How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog? Your Complete UK Guide

You are staring at your dog's bowl at dinner time, wondering if you are giving them too much or too little. Your furry friend looks up at you with those hopeful eyes, and you feel that familiar worry creeping in. Am I doing this right? Will they stay healthy? Is this enough to keep them happy and active?

If these thoughts sound familiar, you are not alone. Thousands of dog parents across the UK ask themselves the same question every single day: how much food should I feed my dog?

At Buggaz.com, we understand that feeding your dog the right amount is not just about filling a bowl. It is about giving them the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life. As a trusted UK-based pet care brand, we are here to guide you through every step of your journey as a dog parent, starting with one of the most important questions you will ever ask.

The truth is, there is no magic number that works for every dog. Your neighbour's Labrador might need completely different portions than your Cocker Spaniel. Your puppy will eat differently than your senior dog. And that is perfectly normal.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding your dog properly. We will cover puppies, adults, and senior dogs. We will talk about dry food, wet food, and even homemade meals. By the end, you will feel confident knowing exactly how much food to give your dog.

 

Why Getting the Portion Size Right Really Matters

Before we jump into the numbers and charts, let us talk about why this matters so much.

Feeding your dog the right amount is not just about keeping them from being hungry. It affects their entire life.

When you feed too little:

• Your dog loses energy and becomes tired
• Their coat can become dull and lifeless
• They might develop health problems from missing nutrients
• Puppies might not grow properly
• Your dog will feel hungry and unhappy

When you feed too much:

• Your dog gains weight, which puts pressure on their joints
• They are more likely to develop diabetes
• Heart problems become more common
• Breathing can become difficult
• They might live a shorter life

Recent studies show that over 50% of dogs in the UK are overweight. This is not because dog parents do not care. It is because many of us simply do not know how much food to give our dog.

The good news? Once you understand the basics, feeding your dog becomes much easier.

 

What Affects How Much Your Dog Should Eat

Think of your dog as a unique individual. Just like humans, every dog has different needs. Here are the main things that change how much food your dog needs:

Age Makes a Big Difference

Puppies are growing fast. Their bodies are building bones, muscles, and organs. This takes a lot of energy, which means they need more food compared to their size.

Adult dogs have finished growing. They need enough food to maintain their weight and stay active, but not as much as when they were puppies.

Senior dogs often slow down. They sleep more and play less. This means they usually need fewer calories to avoid gaining weight.

Size and Breed Matter

A tiny Chihuahua and a massive Great Dane obviously need very different amounts of food. But it goes deeper than that.

Small breeds often have faster metabolisms. They burn energy quickly and might need to eat more often.

Large breeds need more total food, but they can have sensitive stomachs. They also face special risks like bloat, so how you feed them matters just as much as how much.

Some breeds are simply more prone to weight gain. Labradors, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels tend to love food and will eat everything you give them (and more if they can find it).

Activity Level Changes Everything

Does your dog spend their days running in the park, going on long walks, and playing fetch? Or do they prefer napping on the sofa?

An active dog burns more calories and needs more food. A less active dog needs less. It sounds obvious, but many dog parents forget to adjust portions when their dog's activity level changes.

If your energetic puppy becomes a calm senior, they will need less food. If your couch potato dog starts joining you on daily runs, they will need more.

Health Issues Can Change Things

Some health conditions affect how much food your dog needs:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Digestive issues
• Allergies
• Joint problems

If your dog has any health issues, always check with your vet before changing their food amounts.

Spaying and Neutering

After being spayed or neutered, dogs often need about 25% fewer calories. Their metabolism slows down a bit, which means they can gain weight more easily.

If your dog has recently been neutered or spayed, watch their weight closely and be ready to reduce portions slightly.

 

How Much Food to Give an Adult Dog

Let us start with adult dogs since they are often the easiest to figure out.

Most dogs are considered adults from about one year old (for small breeds) to two years old (for large breeds). They stay in this adult stage until around seven years old.

The Basic Guidelines

Here is a simple starting point for how much food to give an adult dog each day:

For Dry Food (Kibble):

• Small dogs (2-10 kg): 50-150 grams per day
• Medium dogs (10-25 kg ):150-300 grams per day
• Large dogs (25-45 kg): 300-500 grams per day
• Extra large dogs (45+ kg): 500-700 grams per day

For Wet Food:

Wet food contains much more water, so the amounts look bigger:

• Small dogs (2-10 kg): 150-450 grams per day
• Medium dogs (10-25 kg): 450-900 grams per day
• Large dogs (25-45 kg): 900-1,500 grams per day
• Extra large dogs (45+ kg): 1,500-2,100 grams per day

For Mixed Feeding (Half Dry, Half Wet):

Many UK dog owners mix wet and dry food. If you do this, simply give half of each amount listed above.

 

Understanding Your Dog Food Label

Every bag or tin of dog food has a feeding guide on it. This is your best starting point because different foods have different calorie levels.

Look for these two important things:

Metabolisable Energy (ME): This tells you how many calories are in the food. Higher numbers mean the food is more concentrated, so you feed less.

Feeding Chart: This shows suggested amounts based on your dog's weight.

Here is an example of what you might see:

Dog Weight	Daily Amount
5 kg	70-90 g
10 kg	120-150 g
20 kg	200-250 g
30 kg	280-350 g
40 kg	350-450 g

Remember, these are guidelines. Your dog might need a bit more or a bit less.

 

How to Know If You Are Feeding the Right Amount

Your dog's body will tell you if you are getting it right. Here is what to look for:

Signs You Are Feeding the Right Amount:

• You can feel their ribs easily but cannot see them
• They have a visible waist when you look from above
• Their belly tucks up when you look from the side
• They have good energy levels
• Their coat is shiny and healthy
• Their poos are firm and regular

Signs You Might Be Feeding Too Much:

• You cannot easily feel their ribs
• They have no waist
• Their belly hangs down
• They get tired easily
• They are reluctant to exercise

Signs You Might Be Feeding Too Little:

• Their ribs stick out visibly
• They have no energy
• They are always begging for food
• Their coat looks dull
• They seem hungry all the time

 

How Much Food to Give to a Puppy

Puppies are special. They are not just small adult dogs. Their growing bodies have completely different needs.

Getting puppy feeding right sets them up for a healthy life. Feed too little and they will not grow properly. Feed too much and they might grow too fast, which can cause joint problems, especially in large breeds.

 

The Puppy Feeding Timeline

How much food to give to a puppy changes as they grow. Here is what you need to know at each stage:

8 Weeks to 3 Months Old

This is when most puppies come home. They are tiny, full of energy, and growing incredibly fast.

Small Breed Puppies (will be 2-10 kg as adults):

• Feed 3-4 times per day
• Total daily amount: 50-120 grams of puppy food

Medium Breed Puppies (will be 10-25 kg as adults):

• Feed 3-4 times per day
• Total daily amount: 120-220 grams of puppy food

Large Breed Puppies (will be 25+ kg as adults):

• Feed 3-4 times per day
• Total daily amount: 220-400 grams of puppy food

How Much Food to Give to a 4 Month Old Puppy

At four months, your puppy is getting bigger but still growing fast.

Small Breed Puppies:

• Feed 3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 70-140 grams

Medium Breed Puppies:

• Feed 3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 140-280 grams

Large Breed Puppies:

• Feed 3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 280-450 grams

5 to 6 Months Old

Growth continues but starts to slow a little. You can usually drop to 2-3 meals per day now.

Small Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2-3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 80-160 grams

Medium Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2-3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 160-320 grams

Large Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2-3 times per day
• Total daily amount: 320-500 grams

6 to 12 Months Old

Your puppy is becoming a teenager. Small breeds are nearly adult size. Large breeds still have growing to do.

Small Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2 times per day
• Total daily amount: Similar to adult portions (they are nearly grown)

Medium Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2 times per day
• Total daily amount: 180-340 grams

Large Breed Puppies:

• Feed 2 times per day
• Total daily amount: 400-700 grams

 

Important Puppy Feeding Tips

Always Use Puppy Food

Puppy food is specially designed with extra protein, calcium, and other nutrients that growing dogs need. Do not give your puppy adult dog food.

Watch Their Weight, Not Just Age

If your puppy is getting chubby, reduce portions slightly. If they seem too thin, increase portions a bit. Your vet can help you check if they are on track.

Large Breed Puppies Need Special Care

If you have a large breed puppy (like a Labrador, German Shepherd, or Rottweiler), be extra careful not to overfeed them. Growing too fast can damage their developing joints.

Use a large breed puppy food and follow the feeding guide carefully.

Keep a Routine

Puppies do best with regular meal times. Feed them at the same times each day. This helps with toilet training too, as they will need to go out at predictable times after eating.

Fresh Water Always

Make sure your puppy always has access to fresh, clean water.

 

How Much Food to Give Senior Dogs

As dogs get older, their needs change again. Most dogs are considered seniors around seven years old, though small breeds might not be seniors until ten or eleven.

Senior dogs often:

• Move less and sleep more
• Have a slower metabolism
• Need fewer calories
• Benefit from special nutrients for joints and brain health

Senior Dog Feeding Amounts

Small Senior Dogs (2-10 kg):

• Daily amount: 45-130 grams of senior dog food

Medium Senior Dogs (10-25 kg):

• Daily amount: 130-270 grams of senior dog food

Large Senior Dogs (25-45 kg):

• Daily amount: 270-450 grams of senior dog food

Extra Large Senior Dogs (45+ kg):

• Daily amount: 450-650 grams of senior dog food

These amounts are usually 10-30% less than adult portions, depending on how active your senior dog is.

Choosing Senior Dog Food

Look for senior dog foods that have:

• Slightly fewer calories to prevent weight gain
• Joint support ingredients like glucosamine
• Easy to digest proteins
• Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health

Some older dogs develop dental problems. If your dog struggles with hard kibble, you might need to:

• Soften it with warm water
• Switch to wet food
• Try a senior food with smaller, softer pieces

 

How Much Homemade Food to Give to the Dog

More and more UK dog owners are choosing to make their own dog food. If you are one of them, you need to be extra careful about portions and nutrition.

The Basics of Homemade Dog Food

Dogs need a balanced diet that includes:

• Protein (meat, fish, eggs)
• Carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes, oats)
• Vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• Healthy fats
• Vitamins and minerals

A simple rule: A homemade meal should be about 40% protein, 30% carbohydrates, and 30% vegetables, plus a small amount of healthy fat.

 

How Much Homemade Food We Give Our Dog

When working out how much homemade food to give the dog, use these guidelines:

Adult Dogs: Give about 2-3% of their body weight per day.

For example:

• A 10 kg dog needs 200-300 grams of food per day
• A 20 kg dog needs 400-600 grams per day
• A 30 kg dog needs 600-900 grams per day

Active Dogs: May need up to 4% of their body weight.

Less Active Dogs: May only need 2% of their body weight.

 

Important Homemade Feeding Tips

Work with Your Vet

Before switching to homemade food, talk to your vet. They can help you create a balanced recipe that meets all your dog's nutritional needs.

Add Supplements

Homemade diets often need supplements to provide all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. Your vet can recommend what to add.

Keep It Consistent

Once you find a recipe that works, stick with it. Changing recipes too often can upset your dog's stomach.

Cook Properly

Always cook meat thoroughly to kill bacteria. Never give your dog cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause serious harm.

Foods to Avoid

Never include these in homemade dog food:

• Onions and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Cooked bones

 

How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Dog

Getting the timing right is just as important as getting the amount right.

Puppies

• 8 weeks to 3 months: 4 meals per day
• 3 to 6 months: 3 meals per day
• 6 to 12 months: 2-3 meals per day

Smaller, more frequent meals help puppies maintain steady energy and prevent low blood sugar.

Adult Dogs

Most adult dogs do best on 2 meals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Why two meals instead of one?

• Helps prevent bloat (especially in large breeds)
• Keeps energy levels steady throughout the day
• Reduces begging behaviour
• Makes dogs less hungry and more comfortable

Senior Dogs

Continue with 2 meals per day, or switch to 3 smaller meals if your senior dog has digestive issues or trouble eating larger portions.

Special Cases

Very Small Dogs: Toy breeds might need 3 meals per day throughout their lives to prevent low blood sugar.

Large and Giant Breeds: These dogs are at risk of bloat (a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists). To reduce this risk:

• Feed 2-3 smaller meals instead of one large meal
• Wait at least an hour after eating before exercise
• Use a slow feeder bowl if they eat too fast

 

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced dog parents can make these mistakes. Here is what to watch out for:

Mistake 1: Following the Bag Exactly

The feeding guide on dog food bags is a starting point, not a rule. Your dog might need more or less depending on their metabolism and activity level.

Mistake 2: Forgetting About Treats

Treats add calories too. If your dog gets lots of treats during training or as snacks, reduce their main meal portions slightly.

A good rule: treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

Mistake 3: Free Feeding

Leaving food out all day (called free feeding) makes it hard to control portions. Most dogs will overeat if food is always available.

Stick to set meal times instead.

Mistake 4: Not Adjusting for Life Changes

Has your dog been neutered? Started getting less exercise? Gotten older? All these changes mean you need to adjust their food amounts.

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Measuring Tools

"Eyeballing" portions or using different sized cups can lead to overfeeding. Use the same measuring cup every time, or better yet, weigh the food on kitchen scales.

Mistake 6: Giving Too Many Table Scraps

Human food is often high in fat and calories. Even small amounts can add up quickly and cause weight gain.

Mistake 7: Not Checking Body Condition Regularly

Weigh your dog regularly and check their body condition. Catching weight gain early makes it much easier to fix.

 

How to Change Your Dog's Food Amount Safely

If you need to increase or decrease how much food you give your dog, do it gradually.

To Reduce Portions:

• Cut back by 10% and monitor for two weeks
• If they need to lose more weight, reduce by another 10%
• Keep going slowly until they reach a healthy weight

To Increase Portions:

• Add 10% more food and monitor for two weeks
• Check if they are gaining weight and looking healthier
• Adjust again if needed

Quick changes can upset your dog's stomach, so always go slowly.

 

Switching Between Food Types

Moving from Puppy to Adult Food

Make this change gradually over 7-10 days:

• Days 1-2: 75% puppy food, 25% adult food
• Days 3-4: 50% puppy food, 50% adult food
• Days 5-6: 25% puppy food, 75% adult food
• Days 7+: 100% adult food

Moving from Adult to Senior Food

Use the same gradual approach when switching to senior food.

Changing Brands

Whenever you change food brands, follow the same 7-10 day transition to avoid stomach upset.

 

Special Situations

Multiple Dogs

If you have more than one dog, feed them separately. This lets you:

• Control how much each dog eats
• Prevent food aggression
• Notice if one dog is not eating well

Picky Eaters

If your dog refuses to eat:

• Make sure they are not ill (check with your vet)
• Try slightly warming their food
• Add a small amount of warm water to kibble
• Stick to regular meal times and remove uneaten food after 20 minutes
• Avoid giving in and offering treats instead

Weight Loss

If your dog needs to lose weight:

• Reduce portions by 15-20%
• Switch to a weight management food
• Increase exercise gradually
• Cut back on treats
• Work with your vet on a plan

Pregnant or Nursing Dogs

Pregnant and nursing dogs need much more food, sometimes up to twice their normal amount. Always work with your vet during this time to make sure mum and puppies get everything they need.

 

Reading Your Dog's Hunger Signals

Dogs cannot tell us when they are hungry or full in words, but they do communicate. Here is what to watch for:

Normal Hunger Signs

• Interest in food at meal times
• Finishing their meal within 10-15 minutes
• Alert and watching when you prepare food

Signs They Might Need More Food

• Always looking for food
• Low energy
• Ribs very visible
• Weight loss
• Dull coat

Signs They Might Be Getting Too Much

• Leaving food in the bowl
• Weight gain
• Less interested in exercise
• Begging even after meals (this can also be habit, not real hunger)

 

Keeping Track of Your Dog's Weight

Regular weight checks help you catch problems early.

At Home:

• Weigh your dog monthly
• Use bathroom scales (weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your dog, and subtract)
• Keep a simple record

At the Vet:

• Your dog gets weighed at every appointment
• Ask for a copy of their weight history
• Discuss any concerns

Body Condition Check:

• Run your hands along your dog's sides
• You should feel ribs easily but they should not stick out
• Looking from above, your dog should have a waist
• From the side, their belly should tuck up

 

When to See Your Vet

Talk to your vet about feeding if:

• Your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly
• They suddenly stop eating
• They seem hungry all the time despite regular meals
• You are not sure if they are at a healthy weight
• Your dog has health problems that might affect their diet
• You want to switch to homemade food
• Your puppy is not growing as expected

Your vet can also tell you the ideal weight for your specific dog and help you create a feeding plan to reach it.

 

Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog the right amount does not have to be complicated. Start with the guidelines on your dog food package, watch your dog's body condition, and adjust as needed.

Remember these key points:

• Every dog is different
• Puppies need more food than adults
• Senior dogs often need less
• Active dogs need more than couch potatoes
• Check your dog's weight regularly
• Use measuring tools, not guesswork
• Treats count as calories too
• Change food amounts gradually
• When in doubt, ask your vet

At Buggaz.com, we believe that a well-fed dog is a happy dog. Take the time to get their portions right, and you will see the difference in their energy, health, and quality of life.

Your dog depends on you to make good choices about their food. Now that you know how much food to give the puppy and adult dog, you can feel confident that you are doing the very best for your furry friend.

Here is to many happy, healthy years together with your well-fed companion!