How Much to Feed a Dog

Feeding a dog is not as complicated as it may seem. Confusion abounds because many dog food labels differ in their manufacturer's recommended daily allowance. Some owners choose to free feed, allowing a dog to decide when she is full. But individual personality traits or multiple dogs in the household can make this problematic. How much to feed a dog depends largely on the type of dog food, the dog's age, size, and activity level, as well as other concerns, such as health problems.

  1. Ingredients

    • Buy dog food that has meat or a meat byproduct as one of the first ingredients listed. Meat byproducts are generally parts of the animal that are not appetizing to humans (e.g., organs, heads, stomach contents). These byproducts are what most animals would go for in the wild.
      Anything else as a first ingredient is substandard and your dog will eat more of it to feel full and get his required daily nutrients. Many pet owners say that a dog getting the proper amount of nutrients from quality dog foods tends to eat less than those dogs who are eating foods with corn, wheat, or other fillers as the main ingredients.

      Look for foods that are American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) certified on the label. This ensures that, through trials, the food was determined to sufficiently meet the dietary needs of the average dog.

    Age

    • As a general rule, puppies tend to need more to eat than adult dogs. Although manufacturer's instructions can vary wildly on how much to feed a puppy, do not feed a puppy food formulated for adult dogs, or vice versa.

      Puppies should be fed three or four times a day, depending upon his activity level. In adult dogs, follow the manufacturer's instructions, but also your pet's preferences. If your dog seems hungry after feeding the daily amount recommended by the manufacturer, it is permissible to feed him more, provided he does not start to gain weight.

    Activity Level

    • Dogs that are more active will require more food than those who are less active. A farm dog who spends all day herding sheep, for example, will require more food than a dog that spends most of its time indoors sleeping on the couch. Adjust feeding levels according to your dog's activity levels. If she seems to be gaining weight, reduce the amount of food given. If she appears to be losing weight, feed more.

    Free Feeding

    • Some owners choose to allow their dogs to "free feed," which means simply leaving a bowl of food out with the daily recommended amount and allowing the dog to eat when he is hungry. This works well for some dogs, and not as well for others. Use your judgment when it comes to whether you can free feed your dog. Some dogs may eat until they are sick, while others will free feed without a problem. If there is more than one dog in the house, they may begin to eat competitively, or develop food aggression. In these instances, free feeding is not recommended.

    Consult a Veterinarian

    • If you are unsure of the proper dietary requirements for your dog, or your dog is displaying unusual eating behaviors, seek the help of a veterinary professional. Lack of appetite, large appetite, weight loss and weight gain can be symptoms of serious health problems. A veterinarian is also qualified to make recommendations on how often to feed your dog if there are special circumstances, as well as what brands of food are good quality.