How Much Should You Feed Your Dog? A Practical Guide to Portions and Body Condition

Ask ten owners how much they feed their dog, and most will answer with a scoop, a handful or "whatever the bag says." But a feeding guide on a bag is an average, and your dog isn't one. Activity, age, metabolism, neutering status and even the treats you hand out all change how much they need.

More than half of dogs in many countries are now overweight, which shortens lives and strains joints, hearts and breathing. This guide shows you how to find a sensible starting portion and how to adjust it based on what you actually see.

Start With the Food Label

Every complete dog food has a feeding guide, usually a table based on your dog's weight. Treat it as a starting point.

• Find your dog's current weight (a bathroom scale works: weigh yourself, then yourself holding your dog, and subtract)
• Read the amount in grams per day, not cups. Scoops vary, and a "cup" can differ by 20 percent or more
• Use a kitchen scale to measure each meal
• Check whether the amount is for a day, not per meal

Labels are written to suit an active, average dog, so they often overestimate for pets who spend most of the day on the sofa.

A Quick Calorie Estimate

If you want to be more precise, you can estimate daily energy needs.

1. Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
2. Multiply by a life-stage factor for a typical daily need:
   • Neutered adult: about 1.6
   • Intact adult: about 1.8
   • Inactive or overweight dog: about 1.2 to 1.4
   • Puppy: about 2 to 3, depending on age

Example: for a neutered 5 kg dog, RER is about 234 kcal, and 234 × 1.6 gives roughly 375 kcal a day in total.

Then check the food's calorie content (usually kcal per 100 g or per kg on the label or manufacturer's website), and divide to find the daily amount in grams.

This is an estimate only, and some dogs need 20 percent more or less. Use it as a starting point and adjust based on your dog's body condition.

Check Body Condition, Not Just Weight

The number on the scale doesn't tell you whether your dog is the right shape. Vets use a body condition score (BCS), usually a 9-point scale where 4 to 5 is ideal.

Check these three things:

1. Ribs. Run your hands along the sides. You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, like the back of your hand with the fingers flat. If you have to press to find them, your dog is overweight. If they're sharp and visible, underweight
2. Waist. Look from above. You should see a visible waist behind the ribs
3. Tummy tuck. From the side, the belly should rise up from the chest to the hind legs, not hang level or sag

A dog who is too thin shows prominent ribs, hips and spine, and little muscle. A dog who is too heavy has no visible waist, a rounded belly and fat deposits over the back and tail base.

Ask your vet to show you the score at the next check-up. They can also say what your individual dog's ideal weight should be.

How Often to Feed

• Puppies (under 4 months): three to four small meals a day
• Puppies 4 to 12 months: two to three meals a day
• Adult dogs: two meals a day suits most, with a gap of 8 to 12 hours
• Toy and small breeds often do best with smaller, more frequent meals, because they're prone to low blood sugar. See our guide to Yorkie hypoglycemia for detail
• Senior dogs: adjust to their health and appetite, as advised by your vet

Keep a regular routine. Free-feeding, where the bowl is always full, makes portions hard to track and can encourage overeating.

Don't Forget the Treats

Treats count. Keep them to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories, and reduce meals slightly on days when you've used a lot of training treats.

• Use small pieces. A pea-sized treat is enough for training
• Count the calories of chews, dental sticks and table scraps
• Choose lower-calorie options such as raw carrot, cucumber or a portion of the dog's own kibble. Our list of human foods Yorkies can eat has safe options
• Avoid foods that are toxic to dogs

Adjusting Portions

Weigh your dog every two to four weeks and check body condition.

• Gaining and above ideal? Reduce portions by about 10 percent and re-check in a few weeks
• Losing weight without trying, or too thin? Increase by 10 percent, and see your vet if it continues
• Weight stable and good condition? You've found the right amount, so keep it up

Aim for slow weight loss in overweight dogs, around 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week, ideally under veterinary supervision. Crash diets are dangerous.

Things That Change How Much They Need

• Age: puppies need more per kilo, seniors often need less
• Neutering: reduces energy needs by up to 30 percent in some dogs
• Activity: working dogs and very active dogs need more
• Breed and size: small dogs burn more calories per kilo than large ones
• Season: some dogs need slightly more in cold weather
• Health: illness, pregnancy and medication can all alter needs

Choosing the Food

Look for a complete and balanced food suitable for your dog's life stage, and follow your vet's advice if your dog has health issues. Changing food suddenly can upset the stomach, so mix the new food in gradually over about a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it okay to follow the bag exactly?

It's a good starting point, but check your dog's body condition and adjust. The label is an average.

How can I tell if my dog is hungry or just begging?

Many dogs beg out of habit. If your dog is at a healthy weight and eating the right amount, extra requests are usually behaviour rather than hunger. Puzzle feeders and slow bowls can help.

Do I need to feed less after neutering?

Often, yes. Neutered dogs typically need fewer calories, so monitor weight and adjust.

Should I feed wet or dry food?

Both can be complete and balanced. Dry food is more convenient and cheaper per calorie, while wet food has more moisture and can suit fussy eaters. Count calories either way.

How fast should my overweight dog lose weight?

Slowly. Ask your vet for a target weight and a plan.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information and does not replace professional veterinary or nutritional advice. Consult your vet before changing your dog's diet, especially if your dog is a puppy, senior, pregnant or has a health condition.