How to work out your dog's food portions

Updated 8 November 2026

The feeding guide on your dog's food is the place to start, because the right amount depends on that particular food.

Read the label

Most dog foods print a table of dog weights against daily amounts. Find your dog's weight and read across. Check whether the figure is for the whole day or for each meal, and whether it is for an adult dog or a puppy.

If your dog sits between two weights, or the label gives a range, your vet can help you choose where to start.

Split it into meals

Divide the daily amount by the number of meals. A daily amount of 300 g given as two meals is 150 g a meal. The dog food calculator works this out too.

Weigh it, at least once

Kitchen scales are more accurate than a scoop. Weigh one portion, then mark the level on the scoop you normally use.

When to ask your vet

Speak to your vet if your dog is gaining or losing weight, has a health condition, is pregnant or nursing, or you are unsure how much to feed. PawPrompt does not recommend amounts for individual dogs.