More than half of dogs in the UK and US are overweight, and in most cases the cause is simple: a little too much food, every day. Here is how to work out the right amount for your dog.
Start with resting energy
Vets use a formula called resting energy requirement (RER): 70 × body weight in kg0.75. It estimates the calories your dog needs just to keep the body running.
Multiply for lifestyle
A typical neutered adult needs around 1.6 × RER; an intact adult 1.8 ×; puppies 2–3 ×; and a dog on a weight-loss plan about 1 ×. Our feeding calculator does this for you and converts calories into cups of your food.
Treats count
Treats and chews should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. A single pig’s ear can be 200 calories — a quarter of a small dog’s needs.
Good
- Weighing food is precise
- Easy to adjust by 10% at a time
- Helps the whole family stay consistent
Not so good
- Needs a kitchen scale
- Takes a few seconds longer than a scoop
Check body condition, not just weight
You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above. Reweigh every two to four weeks and adjust portions by about 10% at a time.
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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
