H1: Dog feeding guide

If you’ve ever turned a bag of dog food over and felt baffled by a feeding guide, you’re not alone. The wide range leaves many dog owners second-guessing themselves and worrying whether they’re feeding too much, too little, or just guessing and hoping for the best. Searches for “how much should I feed my dog”, “dog feeding guide”, and “dog portion sizes” are common for a reason.

Feeding the right amount is just as important as feeding the right ingredients. Obesity is one of the biggest health issues facing dogs in the UK today, affecting joints, energy levels, and lifespan. At The Natural Dog Food Company (NDFC), we focus on high-quality, natural dog food that is nutrient-dense. This means dogs often need less food than you might expect, especially when compared to cheaper, filler-heavy brands. 

This dog feeding guide will break down concerns such as dog portion control by age, size, and activity level, helping you feed with confidence rather than confusion.

H2: Why portion control matters

What looks like a harmless extra scoop each day can quietly add up. Overfeeding in dogs can lead to problems:

• Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on joints
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Potential shortened lifespan 

Underfeeding can be just as dangerous, leading to problems such as:

• Dogs that aren’t getting enough food may lack energy
• Difficulty in maintaining muscle
• Dull coat or poor overall condition

A crucial point many owners miss is this: dogs should be fed for their ideal weight, not necessarily their current weight. If a dog is already overweight, feeding according to that weight simply locks the problem in place.

H2: What factors affect how much I should feed my dog? 

How active a dog is affects how much food they need: 

• Sedentary dogs: Short walks, lots of sleeping, minimal exercise. These dogs need fewer calories.
• Active dogs: Hiking, agility, working roles, or long daily walks. These dogs burn more energy and need larger portions.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in colder months, may require extra calories to maintain body temperature compared to dogs that spend more time indoors.

A dog’s neuter status can also affect how much a dog should eat. After spaying or neutering, metabolism often slows down. Post-neuter, many dogs need slightly smaller portions to avoid gradual weight gain during their recovery time.

H2: Feeding by life stage

H3: How much to feed puppies

Puppies have high energy and nutrient needs to support growth and development. Generally, it is better to feed little and often- usually three to four meals a day. As puppies grow quickly (sometimes week by week), their portions need frequent adjustment. Keep an eye on feeding guides to see when you should increase their intake. 

Natural Dog Food Original Puppy food is formulated for puppies and small breed adult dogs, containing everything your dog needs to thrive in a simple, easy-to-adjust format. 

H3: How much to feed adult dogs

Adult dogs are in maintenance mode. Most do best on two meals a day, with portions adjusted based on their activity level and body condition, rather than age alone. Feeding more in the morning will also give them the chance to burn off excess calories throughout the day.

H3: How much to feed senior dogs

As dogs age, metabolism slows and the risk of weight gain increases. Portions often need to be reduced slightly. This is where a tailored diet for older dogs really matters—our Senior Dog food range is designed to support ageing dogs with all the extra nutrients needed for joints and digestion, without unnecessary calories 

H2: Dog feeding calculators

Feeding tables on the back of NDFC packaging and our online feeding calculator can help you work out how much kibble to feed your dog. They take into account weight and life stage to give a sensible daily amount. 

The most important thing to remember is that these are guidelines, not rules. Every dog is an individual. As a general approach:

• Start at the lower end of the guide for sedentary dogs.
• Start at the higher end for very active dogs.
• Observe and adjust accordingly.

H2: Checking your dog’s weight 

Because feeding charts are estimates, the “eye test” is essential. This is where Body Condition Scoring (BCS) comes in. BCS involves visually examining and feeling a dog to assess their body fat and overall physical condition. Here are a few BCS checkpoints to look out for: 

• You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily, but not see them.
• When viewed from above, there should be a visible waist tuck behind the ribs.
• If your dog looks a little too round, reduce food by around 10% and reassess after a couple of weeks. 
• If your dog looks too thin or lacks condition, increase food by 10% and monitor. 

Remember, small changes can make a big difference over time. If you are concerned, please visit your vet and ask them to look over your dog’s condition.

H2: The Natural Dog Food Company difference

NDFC recipes are free from cereals, dairy, soya, by-products and fillers. Instead, they’re packed with natural meats and carefully selected ingredients.

Because our food is highly digestible, dogs absorb more goodness from every meal. That means smaller portions, smaller poos, and better overall condition compared to lower-quality alternatives. Our food helps owners to keep their dogs healthy and happy- all while keeping daily feeding costs low. You can find tailored options across our Puppy, Adult, and Senior ranges in the NDFC Shop. 

There is no single “one size fits all” number when it comes to feeding dogs. The best approach is simple: start with the guide, observe your dog, and adjust. Remember to monitor body condition and tweak their portions as needed.

Unsure if you’re feeding the right amount? Check our product pages for specific guidelines or contact our team for friendly, practical advice.

Dog feeding guide FAQs

How often should I feed my dog? 

How often you should feed your dog depends on factors like age, breed and activity levels. Using feeding guides as a starting point will help you estimate when to feed your dog. Each dog is different, so adjust their feeding schedule to suit your dog’s activity levels. 

Does the feeding guide include treats? 

No, feeding guides relate to the food only. Treats should be considered as complementary and must be accounted for in the total daily amount.

Why is my dog always hungry even if I feed the recommended amount? 

Some hunger can stem from boredom, stress, or a diet lacking protein/fibre. Constant hunger can also be a sign of serious underlying issues like diabetes. If you have increased the feeding amount slightly with no change, a vet visit may be needed to rule out any issues.

How do I switch my dog’s food? 

When changing your dog’s feeding routine, you should switch their food gradually over a period of 7 days. Switching to a new dog food can take time to adjust. Start with 75% old food and 25% new food for a few days, move to 50/50 once your dog’s digestion looks stable, then finally 100% natural food.

Explore our full shop range of natural dog food today. Or, for more tips on tailoring diets and routines, visit our blog. 

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