Proper portion control is essential for your dog's health. Overfeeding leads to obesity; underfeeding causes malnutrition. This guide helps you determine exactly how much to feed.
Why Portion Size Matters
The Obesity Epidemic
- Over 50% of US dogs are overweight
- Obesity reduces lifespan by 2-3 years
- Leads to joint problems, diabetes, heart disease
- Most obesity is caused by overfeeding
The Underfeeding Risk
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Muscle loss
- Weakened immune system
- Poor coat and skin condition
Factors That Determine Portions
1. Body Weight
The primary factor, but not the only one:
- Heavier dogs need more calories
- But it's not a simple linear relationship
- A 100 lb dog doesn't need twice what a 50 lb dog needs
2. Life Stage
Caloric needs vary dramatically:
- Puppies: 2-3x adult requirements (per pound)
- Adults: Maintenance level
- Seniors: 20-30% fewer calories
- Pregnant/Nursing: 25-50% more calories
3. Activity Level
Energy expenditure affects needs:
- Low activity: Reduce portions 10-20%
- Normal activity: Standard portions
- High activity: Increase portions 25-50%
- Working dogs: May need 40-100% more
4. Metabolism
Individual dogs vary:
- Some dogs have faster metabolisms
- Neutered dogs need fewer calories
- Certain breeds have higher/lower needs
- Adjust based on individual response
5. Body Condition
Current weight status matters:
- Underweight dogs need more food
- Overweight dogs need less food
- Ideal weight dogs maintain portions
Calculating Daily Calories (RER and MER)
Resting Energy Requirement (RER)
The calories needed at rest:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER)
Adjusted for activity and life stage:
| Factor | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Neutered adult | 1.6 × RER |
| Intact adult | 1.8 × RER |
| Light activity | 2.0 × RER |
| Moderate activity | 3.0 × RER |
| Heavy activity | 4-8 × RER |
| Puppy (under 4 months) | 3.0 × RER |
| Puppy (4-12 months) | 2.0 × RER |
| Senior | 1.4 × RER |
| Weight loss | 1.0 × RER |
| Weight gain | 1.2-1.4 × RER |
Example Calculation
50 lb (22.7 kg) neutered adult dog:
- RER = 70 × (22.7)^0.75 = 70 × 10.4 = 728 calories
- MER = 1.6 × 728 = 1,165 calories/day
This is an estimate—adjust based on your dog's response.
General Feeding Guidelines by Weight
Daily Calories by Weight (Adult Dogs)
| Weight | Low Activity | Normal | High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 275 cal | 340 cal | 400 cal |
| 20 lbs | 450 cal | 550 cal | 650 cal |
| 30 lbs | 600 cal | 750 cal | 900 cal |
| 40 lbs | 750 cal | 925 cal | 1,100 cal |
| 50 lbs | 900 cal | 1,100 cal | 1,300 cal |
| 60 lbs | 1,025 cal | 1,275 cal | 1,500 cal |
| 70 lbs | 1,150 cal | 1,425 cal | 1,700 cal |
| 80 lbs | 1,275 cal | 1,575 cal | 1,875 cal |
| 90 lbs | 1,400 cal | 1,725 cal | 2,050 cal |
| 100 lbs | 1,500 cal | 1,850 cal | 2,200 cal |
Converting Calories to Cups
Check your dog food's calorie content (kcal/cup), then:
Daily cups = Daily calories ÷ Calories per cup
Example: 1,100 calories ÷ 350 kcal/cup = 3.14 cups/day
Feeding Puppies
Puppy Portions by Age
| Age | Meals/Day | Portion Size |
|---|---|---|
| 6-12 weeks | 4 times | Small amounts |
| 3-6 months | 3 times | Moderate amounts |
| 6-12 months | 2 times | Larger amounts |
| 12+ months | 2 times | Adult portions |
Puppy Calorie Needs
Puppies need more calories per pound:
- Under 4 months: 2-3x adult requirement
- 4-12 months: 1.5-2x adult requirement
- Growth slows as they approach adult size
Large Breed Puppy Considerations
- Grow slowly to protect joints
- Controlled calcium levels
- Don't overfeed for "maximum growth"
- Slightly lean is healthier than chunky
Feeding Seniors
Reduced Calorie Needs
Senior dogs (7+ years) typically need:
- 20-30% fewer calories
- Same or higher protein (maintains muscle)
- More fiber (digestive health)
- Joint support nutrients
Monitoring Senior Weight
- Weigh monthly
- Adjust portions as activity decreases
- Watch for sudden changes (may indicate illness)
- Consult vet for major fluctuations
How to Measure Portions
Use Actual Measuring Cups
- Don't eyeball portions
- Use standard measuring cups
- Level off, don't heap
- Consistency matters
Weigh for Accuracy
Even better than measuring cups:
- Kitchen scale is most accurate
- Eliminates variability
- Especially important for weight management
- Worth the $10-20 investment
Account for Treats
Treats should be maximum 10% of daily calories:
- Subtract treat calories from food portions
- Training treats add up quickly
- Use low-calorie treats when possible
Body Condition Scoring
The 9-Point Scale
Check your dog's condition:
1-3: Underweight
- Ribs visible, no fat coverage
- Prominent spine and hip bones
- No muscle mass
- Needs more food
4-5: Ideal Weight
- Ribs easily felt with slight fat cover
- Visible waist from above
- Abdominal tuck from side
- Maintain current portions
6-7: Overweight
- Ribs hard to feel
- No visible waist
- Rounded appearance
- Reduce portions
8-9: Obese
- Ribs cannot be felt
- Fat deposits on spine and base of tail
- No waist, distended belly
- Significant reduction needed + vet consult
The Feel Test
- Run hands along ribs
- Should feel ribs easily (like back of your hand)
- Slight fat cover, not thick layer
- Adjust food based on feel, not just weight
Adjusting Portions
Signs You're Overfeeding
- Weight gain over time
- Can't feel ribs easily
- Low energy, reluctance to exercise
- Loose stool (too much food)
Signs You're Underfeeding
- Ribs very prominent
- Low energy, lethargy
- Dull coat
- Always seems hungry (note: some dogs always seem hungry)
Making Adjustments
- Change portions by 10% at a time
- Wait 2 weeks to evaluate results
- Weigh regularly (weekly during adjustment)
- Adjust gradually, not drastically
Feeding Frequency
Adults: 2 Meals Per Day
Benefits of twice-daily feeding:
- Prevents gorging
- Maintains steady energy
- Reduces bloat risk (large breeds)
- Better for training schedules
When to Feed
- Same times each day
- Morning and evening work well
- Allow 1 hour after eating before vigorous exercise
- Routine helps digestion
Free Feeding Concerns
Leaving food out all day:
- Makes portion control difficult
- Can lead to obesity
- May cause picky eating
- Not recommended for most dogs
Special Circumstances
Weight Loss Program
- Reduce portions by 10-15%
- Or switch to weight management formula
- Increase exercise gradually
- Monitor progress weekly
- Consult vet for significant weight loss
Weight Gain Program
- Increase portions by 10-15%
- Or switch to higher calorie food
- Rule out health issues first
- Gradual increase to avoid digestive upset
Multiple Dogs
- Feed separately if needed
- Prevent food stealing
- Different dogs may need different amounts
- Monitor individual body conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog always hungry?
Dogs have evolved to eat when food is available. Hunger signals aren't reliable for portion control. Trust body condition scoring and weigh regularly rather than hunger cues.
Should I follow the bag's feeding guidelines?
Use them as a starting point, but they're often on the high side. Your dog's individual needs may be 10-30% less than the bag suggests. Adjust based on body condition.
How do I know if I'm feeding enough?
Check body condition weekly. Ideal: ribs easily felt, visible waist from above, abdominal tuck from side. Shiny coat and good energy also indicate adequate nutrition.
My dog doesn't finish meals. Is that okay?
If maintaining healthy weight, yes. If losing weight, consult your vet. Some dogs self-regulate; others have health issues. Monitor body condition.
Should food amounts change seasonally?
Sometimes. Dogs may need more calories in cold weather (outdoor dogs especially) and less in summer. Adjust based on activity level and body condition changes.