Portion control is important to maintain your dog’s weight and overall wellness, and the correct amount of dog food depends upon several factors. Use the following guide to determine how much you should feed your pup.

What to Consider for Dog Food Portions

Size

Feed your dog according to the daily recommendations for the four size categories: 

• Toy dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds need ⅓ to ½ of a cup. 
• Small dogs that weigh 10 to 20 pounds should have ¾ to 1 ⅔ of a cup.
• Medium dogs that weigh 30 to 50 pounds need about 1 ¾ to 2 ⅔ of a cup.
• Large dogs that weigh 60 pounds or more should have 3 to 4 ½ cups. 

Health & Activity 

If your dog has health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, ask your veterinarian about switching them to a special diet. This may require feeding them more or less dog food, depending on how your pet care provider recommends managing the condition. 

Your pup’s level of activity also plays an important role. Daily walks and playtime often necessitate more calories to compensate for lost energy. Conversely, dogs that don’t get as much exercise typically require fewer calories since they gain weight easily. 

Age

Puppies need small portions more often throughout the day to help them grow strong. Wean them off of their mother’s milk by feeding them dry dog food with a dash of water to help with chewing. Once they get used to dry kibble, feed half of their daily portion twice a day to encourage healthy growth.

Adult dogs, or those that have reached the majority of their adult weight, need the correct portion of food once daily.  

Are You Feeding Your Dog Enough?

If your dog overeats, they may develop belly fat and experience shortness of breath. When your pup gains weight, has high cholesterol, or is diagnosed with heart disease, feed them less per day.

Dogs who eat too little often have visible bones, low muscle mass, and dry skin. If your pup looks malnourished and has less energy for walks and playtime, start feeding them more daily.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight with pet supplies and routine exams from Mililani Town Center Pet Clinic. These veterinarians provide pet care, dog food, and medication to animals throughout Mililani, HI. Call (808) 625-6744 to book an appointment at this veterinary clinic, or visit the website to learn more about how they’ll keep your pets healthy.