3 min read • By Leena Chitnis, Founder, Timberdog®
Feeding your dog seems like it should be straightforward: scoop the kibble, set down the bowl, done. But the reality is, figuring out how much your dog actually needs is one of the trickier parts of being a dog parent. Feed too little, and you risk malnutrition. Feed too much, and you’re inviting obesity, which leads to a host of health problems from joint pain to heart disease. Dogs, much like us, thrive on balance.
The problem is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your dog’s age, weight, activity level, breed, and overall health all factor into how much food they need. A sprightly border collie who spends the day running agility drills is going to require more calories than a senior basset hound who prefers to supervise from the couch. Puppies, nursing mothers, and working dogs all have higher energy needs than the average companion animal.
Got a picky eater? Get your dog to love meal time here.
Understanding Caloric Needs
Most adult dogs need between 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight per day to maintain a healthy weight. So, a 20-pound dog will need around 500 calories daily, while a 50-pound dog may need closer to 1,200. These numbers are guidelines, not absolutes. Dogs that are highly active, such as those who accompany you on hikes or runs, will burn more and need more fuel. Senior dogs, on the other hand, often need fewer calories to avoid unwanted weight gain.
Always check the packaging on your dog’s food. Quality dog foods will list caloric content per cup, which makes it easier to calculate how much your dog should get. Keep in mind that not all kibble is created equal—some are calorie-dense, while others are bulkier with fewer calories per scoop. Measuring with a standard cup instead of guessing by eye makes a huge difference in accuracy.
And as always, remember to regularly clean your dog's food and water bowls to keep nasty and dangerous biofilms away.
The Role of Body Condition
While calorie math helps, the best way to judge if you’re feeding your dog the right amount is to look at their body condition. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without pressing too hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If your dog looks more like a barrel or you have to dig through layers of fat to find the ribs, it’s time to cut back. If their ribs are jutting out or they look too lean, you may need to increase portions.
Body condition scoring charts, available from most veterinarians, are excellent tools to guide you. Think of them as the canine version of BMI—an imperfect measure, but a helpful baseline.
Snacks and Extras Count Too
One of the most overlooked parts of feeding is accounting for treats. Those little training bites and table scraps add up quickly. A handful of biscuits here, a chunk of cheese there, and suddenly your pup's carefully calculated meal plan is blown. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If you train heavily with food rewards, consider using pieces of your dog’s regular kibble instead of high-calorie extras.
Establishing a Routine
Consistency is key. Feeding your dog at the same times every day helps regulate their digestion, manage hunger, and even assist in house training. Free-feeding, or leaving food out all day, often leads to overeating and obesity. Scheduled meals create structure and give you a clear picture of how much your dog is actually eating.
For most adult dogs, twice daily meals—morning and evening—work well. Puppies need more frequent feeding, usually three to four times per day until they mature. Senior dogs may do better with smaller, more frequent meals to keep their digestion comfortable.
When to Adjust
No feeding plan is set in stone. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight, energy level, and overall health. Seasonal changes, activity shifts, and age-related slowdowns all affect caloric needs. Don’t hesitate to tweak portions if you notice your dog trending heavier or lighter than they should. And when in doubt, check with your veterinarian—they’ll have the most personalized advice.
Sample Feeding Schedule by Weight
Here’s a general outline for how much food to provide based on an average, moderately active adult dog eating kibble with about 350 calories per cup. Adjust based on your dog’s unique needs and the calorie content of your specific food.
| Dog’s Weight | Cups of Food per Day | Feeding Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | ¾ to 1 cup | Split into 2 meals |
| 20 lbs | 1 ½ to 2 cups | Split into 2 meals |
| 40 lbs | 2 ½ to 3 cups | Split into 2 meals |
| 60 lbs | 3 ½ to 4 cups | Split into 2 meals |
| 80 lbs | 4 ½ to 5 cups | Split into 2 meals |
| 100 lbs | 5 ½ to 6 cups | Split into 2 meals |
* Note: Adjust up for highly active dogs, down for seniors or low-activity pets. Puppies require more frequent meals with higher calories per pound.
** Raw, dehydrated, and other types of non-kibble feed are not covered in this blog post.
Now that we've covered food, how much water should your dog be drinking everyday? Learn more here.
Photo credit: Kabo