How much to feed, how to measure it, which food to choose, and how to keep your dog at a healthy weight — the whole picture in one place, with free calculators and plain-English guides.
Quick answer
Feed your dog for their ideal weight, not their current one. Start from their daily calorie needs (based on ideal weight, age, activity, and neuter status), convert that to a measured portion using your food's calorie content, keep treats within about 10% of the total, and adjust every few weeks based on body condition. The chart on the bag is a starting point, not a rule — it usually runs high.
Feeding sounds simple until you're standing in the kitchen with a scoop, a bag that says one thing, a vet who said another, and a dog who acts starving regardless. The good news is that getting it right comes down to a few durable principles, and once you have them, the daily decision becomes easy.
The single most important idea is to feed for the weight your dog should be, then let their body condition fine-tune it. Work in calories rather than cups, measure properly, count treats within the total, and revisit the number as your dog's age and activity change. The guides below walk through each piece, and the calculators do the math for you.
How much to feed
Start here: how to land on the right daily amount for your specific dog.
Measuring & portioning
The unglamorous step where a lot of accidental overfeeding happens.
Food types & choices
Wet, dry, raw, grain-free, fresh, senior diets, and safe human foods — compared honestly.
Healthy weight & hydration
Feeding's real goal: a lean, well-hydrated dog.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog?
Base it on your dog's ideal weight, age, activity, and neuter status rather than the bag's chart, which uses broad bands and usually runs high. Find their daily calorie target, convert it to a measured portion using your food's calorie content, keep treats to about 10% of the total, and adjust over a few weeks based on body condition. A calorie calculator makes the math quick.
Should I measure my dog's food in cups or grams?
Grams, using a kitchen scale, are far more accurate. A 'cup' varies with kibble shape and how you scoop, and casual scoops are often close to double a true portion — a common hidden cause of overfeeding. Weighing gives you the same precise amount every time.
Is the feeding guide on the bag accurate?
It's a broad starting point, not a personalized amount. Bag charts assume an average, active, un-neutered adult and use wide weight bands, so they frequently suggest more than a specific dog needs. Use it as a rough guide and adjust to your dog's body condition.
How do I know if my dog is overweight?
Do a hands-on check: you should feel the ribs easily with light pressure without seeing them, and see a waist from above and a belly tuck from the side. If the ribs are hard to find and the waist is gone, your dog is likely carrying too much — feed for their ideal weight and check with your vet.
Sources & further reading
MyNubs content is researched from published guidance by veterinary and other authoritative organizations. For this topic, see:
This article is for general educational purposes and reflects guidance from veterinary and other authoritative sources. It isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice — every animal is different, so please consult your veterinarian about your pet’s individual needs.