Adult dogs#
Most adult dogs eat about 2–3% of their ideal body weight per day, split across one or two meals. A 20 kg dog eats roughly 400–600 g a day, depending on activity level and metabolism.
Less active or overweight dogs sit nearer the lower end of that range, while lean, active dogs often need closer to the upper end. Think of these figures as a starting point, not a fixed rule.
Puppies#
Puppies need more relative to their size: around 5–8% of their current weight, split over three or four meals a day, reducing gradually as they grow and their meal frequency drops.
Because puppies grow so quickly, it's worth reweighing every couple of weeks and adjusting portions rather than sticking to one fixed amount for months.
Adjust by shape#
Weight and breed charts are only a guide — your dog's body condition tells the real story. If you can't feel the ribs easily, reduce the daily amount by about 10%. If ribs and hips are visible, add about 10%.
Very active, working or sporting dogs can need noticeably more than a sedentary dog of the same size, sometimes 3–4% of body weight or more.
Signs the amount is right#
A dog on the right amount of food has a waist visible from above, ribs you can feel without pressing hard, steady energy and consistent, well-formed stools.
Check your dog's weight and shape every few weeks rather than only when a problem appears — small adjustments are much easier than correcting a large change later.