The most common question from those who start cooking for their dog is always the same: "but how much should they eat?". The short answer is that it depends on three things — weight, age, and how active they are — but with a simple calculation, you can arrive at a precise portion, avoiding both overfeeding and leaving them hungry.
Basic Energy Requirement
The daily caloric requirement (RER, Resting Energy Requirement) is calculated as follows:
RER = 70 × (weight in kg) ^ 0.75
For a healthy adult dog, the actual requirement is the RER multiplied by a factor that varies based on lifestyle:
- Neutered and less active dog: × 1.4
- Active adult dog: × 1.6
- Very active dog (working, sports): × 2.0
- Puppy (4–12 months): × 2.0–3.0
- Pregnant or nursing female dog: × 3.0–6.0
Concrete Examples
Dog weighing 10 kg, adult, normal activity:
RER = 70 × 10^0.75 ≈ 394 kcal · actual requirement ≈ 630 kcal/day
Dog weighing 25 kg, adult, normal activity:
RER = 70 × 25^0.75 ≈ 783 kcal · actual requirement ≈ 1,250 kcal/day
Dog weighing 35 kg, adult, normal activity:
RER = 70 × 35^0.75 ≈ 1,005 kcal · actual requirement ≈ 1,610 kcal/day
How Many Times a Day
- Puppies up to 4 months: 4 meals
- Puppies from 4 to 12 months: 3 meals
- Adults: 2 meals, morning and evening
- Seniors with digestive problems: 3 smaller meals
How to Tell if the Amount is Right
The most reliable indicator is not the scale, but the body condition score: when you run your hands along the ribs, you should feel the bones under a thin layer of fat, not see them or have to "search" for them. The waist, viewed from above, should be slightly narrower behind the ribs. If the dog gains or loses weight week by week, reduce or increase by 10% and reassess after 14 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Measuring by eye: a "full bowl" of kibble containing 380 kcal/100 g can be double the requirement.
- Ignoring snacks: treats count. Keep them below 10% of daily calories.
- Not updating portions: after neutering, the requirement drops by about 25–30%. If you don’t reduce it, they will gain weight.
- Using the bag's charts without personalizing: these are average guidelines, not a meal plan.
What to Take Home
A correct meal plan starts from the ideal weight of the dog, not the current weight (if they are overweight). It should be adjusted every 2–3 months, as age, activity, and season change the requirements. If you want a personalized calculation, try our free plan: it tells you exactly how many grams per day, divided by meal.
