How much should I feed a 20kg dog?

It depends entirely on the food's calorie density, your dog's age and activity level. Use the chart on your specific food for a 20kg dog as the starting point, then adjust to body condition over a few weeks.

Is it better to measure in cups or grams?

Grams on a kitchen scale are far more accurate. Cup volumes vary with kibble size and how tightly the cup is packed, which is why two people using the same cup can feed noticeably different amounts.

Do treats count toward the daily amount?

Yes. Treats, chews and training rewards should stay within roughly 10% of daily calories, with meal portions reduced slightly if you use a lot of them.

How do I stop a sitter from overfeeding?

Give an exact number in grams or a named measuring scoop, pre-portion meals into labelled bags or containers, and write the treat limit on the same card as the meal times.

Dog feeding chart by weight

By The Pet Care Card teamUpdated 3 September 2026 5 min read

Short answer

Feeding amounts are based on your dog's weight, age and activity level, and every food has a different calorie density — so the chart printed on your bag is the correct starting point, not a generic table. Weigh your dog, read the guide for that weight on your specific food, divide the daily amount across meals, then adjust up or down based on body condition over a few weeks.

The app does not provide medical advice or recommend medications or dosages. It only helps owners organize instructions they provide. Always follow your veterinarian.

"How much should I feed my dog?" has no single answer, because two foods at the same weight can differ by hundreds of calories per cup. What is consistent is the method: start from your food's own chart, measure properly, and adjust to the dog in front of you.

Step 1 — get an accurate weight

Weigh your dog on a pet scale, or weigh yourself holding them and subtract your own weight. Most vet clinics will let you use their scale for free. Re-check monthly for puppies and every few months for adults.

Step 2 — read the chart on your food

Find the row for your dog's current weight on the packaging and note the daily amount, then check whether the figure is per day or per meal — this is a common and costly misreading. Puppy foods are usually charted by current weight and expected adult weight.

Step 3 — adjust for activity and life stage

Very active or working dogs may need more than the chart suggests
Neutered, senior or largely indoor dogs often need less
Dogs on prescription diets follow the vet's instruction, not the general chart
Treats, chews and training rewards count toward the daily total — keep them under roughly 10% of it

Step 4 — check body condition, not the number

After two to four weeks, run your hands over your dog's ribs. You should feel them easily under a thin layer, with a visible waist from above and a tuck-up from the side. If not, adjust the daily amount by about 10% and reassess. Ask your vet before making bigger changes or if weight is dropping unexpectedly.

Step 5 — write the final amount down

Grams or cups per meal, with the measuring tool named
Number of meals and the clock times
Food brand and exact formula
Treat allowance per day
Any food that must be avoided, and why
The date the amount was last reviewed

Frequently asked questions

How much should I feed a 20kg dog?: It depends entirely on the food's calorie density, your dog's age and activity level. Use the chart on your specific food for a 20kg dog as the starting point, then adjust to body condition over a few weeks.
Is it better to measure in cups or grams?: Grams on a kitchen scale are far more accurate. Cup volumes vary with kibble size and how tightly the cup is packed, which is why two people using the same cup can feed noticeably different amounts.
Do treats count toward the daily amount?: Yes. Treats, chews and training rewards should stay within roughly 10% of daily calories, with meal portions reduced slightly if you use a lot of them.
How do I stop a sitter from overfeeding?: Give an exact number in grams or a named measuring scoop, pre-portion meals into labelled bags or containers, and write the treat limit on the same card as the meal times.