Proper feeding is crucial for your dog's health and well-being. The amount of food your dog needs depends on several factors including weight, age, activity level, and the type of food you're using. Puppies require more calories per pound than adult dogs because they're growing rapidly. Senior dogs may need fewer calories if they're less active. Active working dogs or highly energetic breeds need more food than couch potato dogs. Always transition to new foods gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset. Monitor your dog's body condition - you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, but not see them prominently. Divide daily food into 2-3 meals for adult dogs, or 3-4 meals for puppies. Fresh water should always be available. Remember to account for treats in your dog's daily caloric intake - treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. If your dog is overweight or underweight, consult your veterinarian for a tailored feeding plan. For accurate portions, use our dog food calculator and complement it with our dog age calculator to understand your pet's life stage better.
Dog Nutrition FAQ
🍖 How often should I feed my dog?
Adult dogs should be fed twice daily (morning and evening), while puppies under 6 months need 3-4 meals per day. Senior dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion and house training. Avoid feeding right before or after vigorous exercise to prevent bloat.
📏 How do I know if I'm feeding the right amount?
Monitor your dog's body condition score. You should be able to feel their ribs easily without pressing hard, but not see them prominently. There should be a visible waist when viewed from above. If your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, adjust portions by 10-15% and monitor for 2-3 weeks.
🥘 What's the difference between wet and dry food portions?
Wet food contains 70-80% water, so you need much larger volumes compared to dry kibble. Dry food is more calorie-dense (300-400 kcal per cup) while wet food has fewer calories per weight (70-100 kcal per 100g). Always follow the feeding guidelines on your specific food package and adjust based on your dog's needs.
🎂 Do feeding requirements change with age?
Yes, significantly. Puppies need 2-3 times more calories per pound than adult dogs due to rapid growth. Adult dogs have stable requirements based on activity level. Senior dogs often need fewer calories due to reduced activity but may benefit from easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods. Pregnant and nursing females need 25-50% more calories.
🏃 How does exercise affect food requirements?
Very active dogs (working dogs, agility training, long daily runs) may need 20-40% more calories than sedentary dogs. Moderate exercise like daily walks requires about 10-20% more food. Indoor dogs or those with limited mobility need fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Adjust portions seasonally if activity levels change.
🍪 How should I account for treats and snacks?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. If you give lots of treats for training, reduce their main meal portions accordingly. Many dog treats are high in calories - a few large biscuits can equal 100-200 calories. Use small, low-calorie treats or break larger ones into pieces for training sessions.