---
title: "How Much Should I Feed My Dog UK?"
description: "UK guide to dog feeding amounts — reading pet food labels, body condition scoring, treats, and adjusting portions by life stage and activity."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog-uk"
date_published: "2026-07-19"
date_modified: "2026-07-19"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# How Much Should I Feed My Dog UK?

Start with the **feeding guide on your dog food label** based on ideal weight, then adjust using **[body condition scoring](/glossary/body-condition-score)**. Most UK dogs are overweight — if you cannot feel ribs easily, reduce portions by 10%. Weigh food on kitchen scales rather than guessing. See our [dog calorie calculator](/dog-calorie-calculator) for guidance.

## Start with the label — then adjust

Complete dog food packaging includes a feeding guide based on **ideal bodyweight**, not current weight if your dog is overweight.

**Important:** Label guides are starting points. Many dogs need **10–20% less** than the maximum suggested amount to maintain lean condition.

Weigh food on **kitchen scales** — cup measures are inaccurate.

## Body condition scoring

Assess your dog monthly using [body condition score](/glossary/body-condition-score):

| Score | What you see and feel |
|-------|----------------------|
| **1–3 (underweight)** | Ribs, spine, and hip bones prominent |
| **4–5 (ideal)** | Ribs felt easily, visible waist, abdominal tuck |
| **6–9 (overweight)** | Ribs hard to feel, no waist, fat deposits |

If score is above 5, reduce daily intake by 10% and reassess in two weeks. See [dog obesity UK](/health/dog-obesity-uk).

## Feeding by life stage

| Stage | Meals | Notes |
|-------|-------|-------|
| **Puppy (to 6 months)** | 3–4 daily | Growth formula; follow breed-specific guidance |
| **Junior (6–12 months)** | 2–3 daily | Transition to adult food per breed size |
| **Adult** | 2 daily | Maintain ideal body condition |
| **Senior (7+ years)** | 2 daily | May need fewer calories; senior formulas available |
| **Neutered** | 2 daily | Reduce calories 10–20% after surgery |

Use our [dog calorie calculator](/dog-calorie-calculator) and [puppy weight estimator](/puppy-weight-estimator) for additional guidance.

## Treats count

Treats, table scraps, and training rewards contribute to daily calories. The **10% rule** — treats should not exceed 10% of daily intake — means reducing main meals if you train with food rewards.

## When to ask your vet

Consult your vet for a tailored feeding plan if your dog is:

- Significantly overweight or underweight
- A growing large-breed puppy (growth rate matters)
- On a prescription diet for illness
- Not maintaining weight despite appropriate portions

## FAQs

### How much food should I feed my dog?

Start with the feeding guide on your dog food packaging based on your dog's ideal weight, then adjust to maintain a healthy body condition. Most guides overestimate — many dogs need less than the label suggests.

### How do I know if my dog is the right weight?

You should feel ribs easily without seeing them prominently, see a waist from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. Use body condition scoring — ask your vet to demonstrate.

### Should I feed once or twice a day?

Most adult dogs do well on two meals daily. Single daily feeding suits some dogs but increases bilious vomiting risk in others. Puppies need three to four meals until six months.

### How many treats can I give my dog?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Reduce main meal portions accordingly. Treats add up quickly — especially with training rewards.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Feeding your dog](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Dog diet](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [BVA — Obesity in pets](https://www.bva.co.uk)
- [PFMA — Pet food feeding guidelines](https://www.pfma.org.uk)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog-uk
Last modified: 2026-07-19