How to Tell If You're Feeding Your Dog the Right Amount

At a glance

• You should feel your dog's ribs without pressing hard — if you can't, they're likely being overfed
• A visible waist from above and a tucked abdomen from the side are signs of a healthy weight
• Feeding guides on packaging are based on average dogs — adjust up or down based on your dog's body condition
• Age, activity level, neutering status, and breed all affect how much your dog actually needs
• Slow, steady weight change (around 1-2% of body weight per week) is the safe way to correct over- or underfeeding

What does the right amount actually look like?

The right portion is the one that keeps your dog at a healthy, lean body weight. That sounds obvious, but most owners are surprised to learn that over 50% of dogs in the UK are overweight — which means the "normal" they're used to seeing isn't always healthy.

The most practical tool for checking your dog's weight isn't a set of scales. It's a body condition score (BCS) — a simple physical assessment you can do at home. Run your hands along your dog's ribcage. You should feel each rib clearly without pressing firmly, but the ribs shouldn't be visible or sharp to the touch. Look at them from above: there should be a clear waist narrowing behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should tuck upward slightly rather than hang level.

If the ribs are hard to find, your dog is carrying excess weight. If they're very prominent or the spine and hip bones are visible, your dog needs more food. Both directions matter — underfeeding is less common but just as real a problem. Understanding the basics of how dogs' nutritional needs work can help you spot these signs earlier and respond with more confidence.

Why don't feeding guidelines give you the exact answer?

Feeding guidelines are calculated for an average dog of a given weight. They're a useful starting point, but no feeding guide accounts for your specific dog's metabolism, how much they exercise, whether they're neutered, or how old they are.

Neutered dogs, for example, typically need around 20-30% fewer calories than intact dogs of the same size. A neutered Labrador and an intact Labrador of identical weight have meaningfully different energy needs. Breed matters too — some breeds are prone to weight gain and will creep up in body condition even at the "recommended" portion.

The format of food also affects how you read the guidelines. Fresh food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble, so a 200g portion of fresh food and a 200g portion of kibble deliver very different amounts of energy. How moisture content affects calorie density is one reason owners switching between formats often need to recalibrate portions entirely.

Marleybones meals include clear feeding guides tailored by weight range, and because they're vet-developed complete meals, the calorie and nutrient content is consistent and well-documented — making it easier to adjust portions accurately rather than guessing.

Which factors actually change how much your dog needs?

Several things shift your dog's daily calorie requirement, sometimes significantly:

• Age: puppies need more calories per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs. Senior dogs generally need fewer calories but may need more protein to maintain muscle mass. If you're feeding a puppy, age-appropriate portioning matters more than the adult guide on the packet.
• Activity level: a working dog or one that gets two hours of off-lead running daily needs more food than a dog that walks for 20 minutes. A lot more — potentially 50% more on very active days.
• Health conditions: hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, and other conditions directly affect metabolism. If your dog is gaining weight despite appropriate portions and good exercise, speak to your vet rather than simply cutting food further.
• Treats: a training session with 30 small treats can add meaningful calories. Count them as part of the daily total — not on top of it.

How do you actually adjust portions safely?

If your dog's body condition tells you they need to lose weight, reduce their daily portion by around 10-15% and reassess after two to three weeks. Target a loss of roughly 1-2% of body weight per week. Faster than that risks muscle loss rather than fat loss.

If they need to gain weight, increase by the same modest increment. Sudden large increases can cause digestive upset, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Gradual changes to food volume, just like gradual changes to food type, give the gut time to adjust.

Weigh the food rather than scooping it. Volume measures are inaccurate — a "cup" of kibble varies enormously depending on how it's packed. Use kitchen scales. It takes ten seconds and removes the main source of accidental overfeeding.

Reassess body condition every two to four weeks and adjust again if needed. For older dogs, portion needs shift meaningfully as they age — what worked at seven may not be right at ten. And for dogs where weight management has become difficult despite your best efforts, a vet can check for underlying causes before you assume it's simply a matter of food quantity.

Fresh food makes this process more transparent. Marleybones Pantry Fresh meals use clearly defined ingredients with no fillers or hidden bulking agents, so you know exactly what your dog is eating — which makes adjusting portions a much more controlled process.

Every dog is different — build your personalised Marleybones feeding and health plan tailored to your dog's age, size, and health requirements.

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FAQs

How do I know if my dog is overweight?

Run your hands along their ribcage. If you have to press firmly to feel the ribs, or can't find them easily, your dog is carrying excess weight. A healthy dog has a visible waist when viewed from above and a slight abdominal tuck from the side. If neither is visible, consult your vet for a formal body condition assessment.

Should I follow the feeding guide on the packaging exactly?

Use it as a starting point, not a rule. Feeding guides are based on average dogs of a given weight. Factors like neutering status, activity level, age, and breed can mean your dog needs more or less than the guide suggests. Adjust based on body condition, not just the number on the pack.

Does the type of food affect how much I should feed?

Yes, significantly. Fresh food and wet food contain much more moisture than dry kibble, so the same weight of food delivers fewer calories per gram. If you switch formats, expect to recalibrate portions. Always use the feeding guide for the specific food you're giving, rather than applying rules from a different format.

How often should I check if my dog's portions are right?

Do a body condition check every two to four weeks. Dogs' needs change with the seasons, their activity levels, and as they age. A dog that was at a perfect weight in summer may need a small reduction in winter if they're less active. Regular checks make small adjustments easy before they become bigger problems.

Do treats count toward my dog's daily food allowance?

Yes. Treats add calories, and on active training days those calories can be significant. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, with meals making up the rest. If you're using a lot of treats, reduce the main meal slightly to compensate.

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