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Quick answer: the right amount is the one shown on the bag's feeding chart for your dog's ideal weight, adjusted for activity. As a guide, a 10 kg adult dog usually needs about 130–170 g a day of a maintenance food, and a 30 kg dog about 310–390 g. Weigh it with kitchen scales, split it into two meals and check their shape every few weeks.
"How much food should I give?" is one of the most common questions. The answer changes from one food to another, because each recipe provides a different amount of energy per 100 g. That is why the main reference is always the manufacturer's chart. Even so, it helps to know how to read and adjust it, because two dogs of the same weight can need very different portions.
Dry dog food feeding chart per day
Approximate values for an adult dog with moderate activity on a maintenance dry food. Use it only as a rough guide and always check the chart on your bag.
| Dog's ideal weight | Grams per day (guide) |
|---|---|
| 2 kg | 40–55 g |
| 5 kg | 75–100 g |
| 10 kg | 130–170 g |
| 15 kg | 175–230 g |
| 20 kg | 220–285 g |
| 30 kg | 310–390 g |
| 40 kg | 380–480 g |
| 50 kg | 450–570 g |
Puppies, pregnant or nursing females and very active dogs need more energy; older or neutered dogs often need less. For them, follow the specific chart for their food and your vet's advice.
How to read the chart on the bag
- Use the ideal weight, not the current one. If your dog is overweight, calculating with their current weight will keep them overweight.
- Check the activity column. Many charts distinguish between low, normal and high activity.
- The amount is per day. If you feed two meals, divide the figure by two.
- Weigh it. A measuring cup can vary a lot; kitchen scales are more reliable.
How to tell if the portion is right
The best guide is body condition. In a dog at a healthy weight:
- You can feel the ribs when you run your hand over them, with a light layer of fat, but you cannot see them clearly.
- Seen from above, there is a visible waist behind the ribs.
- From the side, the belly tucks up slightly towards the back legs.
If you cannot feel the ribs, reduce the portion by 10% and check again in three or four weeks. If the ribs are too prominent or they lose weight for no reason, talk to your vet.
How many times a day should a dog eat
- Puppies: three or four meals a day in the first months, depending on age and the manufacturer's guidance.
- Adults: two meals a day usually work well.
- Dogs that eat very fast: a slow feeder dog bowl helps them eat more calmly.
Do not forget the treats
Treats count too. A widely used guideline among vets is that treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories. If you train a lot with treats, use some kibble from their own daily portion.
Switching food without upset
Make the transition over about 7 days: start with 25% new food, move up to 50% and 75%, and finish with 100%. When you change recipe, recalculate the portion, because the new food's chart may be different.
Recommended dry dog food and accessories
Small dogs: Schesir Small chicken 2 kgView product
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See all our dry dog food and dog bowls.
Frequently asked questions
How much dry food should a 10 kg dog eat?
As a guide, between 130 and 170 g a day of a maintenance food, split into two meals. The exact figure is set by the chart on your bag.
And a 20 or 30 kg dog?
A 20 kg dog usually needs between 220 and 285 g a day and a 30 kg dog between 310 and 390 g, always depending on the food and their activity.
Is it bad to leave food in the bowl all day?
For many dogs it encourages overeating and makes the portion hard to control. It is better to serve measured meals and remove whatever is left.
My dog is always hungry. Should I give more?
Before increasing the portion, check their body condition and the treats they get. If they lose weight or start eating anxiously, talk to your vet.
For information only. Amounts are a guide: follow the manufacturer's chart and your vet's advice, especially for puppies, older dogs or dogs with health problems.