Dog Feeding Guide: Portions, Schedules and Treats
How much to feed, how often, and where treats fit without tipping the scales.
Most feeding problems come down to two things: portions judged by eye, and treats nobody is counting. Fix those and the rest is straightforward.
Start with the label, then adjust
Feeding guides on the bag are a starting point, not a prescription. They assume an average activity level. Weigh the food rather than scooping it, then adjust up or down based on body condition over a few weeks.
Check body condition, not the scale
- You should feel ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, without pressing hard.
- Looking down from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
- From the side, the belly should tuck up rather than hang level.
How often
Puppies under six months usually need three to four small meals a day. From six months, twice daily suits most dogs and helps prevent bloat in deep-chested breeds. One large meal a day is rarely the better option.
The 10% treat rule
Treats should make up no more than about a tenth of daily calories, and that includes training rewards and chews. Break training treats into pea-sized pieces — dogs respond to frequency, not size.
Foods to keep away
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onion and garlic, xylitol sweetener, macadamia nuts and cooked bones are all genuinely dangerous. Keep the bin lidded and counters clear.
