Eating too little makes a dog lethargic and causes deficiencies. Eating too much leads to obesity, joint problems and a shorter lifespan. Yet many owners give a scoop too much or too little every day simply because they do not know what the right amount is. In this article you will read exactly how to calculate the portion for your dog based on weight, age and activity level.

How many grams per day? The rule of thumb

The most commonly used rule of thumb is: give your dog 2 to 3% of its body weight per day in dry food. A dog weighing 20 kg would then receive 400 to 600 grams per day. But this is merely a starting point.

The kibble of each brand has a different energy density. A premium food is packed full of proteins and fats, meaning your dog needs less volume than with a budget brand. Therefore always look at the portion guidance on the packaging of your specific food.

Calculating portion by weight – overview table

Puppy, adult dog, senior: the three stages

Puppies (0 to 12 months)

Puppies grow extremely fast and need more energy than adult dogs. They typically receive 3 to 4 small meals per day. The total daily portion is 20 to 50% higher than for an adult dog of the same weight.

Adult dogs (1 to 7 years)

This is the stable stage. Two meals per day is ideal for most dogs: this prevents gastric torsion (bloat) in large breeds and keeps blood sugar levels stable.

Senior dogs (7 years and older)

Older dogs move less and have a slower metabolism. The portion decreases by an average of 10 to 20%.

Dry food vs wet food: how do you adjust the portion?

Kibble and wet food differ greatly in energy density. Wet food consists of 70 to 80% moisture, while dry food contains only 10% moisture.

Automatic feeder for dogs: the smartest way to portion

Knowing how many grams your dog needs is step 1. Step 2 is giving that amount consistently every day, even when you are busy, away or simply forget.

• Set the exact number of grams per meal, accurate to the gram
• Schedule 2 to 6 meals per day at fixed times
• Ideal for dogs that eat too quickly: spread the daily portion over several small meals
• No more overeating when you occasionally forget to measure
• Suitable for dogs from 2 kg to well over 50 kg

The right feeder for your dog

Frequently Asked Questions

How many grams of dry food does a Labrador need per day? +

An adult Labrador (25 to 35 kg) needs an average of 300 to 430 grams of dry food per day, divided over two meals. Labradors are breed-prone to overeating, so always weigh the portion.

Can I free-feed my dog (food always available)? +

Free-feeding is not recommended for most dogs. Dogs that always have access to food are more prone to obesity. For most adult dogs, the rule is: two fixed meals at fixed times are best.

How do I know if my dog is eating too little? +

Signs: visibly protruding ribs without a thin layer of fat, sunken flanks, low energy, a dull coat, and rapid weight loss.

How accurate is an automatic feeder when dispensing? +

The Prime AnimalZ feeders dispense with a deviation of 5 to 10 grams per meal. This is more than sufficient for dogs.

My dog eats too quickly, what now? +

Eating too quickly increases the risk of gastric torsion. The smartest solution: divide the daily portion into 3 to 4 small meals using an automatic feeder.