How much should I feed my dog and how often? All your dog nutrition questions answered

Unsure what to feed your dog – or even how much? Veterinary nurse Jelisa Hawksworth has this advice

Published: Thursday, 04 January 2024 at 13:32 PM

To keep your dog happy, healthy and active, they need a complete, balanced diet containing essential nutrients and receive the correct amount of calories to maintain the right weight, says veterinary nurse Jelisa Hawksworth RVN.

Although a good quality, complete diet is key, nutrition doesn’t follow a ‘one size fits all’ approach and several factors will affect your dog’s individual dietary requirements.

What should I consider before choosing a dog feed?

Age – complete diets are available to suit a range of ages, from puppies to juniors, adults and senior dogs.
Breed – Great Danes, for example, will require a diet specially formulated for large breeds, while toy breeds will require a complete feed where the kibble size is extra small and easy for them to eat.
Activity levels – very active or working dogs require more daily calories to maintain a healthy weight than domestic dogs that are less active.
Weight – complete weight management diets exist for dogs who are overweight and need to follow a weight reduction programme. This food also helps to keep them fuller for longer and can reduce begging or scavenging.
Health status – a range of health-specific diets – for joint, kidney, skin and digestive problems for example – exist but should be used under the guidance of your vet.

When choosing any brand of food, always choose one manufactured by a registered member of UK Pet Food, an association of pet food manufacturers and suppliers, to ensure it’s quality controlled.

How often should I feed my dog?

How often you feed your dog depends on their age. As a general guide, puppies need four meals per day until they are four months old, reducing to three meals daily until they are six months old and then two meals daily into adulthood. This can be adjusted around your lifestyle to suit both you and your dog.

How much should I feed my dog?

The amount fed will vary based on the type and brand of food and how active your dog is. Feeding guidelines should be clearly displayed on the bag for you to follow. With puppy food, make sure to check if the feeding guide is for the adult or puppy weight.

Weighing out your dog’s daily ration is the best way to ensure you consistently feed the correct amount. This also allows you to accurately increase or decrease your dog’s daily food intake should their activity level or weight fluctuate. Before any major reduction, a veterinary professional should be consulted to make sure your dog is still getting the correct nutrient intake.

Should I feed my dog wet food or dry?

Ultimately, you can decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry or wet foods, or a combination of both, although your vet can also advise you on this.

Dry diets tend to store better, don’t spoil as quickly when left in the bowl, allow easier measuring and may help to prevent tartar build-up on your dog’s teeth. Wet foods contain a higher water content, which can boost your dog’s water intake if needed. They also tend to be smellier and, as smell is a big driver of appetite, this can make it more appealing to picky dogs!

If you decide to feed a mix of dry and wet food, make sure that in total you’re feeding your dog the correct amount. It can be helpful to feed the same brand of dry and wet food, as the guidelines on the bags will often indicate the amount of each to feed in combination.

How should I change my dog’s diet?

Sudden changes in feeding may result in vomiting and diarrhoea, so it is important to introduce a new brand or type of food gradually. If your dog has any existing health issues or you suspect they may have a health problem, it is worth seeking advice from a vet before making significant changes to their diet.

Generally, it is best to introduce a new food over a period of 7–10 days, slowly increasing the ratio of new to original food until the transition is complete. Watch for any signs of tummy upset and contact your vet for advice if your dog is sick or has diarrhoea.

It’s helpful to know that if you are transitioning your dog from a wet to a dry diet, you may notice an increase in the amount of water they drink each day, because dry food has a lower moisture content.

When can puppies eat adult dog food?

Many complete puppy foods state they are suitable for dogs up to 6-12 months old, at which point you would transition them on to a junior or adult diet. However, giant breeds such as Great Danes grow more slowly and remain on early-stage foods for longer – for example, puppy food until eight months old, then junior food from 18–24 months old before transitioning to a suitable adult food. Neutering your dog will impact their dietary requirements – your vet will advise you of the best time to neuter your pet and whether you will need to make changes to their diet.

Are dog treats okay?

If your dog is fed a complete diet, they do not need additional treats to meet their nutritional needs, however high-protein rewards can be helpful for assisting with training. If you would like to offer treats, ensure they are dog safe and labelled as appropriate for their age. You should also follow the recommended portion sizes detailed on the packet. If your dog is on reduced feeding to control weight, low-calorie alternatives such as courgette, green beans and broccoli can be used.

If you decide to offer chews, it’s sensible to supervise your dog while they have them and remove any loose or small parts that could be a choking hazard or cause a blockage if swallowed whole.

Top tips

Dogs should always have access to clean, fresh water. Position the water bowl away from the food bowl so that it doesn’t get contaminated.

Interactive feeding is great brain stimulation for your dog. Things like slow feeders, snuffle matts and Kongs can be used daily to incorporate enrichment in the home environment.

There are so many different diets available and it’s understandable that dog nutrition can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming! If you need guidance, reach out to your local veterinary practice.

More pet advice

Jelisa has been a qualified veterinary nurse for five years and is deputy head nurse at Abbey Veterinary Group in Derbyshire. Jelisa has a BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) merit award in nutrition.

Abbey Veterinary Group is a member of VetPartners, a nationwide veterinary group. Find your nearest VetPartner practice