How Much Should You Feed Your Dog? A Complete Portion Guide

Overfeeding is the single biggest nutritional mistake pet owners make, and it is directly responsible for the obesity epidemic in dogs. Studies estimate that over 50 per cent of dogs in the UK and US are overweight or obese, and in almost every case, the cause is simple: too much food and not enough exercise.

"Most owners are shocked when I tell them they are feeding 30 to 50 per cent more than their dog actually needs. The feeding guidelines on the bag are a starting point, not a rule — they are designed for active dogs and tend to overestimate." — Dr. Sarah Chen, DVM

Underfeeding, while less common, carries its own risks — poor coat quality, low energy, muscle wasting, and weakened immunity. Puppies that are underfed during critical growth periods can develop skeletal abnormalities and developmental delays.

The right amount of food depends on your dog's weight, age, breed, activity level, metabolism, and whether they are intact or neutered. A 25 kg working Border Collie needs significantly more calories than a 25 kg couch-loving Basset Hound. This guide will help you calculate the right amount for your individual dog — and adjust it as their needs change. For more on recognising healthy weight in dogs, see our dedicated guide.

The most accurate way to determine how much to feed your dog is to calculate their Resting Energy Requirement (RER) and then adjust it based on their lifestyle. Your vet can calculate this precisely, but here is a simplified guide.

Resting Energy Requirement

RER is the number of calories your dog needs at complete rest. The formula is: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. For practical purposes, here are approximate RER values for common weights:

• 5 kg dog: ~234 kcal/day
• 10 kg dog: ~394 kcal/day
• 20 kg dog: ~662 kcal/day
• 30 kg dog: ~897 kcal/day
• 40 kg dog: ~1,113 kcal/day

Multiplying for Activity Level

Multiply RER by a factor based on your dog's lifestyle:

• Neutered adult, light activity: RER × 1.4
• Intact adult, moderate activity: RER × 1.6
• Active/working dog: RER × 2.0 to 5.0
• Weight loss needed: RER × 1.0
• Senior (7+ years): RER × 1.2 to 1.4
• Puppy (4-12 months): RER × 2.0

These are estimates. Your dog's individual metabolism may be faster or slower. The best measure of correct feeding is their body condition over time — if they are gaining weight, reduce food by 10 per cent; if losing, increase by 10 per cent.

Puppies (Birth to 12 Months)

Puppies need significantly more calories per kilogram than adult dogs because they are growing rapidly. Feed a puppy-specific formula (higher protein, fat, and calcium) and divide daily portions into multiple meals:

• 8-12 weeks: 4 meals per day
• 3-6 months: 3 meals per day
• 6-12 months: 2 meals per day

Large and giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs, St Bernards) require controlled growth to prevent skeletal problems. Feed a large-breed puppy formula and avoid overfeeding — a lean, slow-growing puppy develops healthier joints than a chubby, fast-growing one.

Adult Dogs (1-7 Years)

Most adult dogs do well on two meals per day — morning and evening. This is preferable to one large meal, which can contribute to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in deep-chested breeds. Measure portions using a kitchen scale or measuring cup rather than guessing. What looks like a small difference — an extra tablespoon of kibble per meal — can add up to significant weight gain over months.

Senior Dogs (7+ Years)

Older dogs typically have slower metabolisms and reduced activity levels, so they need 20 to 30 per cent fewer calories. However, they may need higher-quality protein to maintain muscle mass. Senior-specific foods are formulated with these needs in mind, often including joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids.

Treats are one of the most common sources of hidden calories. Veterinary nutritionists recommend that treats make up no more than 10 per cent of your dog's daily caloric intake. For a 10 kg dog needing 550 calories, that is just 55 calories in treats — roughly three or four small commercial treats.

Common Treat Calorie Counts

• Dental chew (medium): 60-90 kcal
• Commercial training treat: 3-5 kcal each
• Pig ear: 130-150 kcal
• Bully stick (6 inch): 80-100 kcal
• Slice of cheese: 80-110 kcal

Many owners are surprised to discover that a single pig ear contains the caloric equivalent of a full meal for a small dog. If you give regular treats or chews, reduce the main meal portions accordingly. For a full list of safe human foods you can use as low-calorie training treats, see our dedicated guide.

Table Scraps

Feeding table scraps is generally discouraged for several reasons: it encourages begging, makes calorie tracking impossible, and some human foods are toxic to dogs. If you do share food, stick to plain, cooked vegetables (carrots, green beans, broccoli) and lean proteins. Avoid anything cooked with oil, butter, garlic, onion, or salt.

Remember that every calorie counts. A 5 kg Chihuahua that receives a small piece of cheese as a treat has consumed roughly 20 per cent of its daily calories in a single bite. Scale your generosity to your dog's size.

Feeding your dog the right amount is not a set-and-forget process. Their needs change with seasons (more active in summer, less in winter), life events (neutering reduces calorie needs by 20-30 per cent), age, and health status. Regular monitoring ensures you catch changes early.

The Body Condition Score

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a simple visual and hands-on assessment that veterinarians use to evaluate weight. On a 9-point scale, 4-5 is ideal. Here is how to check at home:

• Ribs: You should be able to feel your dog's ribs easily with light pressure, but not see them prominently. If you have to press hard to find them, your dog is overweight.
• Waist: Looking from above, there should be a visible tuck behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should slope upward from the ribcage to the hind legs.
• Overall: An ideal-weight dog has a visible waist, a tucked abdomen, and ribs that are palpable under a thin layer of fat.

Weigh-Ins

Weigh your dog monthly. Small dogs can be weighed on a kitchen scale; for larger dogs, step on a bathroom scale alone, then holding your dog, and subtract the difference. Track the numbers over time. A weight change of more than 5 per cent in a month warrants a vet visit to rule out medical causes.

If your dog needs to lose weight, reduce daily calories by 15 to 20 per cent and increase exercise gradually. Aim for a loss of 1 to 2 per cent of body weight per week. Crash diets are as unhealthy for dogs as they are for humans. For dogs already in the overweight category, see our guide on obesity risks and management.