How Much Should a Dog Eat? A Feeding Chart by Weight
There's no single number for how much kibble a dog needs each day, it depends on weight, activity level, age, and how calorie-dense the specific food is. A feeding chart by weight is a solid starting point, one you can fine-tune once you see how your dog actually responds.
What really determines the amount, not just weight
Two bags of kibble with the same weight can carry very different amounts of energy, cheaper food is often less calorie-dense, and premium food more so. The feeding guide printed on your dog's actual food is always the most reliable source, the chart below is just a general starting point, not a replacement for it. Activity matters just as much as weight, a working dog or a very active dog needs noticeably more energy than one that spends most of the day resting.
Puppies, seniors, and active dogs have different needs
Puppies are growing and need noticeably more calories per kilogram of body weight than adults, and puppy formulas also differ in protein and mineral content. Seniors often need less energy since they move around less and their metabolism slows down, senior formulas tend to be lighter and easier to digest. Working or very active dogs, herding or hunting breeds especially, can need up to a quarter more food than the chart suggests.
Adjusting the amount based on body condition
The most reliable gauge isn't a number on a scale, it's how your dog actually looks and feels. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without seeing them, and there should be a visible waist when you look down from above. If your dog is gaining weight, gradually cut the portion by a small percentage, if it's losing weight for no clear reason, increase it and consider a vet visit. Checking body condition once a month helps you catch a trend before it becomes a real problem.
Common mistakes when feeding kibble
The most common mistake is eyeballing the portion instead of measuring it with a kitchen scale or cup, even a few extra grams a day add up to a noticeable gain over a year. The second is not counting treats toward the daily total, treats should make up no more than a tenth of daily calories or they'll throw off the balance of the diet. And third, switching food overnight without a gradual transition often causes stomach upset no matter how precisely the amount is calculated.
Feeding chart: how much kibble per day by weight
| Weight | Example breed | Daily amount (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 kg | Chihuahua | 40–70 g |
| 5–8 kg | Dachshund | 80–120 g |
| 9–14 kg | Pug | 130–190 g |
| 15–22 kg | Border Collie | 190–260 g |
| 23–32 kg | Labrador | 260–340 g |
| 33–45 kg | Bernese Mountain Dog | 340–430 g |
Figures are a rough guide for an adult dog with average activity on standard kibble. Always check the feeding guide on your specific food's packaging.
Whatever food you choose, feeding the right amount consistently is the foundation of a healthy diet. You’ll find a full breed overview in our dog breed dictionary, and we cover kibble, meat, and BARF diets in our article on what to feed a dog.
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