One of the most common questions vets hear is: how much should I feed my dog? The answer is more complex than reading the bag — and getting it wrong is the leading cause of canine obesity.

Why Bag Guidelines Are Often Wrong

Pet food manufacturers print feeding guidelines for an average active adult dog. Your dog may be a couch-loving senior, a hyperactive working dog, or a pregnant female — all requiring very different calorie intakes.

The RER Formula

A more accurate method uses the Resting Energy Requirement formula: RER = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75. Multiply this by your dog’s life stage factor — 1.6 for a typical adult, 2.0 for puppies, 1.2 for neutered or inactive dogs.

How to Convert Calories to Cups

Check the calorie content on your food packaging (kcal/cup) and divide your dog’s daily calorie target by that figure. Or use our free Dog Food Calculator for instant results.

Signs Your Dog Is Eating the Right Amount

You should feel ribs with light pressure but not see them. There should be a visible waist from above and an abdominal tuck from the side. If your dog is gaining weight or always seems ravenous, recalculate their portions.