Feeding Guide by Life Stage: Puppy, Adult and Senior
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinary research. Learn more »
The feeding chart on the bag is a starting point, not an instruction. A dog's calorie needs can change by half or more across its life, and the same dog may need a different amount in winter than summer. This guide gives you the framework vets use, so you can adjust with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Puppies need two to three times the calories per kilo of an adult, in three or four meals a day.
- Neutered adults need around 20 percent fewer calories than the bag suggests.
- Seniors often need fewer calories but more protein, not less.
Puppies, 8 weeks to adolescence
Feed a food labelled for growth, large-breed formula for dogs expected to exceed 25 kg. Four meals a day until twelve weeks, three until six months, then two. Judge by body condition: you should feel ribs easily under a thin fat layer.
Adults
Start with the bag's guide for your dog's ideal weight, not current weight, and reduce by a fifth if the dog is neutered or inactive. Weigh food on a scale. Reassess every month and adjust in 10 percent steps.
Seniors, from around 7 years for large breeds and 10 for small
Metabolism slows, but muscle loss accelerates. Choose a senior food with good quality protein rather than a low-protein one, and discuss joint supplements with your vet. Smaller, more frequent meals help dogs with reduced appetite.
Treats and extras
Keep treats to 10 percent of daily calories. A single dental chew can be a tenth of a small dog's daily intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
?How do I know if my dog is the right weight?
Ribs easily felt but not seen, a visible waist from above and a tuck-up from the side. Your vet can score body condition on a nine-point scale.
?Should I free-feed?
Not usually. Measured meals let you spot appetite changes early and prevent gradual weight gain.
Help us do better!
Was this article helpful and relevant?
Thanks for your feedback!
About Dr. Priya Natarajan
Dr. Priya Natarajan is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist who formulates diets for both commercial brands and individual patients. She covers nutrition, feeding and food-label topics on VetsExplained.
View all posts by Dr. Priya Natarajan →
