thinkpawsDog Feeding Chart: How Much & How Often to Feed
Good nutrition is essential to your dog’s health. However, different dogs have different nutritional needs.
Understanding the steps involved in feeding a dog properly is the key to making the right decisions. Pet food can vary from bag to bag, and if you’re not sure exactly how much to feed, using a dog feeding guide can help you determine how much you should be feeding.
What Should Be in Your Dog’s Bowl?
To maintain an ideal body condition, your dog needs quality food that is complete and balanced and formulated to meet the needs associated with his size, age, and lifestyle.
For example, active sporting dogs may benefit from a formula with higher calories and protein levels, while less active dogs may require a food that is lower in calories.
How Much Food Does Your Dog Need?
To answer this question, start by checking the dog feeding chart on your dog food package. These charts are a required part of every dog food package, and they can help you determine the daily amount you should be feeding.
The information will be similar to the dog feeding chart below. These are initial recommendations and amounts may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s lifestyle. If you have questions specific to your dog’s nutritional needs, talk with your veterinarian.
Adult Dog Size (lbs.) Dry Food Feeding Amount (Cups)
3 to 12 1/3 to 1
13 to 20 1 to 1-1/3
21 to 35 1-1/3 to 2
26 to 50 2 to 2-2/3
51 to 75 2-2/3 to 3-1/3
76 to 100 3-1/3 to 4-1/4
100+ 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for every 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs.
Note: Dog feeding amounts vary from product to product based on calorie content and formula. Consult the feeding chart on the back of your dog’s food packaging. Individual needs can vary, so consult your veterinarian regarding special dietary needs.
