Dog Food Portion Recommendations for Adults and Puppies

Guidelines for feeding dogs calculate daily energy needs in kilocalories rather than weight. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), a 20‑kg adult dog aged 3‑7 years requires about 1,040 kcal per day; the exact gram amount depends on the kcal per 100 g listed on each kibble bag, so different brands give different figures. The FEDIAF tables use metabolic weight (body weight to the 0.75 power) and age‑specific coefficients (130 kcal for 1‑2 years, 110 kcal for 3‑7 years, 95 kcal beyond 7 years), adjusted for activity level, sterilisation, or overweight conditions. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides additional multipliers for these factors.

Choosing between dry kibble and wet food also depends on a dog’s age, size, activity, health status and owner preferences. Dry food is convenient and easy to portion, while wet food adds moisture and may be more appealing to less active or older dogs. Veterinarians advise owners to consider total daily calories, read label information, and tailor portions to the individual dog’s needs.