How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Complete Portion Guide

One of the most common questions we get is "how much should I feed my dog?" And it makes sense — get it wrong and your dog could be overweight (60% of dogs are) or undernourished. Here's exactly how to figure out the right amount for YOUR dog.

Quick Feeding Chart by Weight

These are general guidelines for adult dogs on standard dry kibble (~350 kcal/cup). Adjust based on activity level and life stage.

Dog Weight	Daily Cups (Dry Kibble)	Daily Calories
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	½ - ¾ cup	150-250 kcal
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	¾ - 1 cup	250-400 kcal
20 lbs (9 kg)	1 - 1½ cups	400-600 kcal
30 lbs (13.6 kg)	1½ - 2 cups	600-800 kcal
50 lbs (22.7 kg)	2½ - 3 cups	900-1,200 kcal
70 lbs (31.8 kg)	3 - 4 cups	1,200-1,500 kcal
90 lbs (40.8 kg)	4 - 5 cups	1,500-1,800 kcal
120 lbs (54.4 kg)	5 - 7 cups	1,800-2,400 kcal

The Science: How Veterinarians Calculate Portions

Veterinary nutritionists use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula:

RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Then multiply by activity factor: Sedentary (1.2), Moderate (1.5), Active (1.7), Working (2.0-2.5)

Our dog food calculator does this math automatically for your specific breed, weight, food brand, and activity level.

Puppy vs Adult vs Senior: Different Needs

Life Stage	Calorie Multiplier	Key Differences
Puppy (0-12 months)	1.6-2.0x adult	Needs puppy formula for proper growth and development
Adult (1-7 years)	1.0x (baseline)	Maintenance nutrition based on activity level
Senior (7+ years)	0.8-0.9x adult	Fewer calories, more joint support nutrients

Signs You're Feeding the Right Amount

Ideal weight: You can feel your dog's ribs with a slight fat covering (like feeling your own knuckles)
Visible waist: When viewed from above, your dog should have a visible waist behind the ribs
Abdominal tuck: From the side, the belly should tuck up behind the ribs
Good energy: Your dog has consistent energy throughout the day
Healthy stools: Firm, well-formed, and consistent

Get Exact Portions for Your Dog

Use our calculator to get precise daily portions based on your dog's breed, weight, activity level, and food brand.

Calculate Portions

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