How Much Should I Feed My Pet?
- Buddy Sweets
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
A Friendly Guide to Pet Feeding, Scheduling, and Healthy Weight
One of the most common questions I hear from pet parents is, “How much should I actually be feeding my dog (or cat)?” It’s a great question — and one that doesn’t have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer.
Before we dive in, a quick note:👉 I’m not a veterinarian or animal dietitian. The information here is based on my experience, ongoing education, and passion for pet nutrition. For medical advice or questions about your pet’s specific needs, always check with your vet.
Okay, now let’s talk about what you can do to make sure your pet’s feeding routine supports their health and happiness.
How Much Should I Feed My Pet?
Every pet’s calorie needs are different — even two dogs of the same breed and weight can have totally different metabolisms. Most pet food bags have a feeding chart, but think of that as a starting point, not a rulebook.
If you want to get a little more accurate (and nerdy about it — which I love), you can calculate your pet’s Resting Energy Requirement (RER). That’s the number of calories they need each day just to keep their body running.
Here’s the formula:
RER = 70 × (Body Weight in kg)^0.75
Once you have that number, multiply it by a factor based on your pet’s age and activity level to get their Daily Energy Requirement (DER):
Example:Let’s say your 30 lb (13.6 kg) adult, neutered dog has an RER of about 530 calories/day.Multiply that by 1.6 (for maintenance), and you get roughly 850 calories/day.
Now check your dog’s food label. If the food is 380 kcal per cup:850 ÷ 380 = about 2¼ cups per day.
Feed that amount split between two meals. If your dog needs to lose weight, calculate using their ideal weight instead of their current weight. If they need to gain, increase calories by 10–20% and monitor progress weekly.
How Often Should I Feed My Dog or Cat Each Day?
Adult dogs do best with two meals a day—morning and evening.
Puppies need three to four smaller meals spread throughout the day.
Cats can be a little different. Some do fine with two to three meals, while others prefer to nibble throughout the day. If your cat self-regulates, free-feeding can work (as long as portions are measured).
Consistency is key! Regular feeding times help regulate digestion, behavior, and even potty habits.
Should I Feed on a Schedule or Free-Feed?
I’m a big fan of scheduled feeding for most pets.It helps prevent overeating, makes it easier to monitor appetite changes, and creates structure.
Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) can work for certain cats, but it’s usually not a good idea for dogs—or multi-pet homes. It can lead to overeating, food guarding, and missed signs of illness (since you can’t track who’s eating what).
What’s the Best Feeding Routine for Puppies, Kittens, and Seniors?
Puppies
Feed 3–4 times a day until about 6 months old, then gradually transition to twice a day. Look for food labeled “for growth” or “all life stages.”
Kittens
Kittens have fast metabolisms and small stomachs, so 3–4 meals a day works best. Around 6 months, most can transition to 2–3 meals daily. Always use a kitten-specific formula for the right nutrient balance.
Senior Pets
Older pets may need fewer calories, but high-quality protein becomes even more important. Joint and digestive support are also great additions to senior diets. Keep an eye on changes in appetite, mobility, or muscle tone — they can be early signs to adjust their diet or schedule a vet visit.
How Can I Tell If My Pet Is Overweight or Underweight?
Forget the numbers on the scale for a moment—what really matters is body condition.
You should be able to feel (but not see) your pet’s ribs.
From above, there should be a visible waist.
From the side, the belly should tuck up behind the ribs.
If your pet looks round or you can’t feel ribs without pressing, they may be overweight. If ribs and spine are very prominent, they might be underweight.
A vet can help confirm your pet’s ideal weight and may use a Body Condition Score (BCS) on a 1–9 scale to guide you.
Using Calories to Guide Portion Control
Once you know how many calories your pet should eat daily, it’s easy to adjust portion sizes:
For weight loss: Reduce calories by 5–10% and recheck every few weeks.
For weight gain: Add about 10–20% more calories per day.
For maintenance: Weigh monthly and adjust only if your pet’s body condition changes.
And don’t forget — treats count! Keep treats under 10% of your pet’s daily calories.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your pet isn’t just about filling a bowl — it’s about supporting their energy, longevity, and joy. By learning how to calculate calories, watching body condition, and sticking to a consistent schedule, you’re already doing more than most to help your furry friend thrive.
Remember: this guide is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every pet is unique, and their nutritional needs can vary widely.
If you ever have doubts about your pet’s diet, weight, or health, reach out to your veterinarian — and keep learning! Because understanding what’s in your pet’s bowl is one of the best ways to show them love.
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