Feeding your dog the right amount is more important than most owners realize. Overfeeding leads to obesity (which shortens lifespan by 2+ years), while underfeeding causes nutritional deficiencies. The right portion depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level, and food type.
General Feeding Guidelines by Weight
These are starting points for adult dogs eating standard dry kibble (about 350-400 calories per cup):
3-12 lbs (toy breeds): 1/3 to 1 cup per day
13-20 lbs (small breeds): 1 to 1 1/3 cups per day
21-35 lbs (medium-small): 1 1/3 to 2 cups per day
36-50 lbs (medium): 2 to 2 2/3 cups per day
51-75 lbs (large): 2 2/3 to 3 1/3 cups per day
76-100 lbs (extra large): 3 1/3 to 4 1/4 cups per day
100+ lbs (giant breeds): 4 1/4 to 6 cups per day
Split the total daily amount into 2 meals for adult dogs. Puppies under 6 months need 3-4 meals per day.
Puppy Feeding: Different Rules
Puppies need significantly more calories per pound than adult dogs because they're growing rapidly.
2-4 months: Feed puppy food 4 times per day. Portions should be about twice what an adult of the same weight would eat.
4-6 months: Reduce to 3 meals per day. Total amount stays high but distribution changes.
6-12 months: Transition to 2 meals per day. Gradually reduce portions toward adult levels as growth slows.
12+ months (small/medium breeds) or 18+ months (large breeds): Switch to adult food and adult portions.
💡 The Body Condition Test
Run your hands along your dog's ribs. You should be able to feel them easily without pressing hard, but not see them visually. If you can see ribs, your dog is too thin. If you can't feel them at all, your dog is overweight. This is more reliable than any feeding chart.
Factors That Change Portion Size
Activity level: A working dog or very active dog may need 20-40% more food than a couch potato dog of the same weight.
Age: Senior dogs (7+ years) typically need 20% fewer calories as their metabolism slows.
Spaying/neutering: Fixed dogs need about 25% fewer calories than intact dogs.
Food calorie density: Premium foods are often more calorie-dense, meaning you feed less volume. Always check the calorie count on the bag — it varies from 250 to 500 calories per cup across brands.
Treats: Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. A single dental chew can be 70-100 calories — significant for a small dog.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food
Dry kibble is more calorie-dense, better for dental health, and more economical. One cup of kibble equals about 3-4 cans of wet food in calories.
Wet food has more moisture (good for hydration), is more palatable for picky eaters, and can be easier for dogs with dental issues. But it costs 3-5x more per calorie than kibble.
Many owners mix both — a base of kibble with a spoonful of wet food on top for flavor. This is a good compromise.
Signs You're Feeding Wrong
Overfeeding signs: Weight gain, visible fat deposits, difficulty feeling ribs, lethargy, digestive issues.
Underfeeding signs: Visible ribs/spine, low energy, dull coat, always begging for food, eating non-food items.
Calculate Your Dog's Exact Portion
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Calculate →The Bottom Line
Use the feeding chart as a starting point, then adjust based on your individual dog's body condition. Weigh your dog monthly and adjust portions up or down by 10% as needed. A healthy weight adds years to your dog's life.