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Dog Food - How Much Should I Feed?
How much dog food to feed varies for individual dogs and according to age, health, and energy requirements. Every dog should be observed for weight gain or loss.
| Adult Weight |
Dry Chow (Kibble) |
Canned Mixed with Dry |
| up to 10 pounds |
1/3 to 1 cup |
1/4 can + up to 3/4 cup dry |
| 10 - 25 pounds |
1 to 2 1/4 cups |
1/2 can + 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups dry |
| 25 - 50 pounds |
2 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups |
1 can + 1 to 2 1/2 cups |
| 50 - 75 pounds |
3 3/4 to 5 cups |
1 1/2 cans + 1 3/4 to 3 cups |
| over 75 pounds |
5 to 8 cups |
2 cans + 2 1/2 to 5 1/4 cups |
- Feed your puppy the same food 3 to 4 times a day. Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
- Feed your puppy at the same time every day.
- Don't worry if your puppy's appetite changes. It is normal for your puppy to lose his appetite or experience digestive upset occasionally, especially when teething. If your puppy's upset stomach becomes severe or last longer than a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
- In general, smaller breeds can start on adult food when they are a year old. Larger breeds should stay on puppy food until they are fully mature which is usually about 2 years of age. Ask your veterinarian when to switch your dog to adult food
- Keep food and water bowls clean, and cool fresh water available at all times.
- All dogs need separate food and water dishes. The bowls should be cleaned daily, and cool, fresh water should be available at all times.
- If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
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How to Transition to a New Dog Food in 10 Days
When switching to a new food, gradually transition your dog to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out.
Day 1 - 3: Mix 75% old dog food with 25% new dog food.
Day 4 - 6: Mix 50% old dog food with 50% new dog food.
Day 7 - 9: Mix 75% new dog food with 25% old dog food.
Day 10: Feed 100% of the new dog food brand.
This slow schedule will allow your dog to adjust to the new food without indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.
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