How much should I feed my dog?

Overfeeding is one of the most common health mistakes dog owners make — over 55% of dogs in Western countries are overweight, which significantly shortens lifespan and increases disease risk. Getting portion sizes right is just as important as choosing a good food.

Factors that determine portion size

- Body weight — the primary factor. Feeding guidelines on packaging use weight as the starting point.
- Age — puppies need more calories per kilogram than adults. Senior dogs generally need fewer.
- Activity level — a working border collie needs far more than a retired greyhound sleeping on the sofa.
- Reproductive status — intact or pregnant females have higher energy requirements.
- Breed — some breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pugs) are genetically prone to obesity and need stricter portion control.

How to use feeding guidelines

Packaging guidelines are a starting point, not a prescription. They are typically calculated for an average active adult dog. Start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on body condition.

The body condition score (BCS)

Feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard. You should be able to feel each rib without a thick layer of fat, but they should not be visible. When viewed from above, your dog should have a visible waist. From the side, the abdomen should tuck up slightly behind the rib cage. This is a 5 — ideal on a 9-point BCS scale.

Meal frequency

- Puppies under 6 months — 3 times daily
- Adult dogs — 2 times daily (morning and evening)
- Free feeding (leaving food out all day) is not recommended — it makes it impossible to monitor intake and is linked to obesity

Treats count

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calorie intake. Many owners dramatically underestimate the caloric contribution of treats, dental chews, and table scraps.

Flovvi tip

Log your dog's weight in Flovvi monthly. A slow, steady increase of 0.5–1 kg over 3 months is much easier to correct than a 5 kg gain that has built up over a year.