How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Dog? A Complete Guide to Feeding Amounts and Schedules

How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Portion sizes vary widely. Puppies, for example, need more calories per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs because they’re growing rapidly. Active adult dogs, such as working or highly playful breeds, also require more food than less active pets. A small, sedentary dog will need far less than a large, active one.

Most dog food packages provide feeding guidelines based on weight, but these are just starting points. It’s important to monitor your dog’s body condition regularly—if they’re gaining too much weight, reduce portions; if they seem hungry or losing weight, increase them. Consulting your vet is always the safest way to tailor feeding amounts.

How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

Feeding frequency depends on your dog’s age:

• Puppies: Need small, frequent meals—typically three to four times a day. Their tiny stomachs can’t hold large amounts, and they burn energy quickly.
• Adult dogs: Usually do well on two meals per day, spaced about 8 to 12 hours apart. This helps maintain stable energy levels and prevents overeating.
• Senior dogs: May benefit from two or even three smaller meals daily, especially if they have digestive or health issues.

When Should I Switch from Puppy to Adult Food?

The timing for switching from puppy to adult food depends largely on your dog’s breed and size. Smaller breeds mature faster and can usually transition around 9 to 12 months old. Larger breeds take longer—often between 12 to 18 months—to ensure their growth plates have fully developed before changing diets.

Switch gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of adult food with puppy food to avoid digestive upset.