How Much Should I Feed My Dog? A Feeding Chart by Weight and Age (2026) Leave a comment
Reviewed by the Petfindings team · Last updated: July 2026. Educational only — your vet can give feeding amounts tailored to your dog.
Quick answer
Most adult dogs eat roughly 2–3% of their body weight in food per day, but the exact amount depends on the food’s calorie density, your dog’s age, activity level and whether they need to lose or gain weight. The most reliable guide is the feeding chart on your dog food’s packaging, adjusted to keep your dog at a healthy body condition. Use the chart below as a starting point and fine-tune from there.
Daily feeding chart for adult dogs (dry food)
These are typical starting amounts of dry kibble per day for a healthy adult dog, split into two meals. Always check your specific food’s label, since calorie density varies by brand.
| Dog weight | Approx. dry food per day |
|---|---|
| 2–5 kg (5–11 lb) | about 45–90 g (1/2–1 cup) |
| 5–10 kg (11–22 lb) | about 90–150 g (1–1.5 cups) |
| 10–20 kg (22–44 lb) | about 150–260 g (1.5–2.5 cups) |
| 20–30 kg (44–66 lb) | about 260–350 g (2.5–3.5 cups) |
| 30–40 kg (66–88 lb) | about 350–450 g (3.5–4.5 cups) |
Cup sizes are approximate; weighing food with a kitchen scale is far more accurate.
How age changes feeding
- Puppies need more calories per kilo than adults and should be fed 3–4 smaller meals a day. Follow a puppy-formula label by expected adult weight.
- Adults do well on two measured meals a day.
- Seniors are usually less active and may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain, but some need easier-to-digest or higher-protein diets — ask your vet.
Adjust to body condition, not just the chart
The chart is a starting point. The real test is your dog’s body condition: you should be able to feel (but not see) the ribs, and see a visible waist from above. If ribs are hard to feel, reduce portions slightly; if ribs and spine show clearly, increase them. Re-check every few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Most adult dogs do best with two meals a day. Puppies need 3–4 smaller meals because they cannot go as long between feedings.
Should I feed based on the bag or my dog’s weight?
Start with the bag’s chart for your dog’s weight, then adjust based on body condition. Labels tend to slightly overestimate, so many dogs need a little less than the maximum listed.
How do I know if I’m overfeeding?
If you cannot easily feel your dog’s ribs, there is no visible waist, or your dog is gaining weight, cut portions by about 10% and re-check in a few weeks.
Do wet food and treats change the amount?
Yes. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories, and if you add wet food you should reduce kibble to keep total calories the same.
The bottom line
Use your food’s chart and the weight guide above as a starting point, feed measured meals rather than free-feeding, and let your dog’s body condition be the final judge. When in doubt, your vet can calculate exact daily calories for your dog.
