How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Complete Guide
Feeding your dog the right amount is one of the most important things you can do for their long-term health. Too little food leads to nutritional deficiencies, while too much causes obesity — which affects over 50% of dogs in the UK and USA.
The Simple Formula
The basic calculation for adult dogs is based on their Resting Energy Requirement (RER): RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. From this base, a multiplier is applied depending on age, activity level, and whether the dog is neutered or intact.
Puppies Need More
Puppies under 4 months need about 3× their adult RER. From 4 months to 1 year, they need about 2× the adult rate. Always feed puppy-specific food which has the right calcium and phosphorus ratios for bone development.
Senior Dogs Need Less
Dogs aged 7 and over typically have slower metabolisms. Most senior dogs need around 20% fewer calories than middle-aged adults of the same weight. Senior-specific food also tends to have joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine.
Dry vs Wet Food Portions
Wet food contains about 75–80% water, so you need significantly more of it by weight to meet calorie needs. If feeding wet food, expect to give roughly 3–4× the gram amount you would with dry kibble to achieve the same calorie intake.
How Often Should I Feed My Dog?
Adult dogs (over 1 year) do well on 2 meals per day — morning and evening. Puppies under 6 months should eat 3–4 times daily. Large breed puppies especially benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of bloat.