Dog Feeding Guide - How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
March 21, 2025 | By David Jackson
One of the most common questions we receive here at All About Dog Food is, "how much should I feed my dog?"
And it's a fair question too, especially as there are so many schools of thought on the best portion sizes, diet and, indeed, types of food for your dog!
But, while there may be many, many opinions on all the above, one thing everyone agrees on is this...
Whether you're feeding kibble, wet food, raw, or a homemade diet, knowing the correct portion size is vital for your dog's health and wellbeing.
This is because feeding your dog the right amount of food can help prevent obesity, support healthy growth in puppies, and reduce the risk of long-term health problems like joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.
On the flip side, underfeeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies, low energy and even behavioural issues.
Here we'll help you understand how much to feed your dog, what affects portion size, how to use a dog food feeding chart, and, most importantly, why your chosen dog food brand's specific instructions should always be your starting point.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why the Right Amount of Dog Food Matters
Feeding the right amount of dog food has a massive impact on your dog's physical and mental health.
Portion control isn't just about maintaining a healthy weight - it's about making sure your dog gets the right balance of nutrients, energy, and calories for their lifestyle and stage of life.
 Overfeeding can lead to:
- • Obesity
- • Joint strain
- • Diabetes
- • Reduced lifespan
- • Digestive upset
While underfeeding can cause:
- • Malnutrition
- • Low energy
- • Poor coat condition
- • Weak immunity
- • Developmental issues in puppies
When you get your dog's portion size right, you support everything from joint health and muscle tone to concentration, training, and behaviour.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
The ideal daily portion size for your dog depends on many factors, for instance:
Your dog's weight
Smaller dogs need less food, but it must be energy dense. Meanwhile larger breeds require more volume but lower calorie density per gram.
Age and life stage
Puppies need to eat more frequently throughout the day whereas senior dogs may need fewer calories, but better-quality protein.
Activity level
Highly active or working dogs burn more calories than sedentary or older dogs and would require more food.
Breed and metabolism
Some breeds have faster metabolisms and burn calories quickly. Others, like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds, may be more prone to weight gain.
Food type
Kibble, wet food, raw, or home-cooked diets all vary in moisture and calorie content, which changes how much you need to feed.
Example Dog Feeding Chart
The chart below provides a general example of how much food your dog might need per day based on body weight and activity level. It's designed to give you a ballpark figure for dry dog food only. If you're feeding wet food, you'll usually need to feed significantly more by weight - often nearly double - as wet foods contain a lot more moisture and fewer calories gram for gram.
That said, it's very important to note that every dog food brand will provide its own feeding guide on the back of the packaging or on its website, which you should always use as your main dog food feeding guide.
This is down to the fact that calorie content and nutritional density can vary widely from one product to another.
| Dog Weight |
Low Activity |
Moderate Activity |
High Activity |
| 2–5 kg |
40–90g |
60–120g |
80–150g |
| 6–10 kg |
100–180g |
130–230g |
160–280g |
| 11–20 kg |
190–300g |
240–370g |
290–450g |
| 21–30 kg |
310–400g |
360–500g |
420–600g |
| 31–40 kg |
420–500g |
470–600g |
540–700g |
NB - These figures are for illustration purposes only. For accurate guidance, always check the dog food label or brand website. Some premium foods are more calorie-dense, meaning you'll need to feed less by weight, while others require slightly larger portions.
Feeding Puppies - Little & Often
Puppies have very different nutritional needs to adult dogs.
Because they're growing so quickly, they require more calories, more protein, and more frequent meals to support their healthy development. Getting puppy portion sizes right is key for good bone growth, brain development and those all-important energy levels.
From eight weeks to around six months old, most puppies do best on three to four meals per day. Their tummies are small, so they can't handle large amounts of food at once - little and often is key at this stage.
But, between six months and a year, most puppies can move to two meals per day, although some larger breeds may need three until they stop growing. Think of your Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Doberman etc.
Exactly how much to feed your puppy depends on their age, current weight, and expected adult size.
 The best place to start is the puppy feeding guide on your chosen food's packaging or website as calorie and nutritional content will vary depending on the dog food brand you choose.
That said, expect to increase portions regularly as your puppy grows - sometimes as often as every 2-3 weeks!
When it comes to feeding puppies, it's a great idea to keep a close eye on their weight and aim for a steady increase as they get older, not rapid weight gain, especially in large and giant breed puppies where fast growth can lead to joint issues later in life.
If your puppy starts to look too rounded or is leaving food behind, it may be time to reassess portion sizes. On the other hand, if they're very lean or seem ravenous after meals, you might need to increase them slightly.
You will know your dog best, but if you are concerned about their weight or how much you're are feeding them, it's always a great idea to chat it through with your vet.
How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
Feeding frequency is just as important as portion size. Most adult dogs thrive on two meals per day - around about breakfast and dinner time.
This helps keep blood sugar levels stable, supports digestion, and prevents hunger-related behaviours like whining, pacing, food guarding, scavenging or eating non-food items.
Puppies will need more frequent meals depending on their age - starting with four meals a day and gradually working down to two by the time they reach adulthood.
Stick to consistent mealtimes to help regulate your dog's digestive system and reinforce routine. Avoid free feeding, where food is left down all day, as it makes portion control more difficult and can encourage fussy eating.
How to Tell if You're Feeding Your Dog the Right Amount
While feeding charts and packaging guides are a helpful starting point, every dog is different. The best way to assess whether you're feeding the right amount is to check your dog's body condition.
A healthy dog will:
- • Have a visible waist when viewed from above
- • Show a gentle tuck behind the rib cage when viewed from the side
- • Have ribs that are easy to feel under a light layer of fat
That said, if your dog's ribs, spine or hip bones are visible, you may be underfeeding. If you can't feel the ribs at all or their belly is rounded, it might be time to reduce the portion size.
Adjusting Dog Portions for Special Cases
In some cases, you may need to adjust the amount you feed your dog, for example:
- • Neutered or spayed dogs often experience a slight drop in metabolic rate, so you may need to reduce their food intake by around 10-20% to prevent weight gain.
- • For working dogs, very active breeds, or those in training or sporting disciplines, food portions may need to be increased by 25-50% depending on energy expenditure.
- • Senior dogs typically benefit from slightly fewer calories but improved nutritional quality - especially protein, omega-3 fatty acids and joint support nutrients like glucosamine.
The Role of Manufacturer Feeding Guides
No matter which dog food you choose - dry, wet, raw or homemade - your first point of reference should always be the manufacturer's feeding instructions. These are carefully calculated based on the specific calorie content and nutritional density of that particular product.
It is worth noting though that premium dog food brands often require smaller portions than cheaper alternatives, simply because the food is more concentrated and nutrient-rich.
You may find this is also the case for cold-pressed or air-dried foods.
And remember, if you're switching foods, don't assume the same amount will apply - always recalculate based on the new product's guidelines.
Five Top Tips for Feeding Your Dog
- Stick to a regular feeding schedule. Dogs thrive on routine (and they will certainly let you know when it's mealtime!).
- Measure food accurately with scales or cups - don't just make an estimate as this could lead to under or overfeeding.
- Avoid free-feeding. Controlled mealtimes help with digestion and behaviour.
- Watch for changes in appetite, energy, or body shape - they're early clues that a diet adjustment may be needed.
- When in doubt, consult your vet or use the All About Dog Food calorie calculator to help fine-tune your dog's portion sizes.
In Conclusion
Understanding how much to feed your dog is one of the basics of being a responsible dog owner. With so many variables - breed, weight, age, lifestyle, and food type - it's important to tailor your dog's portion size to their unique needs.
While you can search the internet for feeding charts galore, we always recommend you follow the instructions on your dog food packaging or brand website to make sure your dog is getting exactly what they need to be healthy, happy and thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m feeding my dog too much?
If your dog is gaining weight, losing their waistline, or becoming less active, it could be a sign you’re feeding too much. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard and see a noticeable waist when viewed from above. If in doubt, reduce portions slightly and monitor their weight over a few weeks.
Can I use the same portion size across different dog food brands?
No, different dog food brands have different calorie densities and nutritional profiles. You should always follow the feeding guide provided on the packaging or brand website of the food you're using, and adjust based on your dog’s condition and activity level.
How often should I adjust my dog’s food portions?
It's a good idea to review your dog’s feeding amounts every few weeks, especially for puppies or dogs with changing activity levels. If your dog gains or loses weight, is less active due to age or injury, or becomes more active seasonally, a portion adjustment may be needed.
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References
Check out David's comprehensive Dog Feeding Guide for a more in depth look at how much you should be feeding your dog.
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