How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Feeding your dog might seem as simple as filling a bowl, but the truth is, getting your dog’s nutrition right takes a bit more care—especially when it comes to calories. Just like humans, dogs need the right amount of energy to stay healthy, active, and happy. But how many calories does a dog actually need each day? And how do you properly measure their food?
Let’s break it down.
How Many Calories Does a Dog Need?
The number of calories your dog needs depends on several key factors:
Size and weight: Larger dogs need more calories, but it's not always a linear relationship.
Age: Puppies and young dogs often need more calories per pound than older dogs.
Activity level: A couch potato pug will need fewer calories than a working Border Collie.
Breed: Some breeds have faster metabolisms than others.
Health status: Dogs with medical conditions may need a special diet or calorie adjustments.
General Guidelines (per day):
Dog WeightApprox. Calories Needed10 lbs200–275 kcal20 lbs325–400 kcal50 lbs700–900 kcal70 lbs900–1,050 kcal90 lbs1,100–1,350 kcal
💡 These are estimates for healthy adult dogs with average activity levels. Always consult your vet for personalized advice.
How to Calculate Your Dog’s Calorie Needs
To get more precise, you can use the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula:
RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Then multiply RER by a factor based on activity:
Neutered adult: RER × 1.6
Active/working dogs: RER × 2.0 to 5.0
Puppy (under 1 year): RER × 2.0 to 3.0
Example: A 50-pound (22.7 kg) adult dog
RER = 70 × (22.7)^0.75 ≈ 662 kcal
Daily needs ≈ 662 × 1.6 = 1,059 kcal/day
How to Properly Measure Your Dog’s Food
Once you know how many calories your dog needs, the next step is feeding them the correct amount of food. You can do the math yourself of use an online calculator:
1. Check the food label
Every dog food brand lists the calorie content on the bag or can, usually per cup (dry) or can (wet). Look for something like:
“Metabolizable Energy: 375 kcal/cup”
2. Do the math
If your dog needs 750 kcal/day and your dry food has 375 kcal/cup, you would feed:
750 ÷ 375 = 2 cups per day
3. Use a standard measuring cup
Avoid guessing or using random kitchen scoops. Always measure with a standard 8 oz. dry measuring cup for consistency.
4. Weigh the food for accuracy
For even more precision, especially if you’re feeding a very small or very large dog, weigh their kibble on a food scale in grams.
Don’t Forget to Count Treats!
This is where many dog owners accidentally overfeed: treats count toward your dog’s total daily calories. That means those biscuits, jerky snacks, or even peanut butter in a Kong add up fast.
Treat Guidelines:
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
If your dog needs 700 kcal/day, only about 70 kcal should come from treats.
Some common treat calories:
Small training treat: 2–5 kcal
Biscuit-style treat: 25–50 kcal
Dog-safe peanut butter (1 tbsp): ~95 kcal
Pro Tip: Use Kibble as Treats
Instead of reaching for high-calorie snacks, you can:
Measure out your dog’s daily kibble in the morning.
Set aside a portion (e.g., 1/4 cup) as training treats for the day.
Feed meals from the rest.
This helps you stay within the correct calorie range while still rewarding and training your dog throughout the day.
Signs You're Overfeeding or Underfeeding
Overfeeding signs:
Weight gain
Lethargy
Soft stools or flatulence
Underfeeding signs:
Visible ribs or spine
Lethargy
Decreased coat quality
Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and body condition. If you’re not sure, ask your vet to help you assess.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight
Weight gain in dogs is more common than most owners think. A few extra pounds might not seem like much, but they can significantly impact your dog’s joints, heart health, and lifespan. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment to spot the signs—your hands and eyes are your first tools.
Physical Signs to Look For
1. Rib Check:
Place your hands gently on your dog’s sides.
Healthy weight: You should be able to feel the ribs easily with a light touch, like feeling the back of your hand.
Overweight: If you have to press hard to feel the ribs, your dog is likely carrying extra fat.
Underweight: If ribs are overly prominent and visible, your dog may be underfed.
2. Waist Check (Top View):
Stand over your dog and look down at their body.
Healthy weight: There should be a noticeable waist between the ribs and hips.
Overweight: The waist appears more barrel-shaped or even bulging outward.
3. Abdominal Tuck (Side View):
Look at your dog from the side.
Healthy weight: The belly should tuck upward behind the ribs.
Overweight: The belly may hang or have no upward curve.
4. Fat Deposits:
Check for soft fat around the base of the tail, spine, chest, and neck. These are common spots where fat builds up quietly over time.
Understanding the Body Condition Score (BCS)
Vets often use a Body Condition Score (BCS) system to assess your dog’s weight. This system ranges from 1 to 9, where:
1–3 = Underweight
4–5 = Ideal weight
6–9 = Overweight to obese
Here's a simplified breakdown:
Score Description
1 Emaciated: Ribs, spine, and bones extremely visible
3 Thin: Easily visible ribs, slight fat cover
5 Ideal: Ribs easily felt, waist and tuck visible
6–7 Overweight: Ribs harder to feel, rounded waist
8–9 Obese: No waist, heavy fat deposits, mobility may be affected
You can ask your vet to perform a BCS assessment at any regular check-up. It’s quick, non-invasive, and gives you a clear picture of your dog’s health.
Why This Matters
Even just 10–20% overweight can:
Shorten your dog’s life expectancy
Increase risk for arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer
Make recovery from injury or surgery more difficult
The earlier you catch weight gain, the easier it is to manage with small dietary or activity changes.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your dog the right amount of calories isn’t just about portion control—it’s about supporting a long, healthy life. By understanding your dog’s calorie needs, properly measuring food, and managing treats wisely, you’ll be setting them up for success.
And remember, kibble can be more than just a meal—it can be a training tool, a game, and a treat. Smart feeding is happy feeding.