Every bag of dog food has a feeding guide on the back, but it's only a starting point. Two dogs of the same weight can need very different amounts of food, depending on how active they are, their age, whether they're desexed, and even the weather. Feed too little and your dog may lose condition. Feed too much and the kilos creep on. This guide explains how to read a feeding guide, how to adjust it for your dog, and how to tell if you've got it right.
How to read a feeding guide
- Find your dog's weight in the table. Most guides list a range of daily amounts for each weight.
- Use their ideal weight, not their current weight. If your dog is carrying extra weight, feeding for their current weight will keep them there.
- Check whether it's per day or per meal. Almost all guides give the total daily amount, which you then split across meals.
- Look for activity levels. Many guides have separate columns for less active, normal and highly active dogs.
An example
The feeding guide for Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Weight Management suggests 232 to 274g a day for a 20 to 25kg dog who needs to lose a little weight, and 276 to 326g a day for a dog of that size who is prone to weight gain. Start in the middle of the range for your dog, then adjust based on how they look and feel over the next few weeks.
Why every food is different
Foods vary a lot in how many calories they contain. A scoop of one food can have far more energy than a scoop of another. That's why you can't use the same scoop when you change foods. Always go back to the new food's feeding guide. Our guide to changing your pet's food gradually explains how to switch.
What changes how much your dog needs
- Activity. A working farm dog can need twice as much food as a dog that's on the couch most of the day.
- Age. Puppies need more food per kilo to fuel growth. Older dogs usually need less as they slow down.
- Desexing. Desexed dogs often need noticeably less food.
- Breed and metabolism. Some breeds, like Labradors, put on weight easily.
- Weather. Dogs living or working outside in a Canterbury winter burn more energy keeping warm.
- Treats and extras. Treats, chews, toppers and table scraps all add calories. Keep them to no more than about 10% of your dog's daily food, and reduce their meals to match.
How to tell if you're feeding the right amount
Your dog's body shape is the best guide. Check these three things:
- Ribs: you should be able to feel them easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing hard, but not see them sticking out.
- Waist: looking down from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
- Tummy: from the side, the belly should tuck up behind the ribcage.
Weigh your dog every few weeks, and adjust the amount by about 10% at a time if they're gaining or losing. If your dog is overweight, our guide My dog is gaining weight, why? explains what to do.
Tips for accurate feeding
- Weigh the food. A cup or scoop can vary by 20% or more, depending on how full it is. Kitchen scales are far more accurate.
- Split it into meals. Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day. Puppies need three or four.
- Measure out the day's food in the morning, and take treats and training rewards from it.
- Feeding more than one food? If you mix dry and raw, or add a topper, reduce each part so the total is right. Our guide to mixing dry and raw food shows how.
- Be consistent. Everyone in the house should know how much the dog gets, so they're not fed twice.
Feeding puppies
Puppy feeding guides are usually based on your puppy's age and expected adult weight. Feed for the age they are now, check their body shape often, and adjust as they grow. Our guide to puppy food vs adult food explains why growing dogs need different food.
Products that help
Black Hawk Healthy Benefits Weight Management. A nutrient-dense, lower-calorie food with high fibre, made for less active dogs, desexed dogs and breeds prone to weight gain. A clear feeding guide makes it easy to get portions right.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl. Makes a measured meal last up to 10 times longer, so your dog feels more satisfied with the right amount. Our guide Does my dog need a slow feeder? explains more.
Low-calorie rewards. For training, choose small treats like Bocce's Bakery Training Bites at just 4 calories each, or Omega Plus King Salmon Bites, single-ingredient freeze-dried NZ salmon you can break into small pieces.
Not sure how much to feed your dog? Call or pop into our Oxford store, and we'll help you work it out for your dog and their food.
Find the right food for your dog
Browse our full range of dry dog food, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your dog. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, see your vet.