How Much Should My Dog Eat? Portions by Weight

Updated June 2026 · Educational content — not a substitute for veterinary advice

"How much should I feed him?" is the question we hear most on WhatsApp. The honest answer: it depends on weight, age, activity and body condition — but there are reliable starting points.

The starting rule: 2–3% of body weight

For fresh, gently cooked food, most healthy adult dogs eat roughly 2–3% of their body weight per day:

• Small dogs (2–10 kg): roughly 60–300 g of fresh food daily
• Medium dogs (10–25 kg): roughly 300–600 g daily
• Large dogs (25–40 kg): roughly 600–1000 g daily

Active or working dogs sit at the high end (or above); couch companions at the low end. Puppies need proportionally more — often 5–8% of body weight split across 3–4 meals — and should be portioned with your vet's input while growing.

Watch the dog, not just the scale

The best portion check is body condition: you should feel ribs easily under a thin fat layer, see a waist from above, and see a belly tuck from the side. If the ribs disappear, reduce portions by about 10% and re-check in two weeks. If ribs and hip bones are visible, increase by 10%.

Why fresh food portions look smaller than kibble

Fresh food is dense in usable nutrition and moisture, while kibble is bulked with starch and fillers. Don't measure fresh food with a kibble cup — weigh it. This is why every Mila's plan is portioned for your specific dog: when you build a plan, we calculate daily grams from weight, age and activity, and the food arrives pre-portioned every two weeks.

Treats count too

Keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats make this easy to control — a few pieces of chicken liver or chicken hearts deliver flavor and training value without hidden fillers or sugars.

FAQ

How many meals a day?

Adult dogs do well on two meals. Puppies under six months need three to four smaller ones.

My dog always acts hungry — should I feed more?

Not necessarily; many dogs are skilled performers. Trust body condition over begging.

Do portions change in summer?

Often, yes — many dogs eat slightly less in Amman's summer heat and drink more. Moisture-rich fresh food helps keep hydration up.