
5–10 lbs	¾ to 1 cup	¾ to 1 cup	⅔ to ¾ cup
11–25 lbs	1 to 1½ cups	1 to 1½ cups	1 to 1¼ cups
26–50 lbs	2 to 2¾ cups	2 to 2½ cups	1¾ to 2¼ cups
51–75 lbs	3 to 4 cups	2¾ to 3½ cups	2½ to 3 cups
76–100 lbs	4½ to 5¾ cups	4 to 5½ cups	3¾ to 5 cups
101+ lbs	6 to 7 cups	5½ to 6½ cups	5 to 6 cups

Download Adult Dog Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

How Much Should a Senior Dog Eat?

Generally, senior dogs should be fed about 1% to 3% of their ideal body weight per day due to reduced activity levels and a slower metabolism.

Senior Dog Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

Dog Weight	7-10 Years Old	10+ Years Old
5–10 lbs	⅔ to ¾ cup	½ to ⅔ cup
11–25 lbs	1 to 1¼ cups	1 cup
26–50 lbs	1¾ to 2¼ cups	1½ to 2 cups
51–75 lbs	2½ to 3 cups	2¼ to 2½ cups
76–100 lbs	3¾ to 4¼ cups	3½ to 4 cups
101+ lbs	5 to 6 cups	4½ to 5½ cups

Download Senior Dog Feeding Chart by Age and Weight

How Would You Determine the Right Amount of Food for Your Dog?

After reading all the information above, you might think, “That’s just a general guideline. How would I know what my dog needs?” The best way to determine the right amount of food for your dog is by following a few simple steps:

Use a Dog Calorie Calculator:

A dog calorie calculator can help you estimate your dog’s daily calorie needs. Simply input details like their weight, age, activity level, and sex to get accurate results. Then, compare this with the calories listed on your dog’s food packaging to determine the correct serving size.

Dog Calorie Calculator

Calculate Now!

Refer to Feeding Guidelines:

Check the feeding chart on your dog’s food packaging. These charts provide an estimate of how much to feed your dog based on their size, age, and weight, offering a good starting point.

Consult Your Veterinarian:

If you’re unsure how much food your dog needs, consult your vet. They can offer personalised advice based on your dog’s specific needs, especially if it has unique health concerns like pregnancy or illness recovery.

Learn “How Often Should a Dog Eat” in our comprehensive guide.

Why the Right Portion Size Matters?

Feeding your dog the correct portion size is key to their overall health. It provides the following benefits:

Prevents Obesity
Ensures Proper Nutrition
Boosts Energy and Vitality
Promotes Longevity
Supports Digestive Health

Signs Your Dog’s Portion Needs Adjustment

As a vet, many pet owners ask me, “How can I tell if my dog’s portion size needs to be increased or decreased?” I tell them, “Knowing when to adjust portion sizes comes down to observing your dog’s behaviour, appearance, and overall well-being.”

Signs You May Need to Increase Portion Sizes

Weight Loss
Constant Hunger
Low Energy
Poor Coat Condition
Small or Infrequent Stools

Signs You May Need to Decrease Portion Sizes

Weight Gain
Soft Stools or Diarrhoea
Vomiting After Meals
Lack of Interest in Meals
Excessive Thirst

Adjusting portion sizes based on these signs will help your dog stay happy, healthy, and full of life. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet to meet its specific needs.

Conclusion

Your problem, “ How much should I feed my dog?” has been solved, guys.

Finding the right amount to feed your dog isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding their unique needs. Every dog is different, so take the time to observe their energy levels, weight, and overall behaviour.

I recommend creating a daily feeding routine tailored to your dog’s activity level and lifestyle. Start with smaller portions, monitor your dog’s weight and energy, and adjust gradually. Regular walks and play sessions can also help you gauge your dog’s energy needs.

If you’re unsure, your vet can provide tailored advice to meet your dog’s specific requirements. Remember, a well-fed dog is a happy and healthy companion!

Do you have a feeding routine for your dog? Share your experience in the comments!

FAQs

Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions about how much a dog should eat.

Is it okay to free-feed my dog instead of sticking to scheduled meals?

Free-feeding can lead to overeating and weight gain, especially for dogs without self-control. Scheduled meals are better for monitoring portion sizes and establishing a routine.

How can I tell if my dog is at a healthy weight?

When viewed from above, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without excess fat and see a visible waist. If you are unsure, ask your vet to perform a body condition assessment.

How do I calculate calories if I mix different types of food, like kibble and wet food?

Check the calorie content on the packaging of each food type, calculate the total based on the portion sizes you’re mixing, and ensure it matches your dog’s daily calorie needs.

What should I do if my dog refuses to eat the recommended portion?

First, rule out medical issues or dental problems. If your dog is healthy, try warming the food, switching to a different flavour, or adding a safe topper to make it more appealing.