How do you measure your dog’s food? Are you a stickler for detail, and use a perfectly calibrated kitchen scale to determine the amount of food your four-legged friend needs daily? Or, do you keep your dog’s bowl filled and let them decide how much they eat?

Most pet owners fall somewhere in between these scenarios. What is best for your pup?

Why dog food portions matter

Pet obesity is prevalent and is considered one of the most common health issues affecting our canine friends. An Association of Pet Obesity (APOP) survey in 2022 found that 61% of cats and 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. However, a follow-up study they performed in 2023 found that only 28% of cat owners and 17% of dog owners thought their pet was overweight.

While many dog parents think their pet looks adorable with a few extra fat rolls, extra weight can cause significant health problems for your four-legged friend and potentially shorten their lifespan.

Pet obesity has been linked to health concerns such as diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and arthritis. In addition, overweight pets often have trouble moving around. Certain breeds, such as flat-faced ones like bulldogs and pugs (also known as brachycephalic), may have extra trouble breathing because of excess weight.

Many factors, such as overfeeding, too many treats, and not enough exercise, can lead to pet obesity. One of the biggest issues is feeding portions that are too large. Remember that a small piece of dry dog food can contain a large percentage of a small pup’s daily caloric needs. As such, feeding only a few extra pieces can quickly lead to weight gain.

Determining how much food your dog needs

The first step in measuring your dog’s food portion accurately is to determine how many daily calories they need.

As you know, your pup is unique and special, and every dog needs a different serving size to maintain a healthy weight. You wouldn’t give a four-pound Chihuahua the same portion as a 100-pound Great Dane.

When finding the right amount to feed your four-legged friend, you must consider several factors, such as:

• age
• size
• activity level
• breed
• reproductive status
• body condition score (BCS)
• your dog’s food

Let’s dive into the details of each factor and the roles they play in determining portion size.

Age

Your dog’s age and life stage are significant factors when determining their dietary needs. If you have a puppy, you know they are little bundles of energy. Puppy food should provide extra calories, protein, and nutrients to support their rapid growth and play sessions.

Adult dogs need a balanced maintenance diet so they can stay active without overloading on calories. As your canine friend enters their golden years, they will likely be less active and require fewer calories. Older dogs may also require specialized or prescription diets to help with age-related health issues.

Size

As mentioned before, size plays a big role in how much food your dog eats as well as its nutritional needs. Toy breeds and small breeds need less food than medium breeds and large breeds.

Activity level

Another consideration is your dog’s activity level. Does your pup spend the majority of their time lounging on the couch, or are they more like a furry tornado that never runs out of steam? High-energy, active dogs need more calories to keep the pep in their step and their energy levels high.

Breed

Your dog’s breed can also play a role, as some breeds have a higher activity level than others.

Reproductive status

When pets are spayed or neutered, your dog’s metabolism tends to slow down, because they no longer need the extra energy for reproductive purposes. This means they need less calories per day to prevent weight gain. On the flip side, a pregnant or nursing female dog will need more food to support herself and her puppies.

Body condition score (BCS)

Your dog’s body condition score is a more accurate way to tell if they are overweight than going by body weight. Using either a 5-point scale or a 9-point scale, veterinarians assess fat coverage over key body areas, such as the ribs, spine, and hips.

Ideally, your pet earns a middle-level score, which means they are at an ideal body condition. Low scores mean your pet is too thin, while high scores mean your dog may need to go on a weight loss program.

It is best to have your veterinarian assess your pup’s BCS and overall health and give you pointers on how to monitor them every month or two using this tool.

Your dog’s food

The type of food you choose for your dog is also important. Some foods are calorie-dense, which means a little goes a long way. Others are more balanced, allowing your pup to feel full and receive the appropriate nutrients without gaining weight.

Your veterinarian is your best resource to determine how many calories your dog needs, but online calorie calculators are also available to help you do the math.

Measuring your dog’s food

Now that you know how much food your dog needs a day, how do you accurately measure their food?

You should first take a good look at your dog’s food label, where the feeding guidelines suggest the feeding amounts for your pup based on their weight.

Most dog food producers list portions in the feeding guide by cups of food per day. However, this method can be inaccurate because dog food, especially kibble, can vary widely in shape, dimensions, and caloric concentration.

Upcoming dog feeding chart changes

The nutritional value of human food is typically measured in grams, which is more precise. While some manufacturers already offer portion recommendations in cups and grams on their labels, others will soon have to comply. The Association of American Feed Control Officials plans to change pet food brands to require recommendations in grams within the next five years.

What does this all mean for you and your four-legged friend? It means that the best way to measure your dog’s food is to determine in grams the amount of food they need and to carefully measure their portion size with a digital scale.

If this seems like too much of a hassle, you can estimate the volume in cups, but this isn’t as accurate as a scale. And, never eyeball your dog’s food amount. Your eyes aren’t good measuring tools, and this method is simply a guessing game.

Keep in mind that these recommendations are only a starting point. You should still factor in your pet’s individual BCS and activity level when consulting your dog’s food label. You should also monitor your pup’s weight and BCS frequently, so you can track changes and adjust their diet as needed. Aim to assess your dog’s weight and BCS every one to two months and keep a diary so you can easily tell if they have gained or lost weight.

Measuring your dog’s treats

How many treats do you sneak your dog a day? Do you give them a bite or two from your plate?

You may not think these little snacks are a problem for your four-legged friend, but a few bites here and there can quickly add up to significant weight gain. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, because some human foods are not healthy for pups. Many foods, such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and cooked bones, are dangerous for pets.

In addition, be careful about the type and amount of dog treats you give your furry pal. Choose high-quality, fresh, whole-food treats and chews with no preservatives, additives, fillers, byproducts, or artificial colors. Be sure to adjust for the treat’s calorie content in your dog’s overall caloric intake.

Automatic dog feeders

If your busy life makes measuring your dog’s food portion at every meal feel like a juggling act, an automatic dog feeder could be a lifesaver. These devices offer convenience and consistency for your pup’s mealtime. They can also help ensure your furry pal gets fed on time if you’re running late.

Based on your installed presets, automatic feeders give your pet close to perfect portions at every feeding time. Most feeders are designed for kibble, so you must do your homework to ensure the model is designed for use with wet or fresh food. Look for feeders with cooling mechanisms to keep food fresh, and don’t forget to remove uneaten food and clean the feeder frequently to prevent bacteria build-up.

Remember, automatic dog feeders can be a helpful tool, but they aren’t a substitute for human interaction. No device can replace your love and attention, and you should use an automatic dog feeder only to help provide proper portion control on a regular feeding schedule.

Whether you have a feisty French bulldog puppy or a laid-back senior Labrador, providing the right amount of food is important to keep your dog happy, healthy and at an ideal weight. 

By Jenny Alonge, DVM, FFCP

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.

White, Brooklyn. 2024. “Why Machines Are Better than Humans at (Consistently) Measuring Pet Food.” The New York Times, December 9, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/portioning-pet-food/.

‌“State of U.S. Pet Obesity Moving from Awareness to Treatment Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.” n.d. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6425ec5d33eaaa634113b2d4/t/6454f61c0cad164860799c8f/1683289630779/2022+State+of+US+Pet+Obesity+Report.pdf.