Recommended Portions for Dogs

What and how you feed your dog can be the difference between a long life and health issues, or at least an upset tummy. Besides finding the right food for your dog's breed and age, you want to give the right portions. Feeding your dog at the same time every day will give you consistency and point to signs of overfeeding if food gets left behind.

  1. Toy Breeds (10 lbs and lighter)

    • Chihuahuas and yorkies both fall into the "tiny" category.

      Very small dogs have high energy, but they don't need a lot of food. Many companies make "small bites" or other dog foods specifically designed for smaller dogs that is easier for them to chew. Consult your packaging, but for the most part small dogs can eat between a 1/4 and 3/4 of a cup of food per day, divided into two feedings. Puppies should be given an extra feeding each day until they reach two to three months, and given a specific puppy brand if possible.

    Small Dogs (10 to 25 lbs)

    • Small dogs, or what some people might call lap dogs, can eat a little more than their toy relatives. Usually you can feed them between 3/4 cup and 1 cup a day, depending on where they fall in the spectrum and their energy level. Keep track of any accelerated weight gain or loss, and feel free to replace one feeding with 1/2 cup of canned food to keep things interesting and encourage consistent eating.

    Medium Dogs (25 to 50 lbs)

    • A medium-sized dog, such as a beagle or bulldog, can be fed anywhere from 1 cup to 2 cups of food a day. Start with 1/2 cup at both feedings and work your way up slowly, especially if your dog falls at the light end of the range. Some dogs stop when they're full, but many will continue eating to the point of sickness, so pay attention to weight, package instructions and your veterinarian's recommendations.

    Large Dogs (50 lb and heavier)

    • Many large dogs, such as huskies, need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and out of trouble.

      Labradors and golden retrievers usually fall closer to the 50-pound range. They can be fed 2 cups of food daily, or up to 2.5 cups. Extremely large dogs, like Great Danes and mastiffs, may eat up to 4 cups a day. Consult your veterinarian for the healthiest portion, since size and body type can change rapidly over the 50-pound mark.