How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Most adult dogs need between 2% and 3% of their body weight in food per day, split across two meals. But the right amount depends on age, breed, activity level, and the specific food you're using.
This guide covers portion sizes by weight and life stage, how to tell if you're feeding the right amount, and practical tips from Ireland's leading pet nutrition team.
Why There's No Single Right Answer
Every dog is different. A Border Collie running 2 hours a day burns far more energy than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who naps most of the afternoon. Age matters too - puppies need more calories per kilogram than adults, and seniors often need less.
The calorie content of dog food also varies enormously. A premium kibble like Royal Canin or Hills can be significantly more calorie-dense than a budget brand, meaning your dog needs less of it by volume. Always go by the feeding guide on the specific food you're using as a starting point.
Dog Feeding Guide by Weight
Use this as a general starting point for adult dogs on standard dry kibble (~350–380 kcal per 100g). Adjust up or down based on activity level and body condition.
| Dog Weight | Low Activity | Moderate Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kg | 75–90g | 90–110g | 110–130g |
| 10kg | 130–160g | 160–200g | 200–240g |
| 15kg | 185–220g | 220–270g | 270–320g |
| 20kg | 235–280g | 280–340g | 340–400g |
| 30kg | 330–400g | 400–480g | 480–560g |
| 40kg | 420–510g | 510–610g | 610–720g |
⚠️ Always check the feeding guide on your specific food. Calorie content varies significantly between brands. A premium kibble may require 20–30% less than a standard one.
Feeding by Life Stage
Puppy
3–4 meals per day under 6 months. Higher protein, fat, calcium & DHA. Never feed adult food.
Shop Puppy Food →Adult
Twice daily from 12 months. Balanced portions for weight maintenance and energy.
Shop Adult Food →Senior
From age 7. Often needs 10–20% fewer calories. Monitor body condition closely.
Shop Senior Food →Puppy Meal Frequency
- 8–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
- 3–6 months: 3 meals per day
- 6–12 months: 2 meals per day
- 12 months+: Transition to adult food (large breeds: wait until 18–24 months)
How to Tell If You're Feeding the Right Amount
The best check is the body condition score - run your hands along your dog's ribs. You should feel them easily with light pressure but not see them. View from above: a healthy dog has a visible waist. From the side, the belly tucks up slightly behind the ribcage.
Signs You May Be Feeding Too Much
- Difficulty feeling the ribs without pressing hard
- No visible waist when viewed from above
- Reluctance to exercise or tires quickly
- Steady weight gain between vet visits
Signs You May Not Be Feeding Enough
- Ribs clearly visible without touching
- Prominent hip or spine bones
- Low energy or lethargy
- Constantly hungry, scavenging
Wet Food vs Dry Food - Does It Change the Amount?
Yes, significantly. Wet food contains 70–80% moisture, so you need much more by weight to deliver the same calories. A dog eating 200g of dry food per day might need 600–800g of wet food for the same caloric intake.
Many owners combine both - dry food as the main meal with wet food mixed in for palatability. If mixing, reduce the dry portion accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
Mixing wet and dry? A common approach: feed 75% of the dry food portion plus one pouch or tray of wet food per meal. Adjust based on your dog's weight and energy level. Browse wet dog food at Petstop →
Other Feeding Questions
Should I feed once or twice a day?
Twice a day is recommended for most adult dogs. It reduces the risk of bloat (especially in large, deep-chested breeds), keeps energy more stable, and is more comfortable than one large meal. For small breeds with fast metabolisms, twice daily helps avoid blood sugar dips.
Do treats count toward the daily amount?
Yes - treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. If you're training with lots of treats, reduce the main meal slightly to compensate. High-calorie treats like dental chews, pig ears, or cheese add up quickly. Choose lower-calorie training treats for frequent reward sessions.
Can I free-feed my dog?
Leaving food out all day works for some dogs, but most will overeat. Structured meal times also make it easier to notice changes in appetite - often an early sign of illness. Free-feeding is more suited to cats, who tend to self-regulate better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Puppies under 6 months need 3–4 meals per day. Senior dogs also do well on twice-daily feeding.
How do I know if I'm overfeeding my dog?
You should be able to feel your dog's ribs with light pressure but not see them. If you have to press hard through fat, your dog is likely overweight. Check with your vet if unsure - they can do a formal body condition score assessment.
My dog always acts hungry - does that mean I'm not feeding enough?
Not necessarily. Many dogs act hungry even when well-fed - it's instinct. If their body condition score is healthy (ribs easily felt, visible waist), they're eating enough. Some breeds like Labradors are particularly prone to food-seeking behaviour.
Should I change feeding amounts in winter?
Dogs that spend more time outdoors in cold weather may need slightly more food to maintain body temperature. Indoor dogs on the same routine generally don't need adjustment.
How much water should my dog drink?
Roughly 50–60ml per kilogram of body weight per day. A 20kg dog needs about 1 litre. Dogs on wet food will drink less; dogs on dry kibble will drink more. Always have fresh water available.
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