How much food should I give my dog?
Turn your dog’s daily calories into cups, grams or cans, using the calories printed on their food.
2.8
cups a day
Measure with a real 8 oz measuring cup or a kitchen scale, not a mug or scoop.
How it’s worked out
Find the calories on the bag
Dog food labels list calories, usually per kilogram and per cup or can. Look for “kcal/cup” or “kcal/kg” near the feeding guide.
Divide
Daily calories divided by the calories in one cup, can or kilogram gives the amount to feed each day, which is then split across meals.
Treats
A common rule of thumb keeps treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Choosing it here takes that 10% off the food.
Questions
Why is this different from the feeding guide on the bag?
Feeding guides are written for an average dog of a given weight. Starting from your dog’s own daily calories makes the portion fit them.
How do I know if the amount is right?
Weigh your dog every few weeks and check their body shape. If they’re gaining or losing when you don’t want them to, adjust the amount a little and check again.
Should I ask my vet?
Yes, if your dog has a health condition, is pregnant or nursing, or needs to lose a lot of weight.
