How Much Should You Really Be Feeding Your Pet?

The feeding chart on a bag of pet food is a reasonable starting point, but it is calculated for an “average” pet — which your pet may not actually be.

Factors That Change the Math

Activity level, age, spay/neuter status, and metabolism all affect how much a pet actually needs. Two dogs of the same breed and weight can have meaningfully different calorie needs.

Adjusting Over Time

Track body condition rather than just the scale — you should be able to feel (though not necessarily see) ribs without pressing hard. Small portion adjustments every few weeks, based on how your pet is actually looking and feeling, work better than rigid adherence to the bag’s chart.