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A neutered 20 lb (9 kg) adult dog needs about 585 calories a day, which is roughly 1.6 cups of dry food. Larger dogs need fewer calories per pound, so check the weight chart in this guide and the kcal per cup on your food bag.
The simple feeding formula
Vets use a two-step formula to estimate how many calories an adult dog needs each day. First work out the resting energy requirement (RER): 70 x (body weight in kg)0.75. Then multiply by a factor for your dog’s life stage. The result is a starting point, not a rule, so always compare it with the feeding chart on your food bag and adjust after checking your dog’s weight.
Example: a 20 lb (9.1 kg) neutered adult dog has an RER of about 365 kcal. Multiply by 1.6 and you get roughly 585 kcal per day. A typical dry food has about 375 kcal per cup, so that dog needs about 1.6 cups a day.
Daily food by dog weight
This chart assumes a neutered adult dog with normal activity and a dry food of around 375 kcal per cup. Check the calorie number on your own bag, because foods vary a lot.
| Dog weight | Calories per day | Dry food per day | Per meal (2 meals) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | about 207 | about 0.6 cup | 0.3 cup |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | about 348 | about 0.9 cup | 0.45 cup |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | about 585 | about 1.6 cups | 0.8 cup |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | about 794 | about 2.1 cups | 1.05 cups |
| 50 lb (22.7 kg) | about 1,164 | about 3.1 cups | 1.55 cups |
| 70 lb (31.8 kg) | about 1,498 | about 4.0 cups | 2 cups |
| 90 lb (40.8 kg) | about 1,809 | about 4.8 cups | 2.4 cups |
Adjust for your dog’s life stage
| Dog type | Multiply RER by |
|---|---|
| Neutered or spayed adult | 1.6 |
| Intact adult | 1.8 |
| Less active or prone to weight gain | 1.2 to 1.4 |
| Needs to lose weight | about 1.0 (use the ideal weight) |
| Puppy over 4 months | 2.0 |
| Puppy under 4 months | 3.0 |
| Very active or working dog | 2.0 or more |
Puppies grow fast, so check their amounts by age in our puppy feeding schedule by age.
How many meals a day?
Most adult dogs do well on two meals, roughly 8 to 12 hours apart. Puppies need three or four small meals. Giving the same total in smaller portions is gentler on the stomach, especially for dogs that gulp.
Measure, do not guess
A scoop is not a measuring cup. Weigh the food on a kitchen scale or use a proper measuring cup for every meal. Counting treats matters too: keep treats and chews to about 10 percent of daily calories and reduce the meal to match.
Dogs that finish a measured portion in seconds often feel hungry afterwards. A triple maze slow feeder that holds up to 1.5 cups makes the same portion last longer and feel more satisfying. Our blog explains how this helps with portion control for dogs and with weight loss using a slow feeder.
Check if the amount is right
- You should feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat.
- You should see a waist when looking from above.
- The belly should tuck up when viewed from the side.
- Weigh your dog every 2 to 4 weeks and adjust the portion by about 10 percent if the weight drifts.
These numbers are estimates. Dogs with health conditions, seniors and pregnant dogs need a plan from a vet.
Dog Feeding Chart: How Much to Feed by Weight
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Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my dog per day?
It depends on weight, age, activity and the calories in the food. A neutered 20 lb dog on a 375 kcal per cup food needs about 1.6 cups a day, and the chart above shows other sizes.
How many cups of food should a dog eat?
Check the kcal per cup on your bag, then divide your dog’s daily calorie need by that number.
Should I feed my dog twice a day?
Yes for most adults. Two meals spread the day and are easier to digest than one large meal.
How do I know if I am overfeeding?
If you cannot feel the ribs easily, or your dog has no visible waist, the portion is probably too large.
Do treats count toward the daily amount?
Yes. Keep treats to about 10 percent of daily calories and reduce meals to compensate.
Sources (links checked October 2026)
- How Often Should Dogs Eat and How Much Should You Feed Them? American Kennel Club
- Nutrition - General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs VCA Animal Hospitals
- Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit WSAVA
General information, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about the needs of your own pet.
Mahmoud Mohamed Samir is an SEO/GEO Specialist who turns veterinary research into clear, practical feeding guides, built so pet parents get straight answers whether they search on Google or ask an AI assistant.
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