🐶 Dog Feeding Guide
The amounts below are guidelines for standard dry kibble. Always check the specific feeding instructions on your dog's food bag — caloric density varies by brand. Adjust based on your dog's activity level, and consult your vet if you're unsure.
🐶 Puppy (under 1 yr)
3–4 small meals per day. Use a puppy-specific formula with higher protein and calcium for healthy bone development.
🐕 Adult (1–7 yrs)
2 meals per day at consistent times. Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day), which can lead to overeating.
🐾 Senior (7+ yrs)
2 smaller meals per day. Switch to a senior formula with joint support. Monitor weight — seniors often gain weight as activity decreases.
| Dog Weight | Dry Food Per Day | Puppy Meals | Adult Meals | Senior Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | ¼ – ½ cup | 3–4x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day (less) |
| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | ¼ – ¾ cup | 3–4x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day (less) |
| 20 lbs (9 kg) | 1 – 1⅓ cups | 3–4x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
| 30 lbs (14 kg) | 1¾ – 2⅓ cups | 2–3x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
| 40 lbs (18 kg) | 2¼ – 3 cups | 2–3x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
| 60 lbs (27 kg) | 3 – 3¾ cups | 2x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
| 80 lbs (36 kg) | 3⅔ – 5 cups | 2x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
| 100 lbs (45 kg) | 4¼ – 6 cups | 2x / day | 2x / day | 2x / day |
* Based on average dry kibble (~350–400 kcal/cup). Actual amounts depend on your food's caloric density.
🐱 Cat Feeding Guide
Cats are obligate carnivores and do best with high-protein diets. Most vets recommend a mix of wet and dry food. Wet food supports hydration (cats have a low thirst drive), while dry food can help with dental health.
🐱 Kitten (under 1 yr)
3–4 meals per day using kitten formula. Never give adult cat food — kittens need more protein and calories per pound of body weight.
🐈 Adult (1–7 yrs)
2 meals per day. A mix of wet and dry food is ideal. Aim for around 200–250 kcal/day for an average 8–10 lb cat.
🐾 Senior (7+ yrs)
2–3 smaller meals. Senior cats often benefit from wet food (easier to chew). Watch for weight loss, which can indicate health issues.
| Cat Weight | Meal Frequency | Dry Food Amount | Wet Food Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 lbs | 3–4x / day | ¼ cup (kitten formula) | 1.5–2 oz wet + dry |
| 5–8 lbs | 2–3x / day | ¼ – ⅓ cup | 2–2.5 oz wet + dry |
| 8–10 lbs | 2x / day | ¼ – ⅓ cup | 3–3.5 oz wet |
| 10–12 lbs | 2x / day | ⅓ – ½ cup | 3.5–4 oz wet |
| Over 12 lbs | 2x / day | ½ cup (monitor weight) | 4+ oz wet (vet guidance) |
General Feeding Tips
- ✅ Always provide fresh water — hydration is as important as food, especially for cats.
- ✅ Feed at consistent times — routine helps digestion and prevents anxiety around meals.
- ✅ Measure portions — eyeballing leads to overfeeding. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale.
- ✅ Transition slowly — when switching foods, mix old and new over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
- ❌ Don't free-feed — leaving food out all day makes portion control nearly impossible.
- ❌ Avoid table scraps — many human foods (onions, grapes, xylitol) are toxic to pets.
- ❌ Don't overfeed treats — treats should be no more than 10% of daily caloric intake.
- ❌ Don't ignore weight changes — sudden weight gain or loss is worth a vet visit.