Feeding your dog can feel a bit overwhelming at times. How much should you give them? Are you choosing the right type of food? Are they eating enough? It’s a lot to figure out, especially when all you want is for your furry friend to be healthy and happy.
Dogs have different needs depending on their age, size, and lifestyle. What works for a playful puppy bursting with energy might not be the best choice for a laid-back senior dog. And with factors like timings and portions, it’s easy to feel like you’re second-guessing every decision.
But getting it right is easier than you think. With a little guidance, you can make sure your dog’s meals are just right for them. Whether it’s the right portion sizes or choosing between dry and wet food, feeding your dog can become a routine that works for both of you.
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Dog Feeding Chart by Weight and Age
Figuring the right meal for your dog doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Their weight, age, and activity levels play a huge role in determining how much food they need to stay healthy and happy.
To help you feel more sure about mealtime, we’ve created a simple feeding chart that breaks it all down. Use this as a guide to make sure your dog gets exactly what they need.
| Dog Size | Weight | Age | Morning Meal | Evening Meal | Snacks/Treats |
| Toy | 3 – 5 lbs | 6 – 12 Weeks (Puppy) | ⅛ – ¼ cup | ⅛ – ¼ cup | 1 – 2 tiny training treats |
| 3 – 4 Months (Puppy) | ¼ – ½ cup | ¼ – ½ cup | 1 tsp plain yogurt | ||
| Adult | ¼ cup | ¼ cup | 1 dental stick | ||
| Small | 10 – 20 lbs | 5 – 7 Months (Puppy) | ¾ – 1 cup | ¾ – 1 cup | ½ apple slice (no seeds) |
| Adult | ½ – ¾ cup | ½ – ¾ cup | 1 – 2 crunchy biscuits | ||
| Medium | 20 – 40 lbs | 8 – 12 Months (Puppy) | 1 – 1½ cups | 1 – 1½ cups | 1 frozen green bean |
| Adult | 1½ – 2 cups | 1½ – 2 cups | 1 tbsp pumpkin puree | ||
| Large | 40 – 80 lbs | Puppy (All Stages) | 1½ – 3 cups | 1½ – 3 cups | 1 – 2 low-sodium broth ice cubes |
| Adult | 2 – 3 cups | 2 – 3 cups | 1 – 2 oz cooked chicken | ||
| Giant | 80 – 175 lbs | Puppy (All Stages) | 3 – 4 cups | 3 – 4 cups | 2 – 3 baby carrots |
| Adult | 3½ – 5 cups | 3½ – 5 cups | ¼ cup plain popcorn |
Disclaimer: This chart is a general guideline. Always consult your vet to determine your dog’s specific dietary needs.
Factors That Impact Dog Feeding
There are several factors that influence how much and what type of food your dog should eat. It’s important to consider them before anything else.
- Weight:
Dogs require food portions according to their size and ideal weight. Overfeeding or underfeeding, both are bad physical states. That’s why regularly monitoring your dog’s weight is important.
- Activity Levels:
Dogs with high activity levels, such as working breeds or dogs that enjoy daily exercise, need more calories to maintain their energy. On the other hand, less active or older dogs require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.
- Age:
Nutritional needs vary throughout a dog’s life. Puppies need calorie-dense meals for their growth. Adults need balanced diets for maintenance, while senior dogs may require reduced-calorie diets for slower metabolisms.
- Size:
Toy and small breeds need smaller but more frequent meals due to their fast metabolism. Larger breeds may eat less frequently but require larger portions.
- Reproductive Activity:
This is another important factor to consider. Neutered dogs need fewer calories due to reduced hormone-driven activity. Pregnant or nursing dogs, on the other hand, need more for themselves and their puppies.
Also read: Poodle Feeding Guide
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
Meal frequency again depends upon all the factors we discussed above and mainly which stage of life is your dog in. Like puppies, they have small stomachs and high energy demands so feeding them 3 – 4 controlled meals a day is ideal until they reach six months old.
If we look at adult dogs, they do well with even two meals a day. This should be one in the morning and one in the evening.
The more senior or older dogs can also stick to the adult schedule, but portion sizes may need adjustment based on activity levels and metabolism. Don’t forget to give fresh water with every meal to keep your dog hydrated.
Best Times to Feed Your Dog
Timing meals consistently helps maintain your dog’s routine and digestion but don’t complicate this step. Consider this
- Morning: Feed your dog between 7-8 AM. This gives them the energy to stay active throughout the day
- Evening: Dinner should be between 5-7 PM. Avoid feeding too late, as it can disrupt the digestion process.
- For Puppies: For puppies it’s different, feed them 3-4 meals evenly throughout the day so you don’t end up overloading their digestive system.
Wet vs Dry Dog Food: Which is better
Choosing between both options depends on your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Dry food tends to be the more budget-friendly option and is particularly good for maintaining dental health as it can help reduce plaque buildup. It’s also easy to measure and portion, making consistent feeding simple.
Wet food, on the other hand, is higher in moisture content, making it an ideal choice for dogs that need extra hydration. It also works well for picky eaters due to its richer flavor and texture.
However, wet food requires larger portions compared to dry food, with about twice the amount needed to match the same caloric value (e.g., 1 cup of wet food equals approximately 1/2 cup of dry food). A balanced approach often works best, where you mix both wet and dry food for a balance of taste and nutrition.
Also read: Dog Poop Color Meaning
Snacks and Treats: What to Include
Treats are a wonderful way to keep your dog happy and reward good behavior, but moderation is key. It’s important to ensure that treats makeup no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Safe and healthy snack options include carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), plain popcorn, and green beans. These provide a nutritious boost without adding extra calories.
However, always be cautious about what you’re offering. Some foods, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and anything containing xylitol, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
Also read: Unsafe Dog Foods List
Puppy Feeding Chart by Weight and Age
Things are a bit different if we specifically talk about puppies. They grow quickly and need proper nutrition to support their development.
| Age Range | Meal Frequency | Key Notes |
| 6–12 Weeks | 3–4 Meals/Day | High-calorie, nutrient-rich diet |
| 3–6 Months | 3 Meals/Day | Gradually increase portion sizes |
| 6+ Months | 2 Meals/Day | Move to adult feeding schedule |
Dog Food Chart (by Weight and Age) Calculator
For precise information, use an online dog feeding calculator. These tools consider your dog’s:
- Weight in pounds or kilograms
- Age (puppy, adult, or senior)
- Activity level (low, medium, or high)
Simply enter the details, and the calculator will suggest portion sizes in grams or cups.
Example Calculation
- Toy Dog (5 lbs, Adult):
- Activity Level: Low
- Daily Food: ~½ cup
- Large Dog (70 lbs, Active Adult):
- Activity Level: High
- Daily Food: ~3½ cups
FAQs About Dog Feeding
How do I know if I’m feeding my dog enough?
Check your dog’s body condition. A healthy dog should have a visible waistline, and you should be able to feel (but not see) their ribs. If you notice weight loss or gain, consult your vet right away.
Can I feed my dog human food?
Some human foods like plain cooked chicken, rice, carrots, and green beans can be safe and nutritious for dogs. However, avoid foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and anything seasoned or fatty.
How do I transition my dog to a new food?
Give them new food slowly over 7–10 days. Start by mixing 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food, then slowly increase the amount of new food. This helps avoid digestive upset and makes the change easier for your dog.
What if my dog skips a meal?
Occasionally, skipping a meal can be normal, especially if your dog is less active that day. However, frequent skipped meals or signs like vomiting, lethargy, or changes in behavior should be discussed with your vet.
Can I give my dog raw food?
Raw diets can be healthy but be careful to ensure they’re balanced and safe. Consult with a vet or pet nutritionist before starting a raw diet to make sure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.