Portion Sizes for Your Dog: How Much Should You Feed?

Getting the right amount of food on your dog’s bowl can feel like guessing a puzzle. Too little and they stay hungry, too much and they gain extra pounds. The good news? You don’t need a PhD in nutrition to find the sweet spot. Below are practical steps you can follow today.

Start with the Label, Then Fine‑Tune

Every commercial dog food comes with a feeding chart. It lists a range based on your dog’s weight and activity level. Use the middle of that range as a starting point. If your dog weighs 30 lb and is moderately active, the chart might suggest 2 cups a day. Split that into two meals and you’re set for the first week.

Adjust for Age, Activity, and Health

Young puppies need more calories per pound because they’re growing fast. Older dogs, especially those with joint issues, often do better on a slightly smaller portion. If your dog loves sprinting in the park, add a couple of ounces. If they’re couch‑potatoes, pull back a little.

Watch your dog’s body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when you look from above. If the ribs pop out, increase the portion by 5‑10 %. If you see a belly roll, cut back the same amount.

Don’t forget treats. A couple of training biscuits can add up to 10 % of the daily calorie count. Count them as part of the total, not extra.

For dogs with special health needs—like diabetes or kidney disease—talk to your vet about exact calorie targets. They may recommend a specific portion size or a special formula.

Measuring tools matter. Use a standard cup or a kitchen scale for the most accurate portion. Scoop the food into the cup, level it off, and you’ll get repeatable results.

Finally, track changes. Write down the amount you feed and any weight shifts over a two‑week period. Small adjustments based on real data beat guesswork every time.

By starting with the label, watching your dog’s shape, and tweaking as needed, you’ll hit the perfect portion size without endless trial and error. Your dog stays healthy, you avoid waste, and mealtime stays simple.