How Much Should I Feed My Dog? The Complete Portion Guide
Overfeeding is the most common nutritional problem in dogs. Nearly 60% of US dogs are overweight or obese (APOP 2022 data). The primary driver is not breed or genetics. It's caloric excess from food and treats. Here's how to calculate the right amount for your dog.
The Resting Energy Requirement Formula
Start with the dog's ideal body weight, not current weight if they're overweight. The Resting Energy Requirement (RER) formula: RER (kcal/day) = 70 x (body weight in kg)^0.75
Example for a 20kg (44lb) dog: 70 x (20)^0.75 = 70 x 9.46 = 662 kcal/day at rest.
This is the base metabolic need. Multiply by activity and life stage factors:
Neutered adult: RER x 1.6. Intact adult: RER x 1.8. Active adult: RER x 2.0-5.0 depending on activity. Senior (low activity): RER x 1.4. Weight loss: RER x 1.0.
For our 20kg neutered adult dog: 662 x 1.6 = 1,059 kcal/day. Check the calorie content on your dog's food (listed as kcal/cup or kcal/kg) and portion accordingly.
Treats Count
This is where most owners underestimate. If your dog's daily calorie target is 1,000 kcal and you give three medium-sized commercial treats per day at 60 kcal each, that's 18% of daily calories in treats. Reduce the meal portion by the same amount or use very low-calorie treats (blueberries, small pieces of lean protein).
Body Condition Scoring
The scale is more reliable than weight alone. The 9-point Body Condition Score (BCS) system: at a BCS of 4-5 (ideal), you should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing but not see them. The waist should be visible from above and there should be an abdominal tuck visible from the side.
If you can see the ribs without touching: underweight. If you have to press to feel the ribs: overweight. If you can't feel ribs at all: obese. Adjust portions based on this assessment rather than guessing at calories.
Freeze-Dried Raw Feeding Amounts
Freeze-dried raw food is more calorie-dense per ounce than kibble because moisture has been removed. A standard rehydration ratio returns it to roughly the original volume. When following manufacturer feeding guidelines for freeze-dried food, they typically specify by dry weight rather than rehydrated weight. Use the dry weight as directed.
Dogs often need smaller volumes of freeze-dried raw food compared to kibble for the same calorie intake, partly due to higher digestibility. If you're transitioning from kibble and using the same volume measure, you'll likely overfeed initially. Weigh the food rather than using volume measures for accurate portioning.
Browse the freeze-dried raw food options and the life stage specific foods for options appropriate to your dog's age and activity level.