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.

Dog Health

How Much Should I Feed My Dog UK?

Quick answer

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.

Key takeaways

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.
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.
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.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Reviewed 2026-07-19 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.