How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Feeding Guide By Weight & Activity Level
Feeding the right amount of dog food starts with one simple idea: every dog burns a different number of calories each day. Body weight, activity, age, and even breed all shape how much food ends up in the bowl.
This guide breaks that down into clear, numbered sections. It includes practical tables by weight and activity level, along with example calorie ranges that many pet nutrition resources use as starting points. The numbers are general reference points, not rigid rules, and always depend on the exact food and the individual dog.
Body Weight: The Starting Point For How Much To Feed
Body weight usually sets the base for how much food a dog needs. Bigger bodies burn more energy, even at rest, so a 70‑pound retriever generally needs more calories than a 12‑pound terrier.
Veterinary nutrition often uses kilograms for calculations, because formulas for calorie needs are written that way. For quick reference:
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 2.3 |
| 10 | 4.5 |
| 15 | 6.8 |
| 20 | 9.1 |
| 25 | 11.4 |
| 30 | 13.6 |
| 40 | 18.2 |
| 50 | 22.7 |
| 60 | 27.3 |
| 70 | 31.8 |
| 80 | 36.4 |
| 90 | 40.9 |
| 100 | 45.5 |
| 120 | 54.5 |
Many calorie tables and tools, such as the pet calorie calculator from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, build their estimates from this weight‑based approach.
Activity Level: The Big Swing Factor
Two dogs of the same weight can need very different amounts of food if one spends most of the day on the couch and the other hikes several miles most days.
Common lifestyle categories look like this:
- Sedentary or inactive: mostly indoors, short potty breaks, little play
- Lightly active: one or two short walks, some play, but lots of rest
- Moderately active: daily walks, regular outdoor play, stays fairly fit
- Very active: running, hiking, agility, or sports many days a week
- Working dogs: herding, hunting, or other demanding work for long hours
Calorie needs can vary by 2 to 3 times between a sedentary dog and a hard‑working dog of the same weight, so activity level matters as much as the number on the scale.
For more detail on how active dogs burn more energy, the article on feeding active dogs from Eukanuba lays out real‑world examples.
Age, Neuter Status, Breed, And Health
Weight and activity set the base, but several other factors fine‑tune feeding amounts.
- Puppies: Growing dogs usually need 2 to 3 times the calories per pound of an adult.
- Adults: From about 1 year to 7 years, most dogs eat to maintain a steady body weight.
- Seniors: Many older dogs move less and need about 10 to 20% fewer calories than in their prime years.
Neuter or spay status also matters. After surgery, calorie needs often drop by about 10 to 25%, because metabolism and hormone levels change.
Breed and body type play a role too. Stocky breeds like Bulldogs tend to carry extra weight more easily. High‑drive breeds like Border Collies or Pointers often burn more calories at the same activity level. Health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, or hypothyroidism, can shift calorie needs quite a bit. A medical nutrition service, such as the Companion Animal Nutrition Support Service at Ohio State, often builds custom plans for those cases.
Calories, “kcal,” And What Dog Food Labels Actually Mean
Dog food labels often list energy as “kcal,” which is the same as “Calories” with a capital C on human food labels. So 350 kcal per cup means 350 Calories in everyday language.
Most commercial dog foods show at least one of these:
- kcal per cup (for dry food)
- kcal per can (for wet food)
- kcal per kilogram (for both kibble and wet)
Two dry foods can look similar but differ a lot in calories. One kibble might have 300 kcal per cup, another 420 kcal per cup. A canned food can fall anywhere from 150 to over 400 kcal per can. Because of that, calorie charts always work together with the numbers on the specific bag or can.
A good overview of label reading and feeding charts appears in the PetMD guide, Dog Feeding Chart: How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog?.
Resting Energy Requirement (RER): The Core Formula
Most professional calorie estimates for dogs start with Resting Energy Requirement, or RER. It describes how many calories a dog uses at rest, at a normal body temperature, without extra exercise.
The standard formula used in veterinary nutrition is:
RER (kcal/day) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Once RER is known, it gets multiplied by a factor for activity, age, or life stage. The Pet Nutrition Alliance guide on calculating calories shows this method step by step for dogs and cats.
Common Activity Multipliers Used With RER
To turn RER into a daily calorie estimate, many charts multiply it by a factor such as:
| Dog Type / Lifestyle | Typical Multiplier (RER ×) |
|---|---|
| Sedentary, indoor, prone to gain weight | 1.2 to 1.4 |
| Lightly active adult | 1.4 to 1.6 |
| Moderately active adult | 1.6 to 1.8 |
| Very active adult | 2.0 to 3.0 |
| Working or performance dog | 3.0 to 6.0 |
| Growing puppy | 2.0 to 3.0 |
Resources such as this step‑by‑step guide on metabolic food requirements from Wilson Veterinary Hospital and the calorie calculator on VetCalculators use these multipliers or very similar ones.
Feeding Chart For Toy Dogs (Under 10 lb)
Toy dogs have fast metabolisms, but their tiny size means even small changes in food matter a lot. The examples below assume:
- Healthy adult dog
- Average kibble at about 350 kcal per cup
- Moderate body condition and typical activity for each row
Approximate daily calories and cups for toy dogs
| Weight (lb) | Sedentary kcal / cups | Moderate kcal / cups | Very active kcal / cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 150 kcal / 0.4 cup | 190 kcal / 0.5 cup | 230 kcal / 0.65 cup |
| 6 | 190 kcal / 0.55 cup | 240 kcal / 0.7 cup | 300 kcal / 0.85 cup |
| 8 | 230 kcal / 0.65 cup | 290 kcal / 0.85 cup | 360 kcal / 1.0 cup |
| 10 | 260 kcal / 0.75 cup | 320 kcal / 0.9 cup | 400 kcal / 1.15 cups |
These ranges draw on typical adult calorie charts from veterinary nutrition texts and are meant as reference points, not fixed feeding plans.
Feeding Chart For Small Dogs (10 to 25 lb)
Small dogs still have fairly high metabolic rates but a bit more body mass to support.
Approximate daily calories and cups for small adult dogs
| Weight (lb) | Sedentary kcal / cups | Moderate kcal / cups | Very active kcal / cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 260 kcal / 0.75 cup | 320 kcal / 0.9 cup | 400 kcal / 1.15 cups |
| 15 | 340 kcal / 1.0 cup | 410 kcal / 1.2 cups | 500 kcal / 1.45 cups |
| 20 | 400 kcal / 1.15 cups | 480 kcal / 1.35 cups | 600 kcal / 1.7 cups |
| 25 | 460 kcal / 1.3 cups | 550 kcal / 1.55 cups | 700 kcal / 2.0 cups |
Breeds like Beagles or Corgis often fall into this range, and many of them love food, so accurate portions matter a lot for long‑term weight control.
Feeding Chart For Medium Dogs (25 to 50 lb)
Medium dogs cover a wide range of body shapes, from lean herding dogs to stockier mixed breeds.
Approximate daily calories and cups for medium adult dogs
| Weight (lb) | Sedentary kcal / cups | Moderate kcal / cups | Very active kcal / cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 460 kcal / 1.3 cups | 550 kcal / 1.55 cups | 700 kcal / 2.0 cups |
| 30 | 520 kcal / 1.5 cups | 620 kcal / 1.75 cups | 780 kcal / 2.25 cups |
| 40 | 650 kcal / 1.9 cups | 800 kcal / 2.3 cups | 1000 kcal / 2.85 cups |
| 50 | 780 kcal / 2.25 cups | 960 kcal / 2.75 cups | 1200 kcal / 3.4 cups |
Dogs in this size group often become overweight once daily exercise drops, so body condition scores and regular weigh‑ins matter as much as labels on the bag.
Feeding Chart For Large Dogs (50 to 90 lb)
Large breeds put more stress on joints when they gain weight, so keeping portions in the right range supports long‑term comfort.
Approximate daily calories and cups for large adult dogs
| Weight (lb) | Sedentary kcal / cups | Moderate kcal / cups | Very active kcal / cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 780 kcal / 2.25 cups | 960 kcal / 2.75 cups | 1200 kcal / 3.4 cups |
| 60 | 900 kcal / 2.6 cups | 1100 kcal / 3.15 cups | 1350 kcal / 3.85 cups |
| 70 | 1000 kcal / 2.85 cups | 1250 kcal / 3.55 cups | 1500 kcal / 4.3 cups |
| 80 | 1100 kcal / 3.15 cups | 1400 kcal / 4.0 cups | 1700 kcal / 4.85 cups |
| 90 | 1200 kcal / 3.4 cups | 1550 kcal / 4.4 cups | 1900 kcal / 5.4 cups |
Retrievers, German Shepherds, and similar breeds often fall in this table. Working or sport dogs of this size may even fall above the “very active” range during intense seasons.
Feeding Chart For Giant Dogs (90+ lb)
Giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs are large, but their metabolisms can be more moderate per pound compared with tiny dogs.
Approximate daily calories and cups for giant adult dogs
| Weight (lb) | Sedentary kcal / cups | Moderate kcal / cups | Very active kcal / cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 1200 kcal / 3.4 cups | 1550 kcal / 4.4 cups | 1900 kcal / 5.4 cups |
| 100 | 1300 kcal / 3.7 cups | 1700 kcal / 4.85 cups | 2100 kcal / 6.0 cups |
| 120 | 1500 kcal / 4.3 cups | 1950 kcal / 5.6 cups | 2400 kcal / 6.85 cups |
| 140 | 1700 kcal / 4.85 cups | 2200 kcal / 6.25 cups | 2700 kcal / 7.75 cups |
Large meal size also affects gastric comfort for these dogs, so many owners split totals into at least two feedings.
Puppy Feeding Adjustments
Puppies are growing, building bone and muscle, and usually moving almost constantly. Calorie needs can run 2 to 3 times higher than those of adults at the same weight.
Common patterns:
- Young puppies (under 50% adult weight) often sit closer to 3 × RER.
- Older puppies (closer to adult size) often fall between 2 and 2.5 × RER.
- Large and giant breed puppies often use special “large breed puppy” formulas to balance energy and minerals.
Many puppy charts mirror the adult tables but shift the totals up by 50 to 200%, depending on age and growth rate. Articles such as the portion guide on dvm360 for pets explain how clinicians account for that in practice.
Senior Dog Feeding Adjustments
From about 7 years of age and up, many dogs slow down a bit. Muscle mass may drop, and joint comfort can change daily movement habits.
Broad patterns often seen in nutrition references:
- Seniors commonly need about 10 to 20% fewer calories than in mid‑adult years.
- Some very active or thin seniors may still need adult‑level calories or even more.
- Many senior diets adjust not only calories but also protein and fiber.
Age in years alone does not tell the full story, so actual activity level and body condition stay at the center of any feeding plan.
Neutered And Spayed Dogs
After neuter or spay surgery, hormone shifts tend to slow metabolism and change appetite. Many nutrition guides note that calorie needs drop by around 10 to 25%.
The actual impact depends on the individual dog:
- Some dogs gain weight quickly soon after surgery.
- Others do not gain at all, especially if they are very active.
When professionals calculate Resting Energy Requirement, they often apply a lower multiplier for neutered dogs compared with intact dogs of similar age and activity, as explained in the calorie needs summary from Pet Nutrition Alliance.
How Food Type Changes Portion Size
The kind of food in the bowl has a big effect on volume:
- Dry kibble tends to be more calorie‑dense, often 300 to 450 kcal per cup.
- Wet or canned food usually has more water, so the dog may eat more volume for the same calories.
- Fresh, homemade, or raw diets can vary quite a bit in fat and energy density.
Feeding calculators for raw or fresh diets, such as this raw pet food feeding calculator from Steve’s Real Food, often use body weight, age, and activity to estimate a starting portion in ounces or grams instead of cups.
Measuring Portions Accurately
Cups and scoops often give rough estimates. The way a cup is filled can change the real amount by 10 to 20%. That difference can add up quickly, especially for small dogs.
A kitchen scale with grams or ounces often gives more consistent portions than plastic cups. Many veterinary weight‑loss programs use weighed food to control calories more precisely, as also shown in tools like the VetCalculators calorie calculator.
Daily Feeding Schedules And Meal Splits
The total daily amount can be split in different ways:
- Toys and small dogs: often 2 to 3 meals per day
- Medium and large dogs: often 2 meals per day
- Very young puppies: often 3 to 4 meals until they are older
Spreading food across the day can help maintain steady energy and may help some dogs feel more satisfied.
Common Signs Of Overfeeding
Portion size often shows up on the body long before it shows up on a scale. Signs often linked with too many calories include:
- Ribs covered by a thick layer of fat, hard to feel even with some pressure
- Loss of a visible waist when viewed from above
- Heavy padding on the base of the tail and over the spine
- Slower movement, trouble jumping, or tiring quickly on walks
- More begging or “grazing” habits encouraged by frequent snacks
Long‑term overfeeding raises the risk of arthritis, cruciate ligament tears, diabetes, and other conditions. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention tracks these trends and shares data showing just how common weight issues have become.
Common Signs Of Underfeeding
Feeding on the low side can also cause clear physical and behavior changes, especially over weeks or months:
- Very sharp ribs, backbone, or hip bones
- “Tucked up” abdomen, even for non‑athletic breeds
- Loss of muscle over the head, shoulders, or thighs
- Low energy, poor stamina, or weakness
- Dull coat with more shedding than usual
Persistent hunger, stealing food, or frantic eating can appear with both underfeeding and simple food obsession, so body condition and weigh‑ins give clearer answers than appetite alone.
Monitoring Body Condition Over Time
Most veterinary teams use a 9‑point Body Condition Score (BCS) chart:
- 1 to 3: too thin
- 4 to 5: ideal range
- 6 to 9: overweight to obese
In the ideal zone, ribs are easy to feel with light pressure, the dog has a visible waist from above, and the belly “tucks up” a little behind the ribs.
Monthly weigh‑ins and regular photos from the side and from above help track changes slowly and clearly. Nutrition guides such as Calculate the perfect portions for pets on dvm360 use this same scoring to match calories to progress over time.
Treats, Extras, And “Table Food”
Treats and extras may look small, but they often carry dense calories. Many veterinary nutrition references suggest that treats stay at or below about 10% of the dog’s total daily calories.
Patterns that often lead to hidden calorie creep include:
- Frequent training treats, especially if they are high‑fat
- Table scraps like cheese, meat trimmings, or bread
- Peanut butter or cheese‑filled toys given several times a week
- Multiple family members giving snacks without tracking them
Once treats go beyond about 10% of daily calories, they can crowd out the balanced nutrition in the dog’s regular food.
Handy Tools And Calculators
Several respected resources provide calculators and worked examples that match the methods in this guide:
- Pet Obesity Prevention pet calorie calculator
- Metabolic food requirements guide from Wilson Veterinary Hospital
- VetCalculators calorie requirements calculator
- Pet Nutrition Alliance RER and MER PDF
These tools use body weight, activity, and body condition score to estimate daily calories, then link those calories to the exact food used.
Common Myths About How Much Dogs Eat
Several myths still circulate about feeding amounts:
- “One cup fits all.”
A “cup” of food suits a 10‑pound dog very differently from a 70‑pound dog. Calories, density, and individual metabolism all matter. - “If the bowl is empty, the dog needs more.”
Many dogs love to eat and will clean the bowl regardless of whether the portion is right, too small, or too large. - “Bigger bowls mean bigger dogs.”
Oversized bowls often tempt humans to fill them, not dogs to grow taller. Portion control means measuring, not guessing. - “Free‑feeding is always easier.”
Leaving food out all day makes it harder to track intake, especially in multi‑dog homes, and often leads to gradual weight gain.
Switching Dog Foods Without Upsetting The Stomach
When changing foods, gradual transitions often cause fewer digestive issues than abrupt switches. A common pattern in veterinary nutrition looks like a 7 to 10 day blend, where the new food increases while the old food decreases.
Alongside the gradual mix, many clinicians track stool quality, appetite, and body weight. Articles such as the PetMD guide, Dog Feeding Chart: How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog?, explain how portion size and diet type both affect that transition period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do different brands change how much to feed at the same weight?
Yes. One brand may provide 300 kcal per cup, another 420 kcal per cup. At the same body weight and daily calorie target, the dog would eat very different cup amounts of those two foods. The calorie number on the package always connects the charts in this guide to the real bowl.
2. Why do small dogs often eat more calories per pound than big dogs?
Smaller bodies lose heat faster, and their organs use proportionally more energy. As a result, small and toy breeds often need more calories per pound than large or giant breeds, even though their total daily calories are lower.
3. Are “feeding guidelines” on the bag always accurate?
Bag charts usually give a wide starting range, not a personalized plan. They rarely account for neuter status, health problems, or the dog’s actual activity level. Many nutrition services and tools, such as the APOP pet calorie calculator, refine those broad ranges using weight and body condition.
4. How often do calorie needs change during a dog’s life?
Calorie needs shift during puppy growth, often stabilize for several adult years, then change again with neuter status, lifestyle changes, or aging. Illness, joint pain, and seasonal activity changes can also raise or lower daily needs at any time.
5. Do working and sport dogs really need that many extra calories?
Working herding dogs, sled dogs, hunting dogs, and high‑level sport dogs can burn several times more calories than pets of the same size. During peak seasons, their daily calorie intake can rise into the “3 to 6 times RER” zone shown in professional calorie charts.
“How much should I feed my dog?” always comes back to a few key pieces of information: body weight, activity level, age, neuter status, and the calorie density of the chosen food. Resting Energy Requirement and activity multipliers create a structured way to work with those pieces.
The tables in this guide offer broad, research‑based ranges by weight and lifestyle. When those ranges connect with real‑world tools, clear labels, regular weigh‑ins, and body condition scoring, feeding amounts become far easier to understand and fine‑tune over time.
References
- Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Estimate How Much to Feed Your Dog or Cat. Available at: https://www.petobesityprevention.org/pet-caloric-needs
- Wilson Veterinary Hospital. Metabolic Food Requirements for Your Pet. Available at: https://wilsonvet.net/metabolic-food-requirements-for-your-pet/
- Pet Nutrition Alliance. Calculating Calories Based on Pet Needs (RER and MER). Available at: https://petnutritionalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MER.RER_.PNA_.pdf
- VetCalculators. Calorie Requirements Calculator. Available at: https://www.vetcalculators.com/calories.html
- PetMD. Dog Feeding Chart: How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog? Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount
- Eukanuba. How Much To Feed Your Active Dog For The Adventures Ahead. Available at: https://www.eukanuba.com/articles/nutrition/how-much-to-feed-your-active-dog
- Steve’s Real Food. Raw Pet Food Feeding Calculator. Available at: https://stevesrealfood.com/quick-guide/feeding-calculator/
- dvm360. Calculate the Perfect Portions for Pets. Available at: https://www.dvm360.com/view/calculate-perfect-portions-pets
- The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Companion Animal Nutrition Support Service. Available at: https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/services/companion-animal-nutrition-support-service