How Much Food to Give Your Dog? A Complete Guide of Dog Feeding Chart

Feeding Your Dog Properly

Ever caught your dog staring you down like you owe them a buffet? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But figuring out how much food to give your dog isn’t just about stopping the puppy eyes—it’s about their overall health, happiness, and energy.

As someone who’s obsessed with getting this right (and keeping my own fluffball both lean and lively), I’ve been through the “am I feeding them enough or too much?” spiral more times than I’d like to admit. That’s why I put together this complete dog feeding chart—so you can finally stop guessing and start feeding with confidence.

Let’s be honest, there’s no one-size-fits-all here. Breed, age, weight, activity level—it all plays a part. But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything in plain English (no vet degree required).

What, When and How?

What you feed them is just as important as when and how much. You need to consider the type of food—dry kibble, wet food, or even a raw diet—and make sure it’s high-quality. Then you have to figure out a feeding schedule that works for both of you.

And finally, you must get the portions right. It’s a balancing act, but I promise it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Eat in Peace

Ever seen a dog guard their bowl like it’s the last piece of pizza on Earth? Feeding them in a calm, quiet space helps reduce anxiety and stops them from inhaling their food like a vacuum. Seriously, slow down, buddy!

Factors That Affect What Type of Food to Feed Your Dog

You wouldn’t give a toddler a steak, right? Same logic applies to dogs. Choosing the right food depends on a few biggies:

• Age: Puppies need high-calorie, nutrient-rich food. Seniors need low-calorie, joint-supporting diets.

• Breed Size: A Chihuahua and a Great Dane? Totally different fuel tanks.

• Health Conditions: Allergies, obesity, kidney issues? Time to consult your vet.
• Activity Level: Couch potato vs. agility champion-diet should match their lifestyle.
• Preference & Digestibility: Some dogs are picky, some will eat a shoe. Know your pup.

Pro Tip: Always check with your vet before switching food, especially if your pup has health issues.

Factors That Determine the Amount of Food to Feed Your Dog

So, how do you really know how much food is just right? It’s like Goldilocks for dogs—not too much, not too little.

Here are the main factors:

• Body Weight: Bigger dog- bigger appetite (duh).
• Metabolism: Some dogs burn calories like a furnace.
• Life Stage: Puppies, adults, seniors-all have different needs.
• Activity Level: The more zoomies, the more fuel required.
• Food Type: Wet food, dry kibble, homemade-each has a different density.

How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog?

For adult dogs, a general rule of thumb is to follow the guidelines on the back of the food bag. However, those are often just suggestions. IMO, it’s better to start there and then adjust based on your dog’s energy levels and body condition.

Adult Dog Feeding Chart

Puppy Feeding Chart

Feeding a puppy is a whole different ballgame. They’re basically tiny, adorable eating machines. They need a lot of calories to fuel all that growth and mischief. Their feeding schedule should be more frequent to support their rapid development.

How many grams of kibble should a 2-month-old puppy eat?

A 2-month-old puppy is a tiny whirlwind of energy. You should feed them about 1/2 to 1 cup of puppy kibble per day, split into three to four small meals. This keeps their blood sugar stable and helps with digestion.

How many grams of kibble should a 3-month-old puppy eat?

At 3 months, your puppy is growing fast. You can increase their food intake to around 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day, still divided into three meals. Pay attention to their body condition—you should be able to feel their ribs, but they shouldn’t look bony.

And how much food should you give your dog from 5 months onwards?

Start transitioning to adult portions slowly—cut back meal frequency and up the portions. Still, monitor their weight and adjust as needed. Growth spurts? Yep, they’ll surprise you.

Senior Dog Feeding Chart

Senior dogs are a bit like us—they slow down and their dietary needs change. Their metabolism decreases, so they need fewer calories to avoid weight gain. However, they might also need more fiber to aid digestion or special nutrients for joint support.

Here’s a general guide for senior dogs:

• Small dogs: Reduce their adult portion by about 20%.
• Medium dogs: Reduce by 15%.
• Large dogs: Reduce by 10%.

This is just a starting point. Always consult with your vet to create a feeding plan tailored to your senior dog’s specific health needs.

How Much Dry Food Should Your Dog Eat?

As mentioned earlier, the total daily amount of dry food depends on your dog’s size and activity level. Use the adult feeding chart above as a starting point. A cup of dry kibble can vary in calorie count, so check the bag. A good quality food will have a clear feeding guide.

And how much wet food?

Wet food is a great option for picky eaters or dogs who need more hydration. However, it’s less calorie-dense, so you’ll need to feed a larger quantity. A general rule is that you’ll need to feed about twice the volume of wet food as you would dry food to get the same calorie count. Always check the packaging for specific instructions.

How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?

Scheduling meals keeps your dog’s metabolism happy. Let’s break it down:

Scheduled feeding

You put food down at the same time every day. Your dog eats, or they wait till the next meal. Structure – digestive bliss.

• 2 meals/day = optimal for adult dogs
• Helps manage weight and digestion
• Great for training routines too

Once a day feeding

Some folks swear by it, but IMO, it’s not ideal for most dogs. Why?

• Can cause hunger-related behavior
• May not suit high-energy breeds
• Seniors? Nah—they need smaller, spread-out meals.

Free-feeding

You leave food out all day. Works for Dogs? Not so much. They’ll treat it like an all-day buffet. And not in a good way.

• May lead to overeating
• Hard to track food intake
• Not recommended for multi-dog households

Why It’s important To Feed Your Dog the Right Amount

Feeding the right amount isn’t just about making your dog happy; it’s about keeping them healthy. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which, FYI, can cause a whole host of serious health problems like joint issues, heart disease, and diabetes. It’s not cute; it’s a real danger.

Underfeeding, on the other hand, can lead to malnutrition and a lack of energy. Your dog won’t have the fuel they need to live a full, happy life. Finding that sweet spot is key to a long, healthy life for your best friend.

When to Feed Your Dog More or Less

Sometimes you need to stray from the chart. If your dog is a weekend warrior who just spent two hours at the dog park, they might need a little extra food that day to replenish their energy. Conversely, if they’ve been sick and spending more time in bed, you might need to slightly reduce their portion to prevent weight gain. Use common sense and observe your dog’s behavior.

Increase food if:

• They’re more active than usual
• They’re underweight
• They’re growing puppies

Decrease food if:

• They’re gaining weight
• They’re less active
• They’re aging

Ever tried explaining “portion control” to a Beagle? Yeah, me neither.

How Much Homemade Food to Give to the Dog?

Homemade meals = chef mode unlocked.

• Rule of thumb: Feed 2–3% of your dog’s body weight daily
  • Example: 20 kg dog → 400–600g of homemade food
• Balance protein, veggies, carbs
• Use supplements for vitamins and minerals

Split this between:

• 40% protein
• 30% vegetables
• 30% carbs

Pro tip: Cooked meals are easier to digest. Raw diets? Controversial—research carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed my dog human food?

Sometimes, yes. Just avoid toxic stuff like chocolate, grapes, and onions.

Is raw feeding better?

Some swear by it. Others say nope. It really depends on your dog and your vet’s advice.

Can I switch my dog’s food brand often?

Not suddenly. Transition gradually over 5-7 days to avoid upset tummies.

What if my dog is always hungry?

Some breeds are just drama queens. Check their weight, activity level, and chat with your vet.

How do I know if I’m feeding the right amount?

Your dog should have a visible waistline, not resemble a walking loaf of bread.

Final Words

Feeding your dog isn’t about scooping kibble and calling it a day—it’s a commitment to their health, happiness, and overall zoomie potential. And trust me, when you get it right, you’ll see the difference in their energy, mood, and those bright puppy-dog eyes 😍.

Stick to the charts, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to adjust. And hey—if your dog gives you that look