How much should I feed my dog? A guide for hungry hounds

Updated 28/11/2023

Recently welcomed home a new canine companion? Then one of the questions you might have (aside from ‘how many snuggles a day is too much?'), is this: how much should I feed my dog?

Feeding your dog the right amount of the right food each day is key to your pup leading a healthy, happy life. But how much your pooch needs to eat can depend on a number of things: their size, breed, activity levels, and age - to name a few.

Whether you’ve got a tiny pupper, a fully-fledged adult pooch or a senior sidekick, here, we’ll answer the big ‘how much food should I feed my dog?’ question - and discuss dog feeding schedules, counting canine calories, and more. Ready to tuck in? Let’s go… 

Why is it important to feed your dog the right amount of food? 

We know - it sounds like an obvious question. But feeding your dog the right amount of food (as well as the right kind of food, and at the right stage in their life) is the best way to know they're getting all the nutrients and sustenance they need. 

Knowing how much food your dog needs will also help them to maintain a healthy weight and body condition - and avoid over-eating, which can lead to dog obesity and other health issues. 

Likewise, feeding your dog too little can result in nutritional deficiencies and have a negative effect on your dog’s overall health. Not to mention, we think your pooch would be less than impressed if you missed a mealtime… 

Of course, it also matters what you feed your dog. While every pooch will have its own preferences and palates, there's a lot to be said about organic dog foods, which contain fewer additives, preservatives, and other nasties to ensure your pooch pal fills up on the good stuff only. Likewise, hypoallergenic dog foods are a good choice if you think your dog is allergic to something. Dog foods should be complete, nutritionally balanced and made with healthy, appropriate ingredients.

Feeding by your dog's weight

The answer to ‘how much dog food should I feed my dog?’ often depends on many factors - one of the main being their weight. 

For example, if you have a large breed of dog, they will naturally need to eat more than toy or small breeds. Luckily, most dog feeding charts are designed with this in mind (more on that a bit later on).

Of course, weight isn’t the only factor to consider. There are other things that can affect the amount you should feed your pooch, including:

• Activity levels: particularly active pooches may need more food or a dog food that is higher in calories to keep up with their energetic lifestyle. 
• Their age: as a pooch ages, their nutritional needs also change. So, while puppies might need more fat, protein, and calories in their diet (hey - it's hard work being that cute!), senior dogs may need less food or a different balance of food as their activity levels decline. They will also benefit from tailored dog food that specifically targets their aging needs. 
• Neutered status: male dogs who are not neutered (intact) tend to have a higher metabolism - this means they can consume more calories than their spayed or neutered counterparts. 

Feeding chart

Most dog food brands come with a suggested feeding amount as standard. Here’s a typical example of a dog feeding guide by weight, taken from a popular brand of adult dry dog food: 

These can be a great way to gauge how many times a day you should be feeding your dog, however, it's important to remember this isn't a one-size-fits-all guide. It is a useful place to start and then you can make tweaks over weeks and months to fit your dog specifically. Most dog food producers also employ professional pet nutritionists you can contact for more advice.

As we've explored, the ideal amount of food can vary depending on your pup’s energy levels, age, size, and more. Puppies, for example, tend to be more active and require more calories to sustain them. Likewise, if your dog lives a sedentary lifestyle and prefers snoozing over squirrel chasing, you may need to tweak your dog's food intake with this in mind. That's where counting calories tend to come in handy...

Counting canine calories

It's important to consider your dog’s lifestyle when counting canine calories - after all, if they are more active, they’ll be burning more calories.

For example, if you have a coach potato canine who is prone to putting on weight, you may need to feed them slightly fewer calories than your average pooch. Likewise, a sprightly Springer Spaniel who spends most of their day zipping around the yard may need a little more than suggested!

Generally, the easiest way to measure how many calories your dog needs is by using an online calorie calculator. There are many how much should I feed my dog calculator tools available online, where you can input your pet’s weight, activity levels and more to determine their ideal calorific intake.

Once you’ve determined an amount to feed, weigh it out and stick with it for 4-6 weeks. If your dog is gaining weight, reduce the amount, but if your dog is looking too slim, increase it.

Feeding schedules

As we know, our pets thrive on routine. What can we say? They are truly creatures of habit.

Most pets will benefit from scheduled feeds, with mealtimes around the same time each day. For most adult pooches, this will consist of two meals a day - one in the morning, and one in the evening.

If you’re planning a vacation, you may be worried about your pet’s routine and feeding schedule going AWOL - but don't be! That’s exactly what dog sitters are for. So while you’re mountain climbing or poolside lounging, you can be sure your pup is getting the grub they need.

(And an abundance of belly rubs, of course.)

How many treats shall I feed my dog?

We know - when your dog looks at you with those big, pleading brown eyes, it can be almost impossible not to feed them 10,000 treats per day. But try, we must.

Treats can be a great way to praise your pup - particularly during puppy training - but like all things in life, moderation is key. In fact, treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's total calorie intake. Treats also need to be balanced against total daily calories – so on a heavier treat day, reduce other calories in meals. 

A few treats a day can easily add up. The good news is, there are many healthy treats with a low-calorie content on the market (you could even make your own!), which could be a great option for dog training - or for pets prone to piling on the pounds...

We advise you not to give your dog human food from the kitchen or table as it is unhealthy and encourages bad habits. 

If you are unsure about your dog’s weight or diet, contact a professional pet nutritionist or your local veterinary clinic for more advice. Many veterinary clinics have weight advisors who can help you. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

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