Feeding your dog the right amount is one of the most important things for their health — too much leads to weight gain, too little to low energy. The exact amount depends on weight, age and activity. Here's how to work it out, plus a simple daily chart.
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Open the free feeding calculator →How a dog's daily food is calculated
Vets take the dog's resting energy needs (from body weight) and multiply by a factor for life stage and activity. That gives daily calories, which turn into grams based on the food's calorie density. A rough guide for adult dogs on dry food:
- 5 kg: ~230 kcal ≈ 65 g/day
- 10 kg: ~380 kcal ≈ 105 g/day
- 20 kg: ~640 kcal ≈ 175 g/day
- 30 kg: ~875 kcal ≈ 245 g/day
These are averages — an active dog needs more, a couch dog less.
How many meals a day?
Puppies need 3-4 meals a day; adult dogs do best on 2 meals — morning and evening. Spreading food across the day keeps energy steady and is easier on the stomach than one big meal.
Dry, wet or mixed?
Dry food is calorie-dense (~360 kcal/100g), convenient and good for teeth. Wet food is ~90 kcal/100g — more filling for fewer calories, great for weight control or fussy eaters. Many owners mix both; just count the calories from each so you don't overfeed.
Signs you're feeding the right amount
You should be able to feel (not see) the ribs, and see a waist from above. If the ribs are buried under fat, cut back about 10%; if they're sharply visible, add a little. Re-weigh every few weeks and adjust.
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How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs: twice a day. Puppies: 3-4 smaller meals. Consistent meal times help digestion and house-training.
Can I leave food out all day (free-feeding)?
It's not ideal for most dogs — it makes portion control hard and often leads to weight gain. Measured meals are better.
How do I know if I'm overfeeding?
If you can't feel the ribs and there's no waist, or your dog is gaining weight, reduce the portion by about 10% and re-check in a few weeks.