How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Knowing how much to feed your dog is not always as straightforward as it sounds. The right portion depends on your dog’s ideal weight, age, activity level, body condition and the particular food you are serving.

A feeding guide gives you a sensible starting point. You can then monitor your dog’s weight and shape and make gradual adjustments when necessary.

Use the Dewkes dog food calculator, (click or scroll down the page) to estimate your dog’s daily portion, portion per meal and approximate food requirement for 30 days.

How much food should I feed my dog?

Start with the feeding guide supplied with your dog’s food. Different recipes contain different amounts of energy, so the correct number of grams can vary between products—even when your dog’s weight stays the same.

For the most useful starting recommendation, consider:

• Ideal weight: portions should support a healthy body condition, rather than simply reflecting a dog’s current weight.
• Age and life stage: puppies, adults and senior dogs can have different nutritional and feeding needs.
• Activity level: a highly active dog may need more energy than a less active dog of the same size.
• Body condition: regularly check your dog’s shape as well as the number on the scales.
• Treats and extras: treats, chews and table scraps all contribute to the amount your dog eats.
• The specific recipe: always use the guide for the food you are actually feeding.

Use our dog food calculator

The Dewkes feeding calculator uses the feeding information for the Dewkes recipe you select. It estimates:

• the recommended amount in grams per day;
• the approximate amount to serve at each meal;
• how many kilograms you may need over 30 days;
• how long the available bag sizes may last; and
• the approximate cost of feeding that recipe.

The result is a guide rather than a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Recalculate if you change recipe, because nutritional composition and energy density can differ.

Should I use my dog’s current or ideal weight?

If your dog is at a healthy weight, their current weight is normally a practical starting point. If your dog is underweight or overweight, ask your vet or veterinary nurse whether you should calculate portions using a target weight and how quickly any change should be made.

For puppies, the Dewkes calculator may ask for expected adult weight as well as current age. This allows it to use the appropriate puppy feeding band.

How many meals should a dog have each day?

Many adult dogs have their daily allowance divided between two meals. Puppies usually need smaller, more frequent meals, with the frequency changing as they grow. Follow the guidance for your dog’s age and speak to your vet if your dog has an individual health or dietary need.

The total daily allowance is the important figure. If the calculator recommends 200g per day and you feed two meals, that would be approximately 100g per meal.

Measure portions accurately

For consistent portions, use kitchen scales and weigh the food in grams. Cups and scoops can be convenient, but the amount they hold can vary depending on their size and how full they are.

Measure the whole day’s allowance, then divide it between meals. If you use some of the kibble for training or enrichment, take that amount from the daily allowance rather than adding it on top.

Remember treats and extras

Treats are easy to overlook when judging how much a dog eats. Training rewards, chews and food shared by family members can add up over the course of a day.

Keep treats moderate and take them into account when assessing the main meal portion. It can help to set aside the day’s treat allowance in the morning so everyone in the household knows what has already been given.

How can I tell if the portion is right?

A calculated portion is a starting point. Check your dog regularly and look for gradual changes in weight and body condition.

When viewed from above, a dog at a healthy weight will usually have a visible waist. From the side, the abdomen should generally tuck upwards behind the ribs. You should normally be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, although they should not be prominently visible on most dogs.

If your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, seems unusually hungry, develops digestive symptoms or has a medical condition, speak to your vet before making a significant dietary change.

How to adjust your dog’s food

Make small adjustments and allow time to assess the effect. Weigh your dog regularly where practical and keep the portion consistent between checks. Sudden or substantial changes can make it difficult to understand what is working.

Needs can also change over time. Revisit the portion after changes such as neutering, ageing, a major change in activity or a move from puppy to adult food.

Changing to a new dog food

Introduce a new food gradually over approximately 7–10 days unless your vet has advised differently. Begin by mixing a small amount of the new food with the current food, then increase the new food progressively while reducing the old one.

For a step-by-step schedule, read our guide to introducing a new dog food.

Choosing Dewkes dog food

Dewkes dry dog food includes recipes for adult dogs, puppies, senior dogs and small breeds. Each calculator recommendation is linked to the selected recipe’s own feeding profile rather than relying on one generic feeding amount.

If you would like your dog to try Dewkes before choosing a larger bag, start with our £1 Dewkes dog food taster packs.

You can also explore popular recipes including Very Venison, Lamb Lunch, Fish Medley, Pork Dinner, Duck A L’Orange, Perfect Puppy Feast and Fish Medley Senior.