How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Complete Breed Guide

One of the most common questions we get is "how much should I feed my dog?" It seems simple, but the answer depends on many factors: your dog's weight, breed, age, activity level, metabolism, and whether you're feeding commercial or homemade food.

Overfeeding leads to obesity (which affects over 50% of dogs!), while underfeeding can cause malnutrition and health problems. This guide will help you find the sweet spot for your specific dog.

Understanding Calorie Requirements

Dogs need a certain number of calories per day to maintain their weight and energy levels. This is calculated based on their Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and adjusted for their lifestyle.

The formula veterinary nutritionists use:

Don't worry about the maths—we've done the calculations for you below, and our nutrition calculator can give you personalised results.

Daily Calorie Needs by Weight

Dog Weight	Inactive/Senior	Normal Adult	Active/Working
5 kg	200 kcal	280 kcal	370 kcal
10 kg	340 kcal	470 kcal	630 kcal
15 kg	460 kcal	640 kcal	860 kcal
20 kg	570 kcal	800 kcal	1,070 kcal
25 kg	680 kcal	950 kcal	1,270 kcal
30 kg	780 kcal	1,090 kcal	1,460 kcal
35 kg	880 kcal	1,230 kcal	1,640 kcal
40 kg	970 kcal	1,360 kcal	1,820 kcal
45 kg	1,060 kcal	1,490 kcal	1,990 kcal
50 kg	1,150 kcal	1,610 kcal	2,150 kcal

Feeding Amounts for Homemade Food

If you're feeding homemade food, here's a general guide for how much to feed based on your dog's size. These amounts assume a typical homemade diet of about 100-120 kcal per 100g.

Adjusting for Life Stage

Puppies 🐶

Puppies need more calories per kg than adults because they're growing rapidly. Feed approximately:

• 2-4 months: 3-4 meals per day, about 2x adult portions
• 4-6 months: 3 meals per day, about 1.5x adult portions
• 6-12 months: 2 meals per day, gradually reducing to adult portions

Senior Dogs 👴

Dogs over 7 years (or 5 years for giant breeds) typically need 20-30% fewer calories as their metabolism slows. However, they may need more protein to maintain muscle mass. Consider:

• Reducing overall portion size by 20%
• Maintaining or slightly increasing protein percentage
• Adding joint-supporting ingredients like fish oil

Pregnant/Nursing Dogs 🤱

Pregnant dogs need normal portions until the last 3 weeks, then increase by 25-50%. Nursing mothers may need 2-4x normal calories depending on litter size. Consult your vet for specific guidance.

Signs You're Feeding the Right Amount

Ideal Body Condition ✅

• You can feel ribs easily but not see them prominently
• Visible waist when viewed from above
• Abdomen tucks up when viewed from the side
• Good energy levels and shiny coat
• Regular, firm stools

Signs of Overfeeding ⚠️

• Can't easily feel ribs under fat layer
• No visible waist or abdominal tuck
• Difficulty exercising or getting tired quickly
• Soft or frequent stools

Signs of Underfeeding ⚠️

• Ribs, spine, or hip bones clearly visible
• Dull, dry coat
• Low energy, lethargy
• Always hungry, food-obsessed behavior

Practical Tips for Portion Control

1. Use a kitchen scale - Measuring cups are inaccurate. Weighing food ensures consistency.
2. Weigh your dog monthly - Track weight to catch changes early.
3. Count treats - Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
4. Adjust for seasons - Dogs often need more food in winter, less in summer.
5. Consider individual variation - Two dogs of the same breed and weight can have different needs.

Final Thoughts

Remember that these are starting guidelines, not absolute rules. Every dog is an individual with unique metabolic needs. Start with the recommended amounts, monitor your dog's body condition, and adjust as needed.

The best indicator of correct feeding isn't a number on a chart—it's a dog at a healthy weight with good energy, a shiny coat, and a happy disposition!