Dog and Cat Nutrition 101: Portions by Age, Weight, and Activity

Updated on: 24 April 2025

If you’ve ever wondered “How much should I feed my dog or cat?” you’re in the right place. This practical, vet-informed guide gives you quick charts, an easy calorie formula, life-stage schedules, a safe 7-day food switch plan, a label decoder, and simple tools to make healthy feeding stress-free.

Table of contents

• How much to feed: simple calorie and portion guide
• Quick charts by weight ranges (dogs and cats)
• Feeding schedules by life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior)
• How to read pet food labels (AAFCO/FEDIAF, ingredients to know)
• Switching foods safely (7–10 day schedule)
• Prevent overeating and mealtime stress (slow/puzzle feeders, tips)
• Hydration targets and tips (especially for cats)
• Gut health and sensitive stomachs
• Raw vs kibble vs cooked: quick pros and cons
• Sustainability and novel proteins (insect, fish byproduct)
• Tech-enabled feeding with TailMe trackers
• When to see a vet or pet nutritionist
• FAQs

Note: Every pet is an individual. Always ask your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for puppies/large-breed puppies, kittens, seniors, pregnant/lactating pets, and pets with medical conditions.

How Much to Feed: Simple Calorie and Portion Guide

The fastest accurate way to set portions is to calculate daily calories, then convert to cups, cans, or pouches using your food’s label.

Step-by-step 1) Weigh your pet (in kilograms). 2) Calculate Resting Energy Requirement (RER): RER = 70 × (weight in kg)^0.75 3) Multiply by a lifestyle factor (Maintenance Energy Requirement, MER): – Dogs – Weight loss: 1.0 × RER (use vet guidance) – Neutered adult: 1.6 × RER – Intact adult: 1.8 × RER – Active/working: 2.0–3.0 × RER (sometimes more) – Puppy: 2.0 × RER (4–9 months), up to 3.0 × RER (weaning–4 months) – Cats – Indoor, neutered adult: 1.2–1.4 × RER (many do best around 1.2–1.3) – Intact adult: 1.4–1.6 × RER – Weight loss: 0.8–1.0 × RER (vet-directed) – Kitten: 2.0–2.5 × RER (weaning to 6 months), then 1.5–2.0 × RER to 12 months 4) Convert calories to portions: – Dry food: cups per day = daily kcal ÷ kcal per cup (from your bag) – Wet food: cans/pouches per day = daily kcal ÷ kcal per can/pouch – Tip: Kibble densities vary widely (300–450 kcal/cup). Always check your label.

Example (dog)

• 10 kg neutered adult: RER ˜ 394 kcal; MER ˜ 630 kcal/day
• If food is 380 kcal/cup ? 630 ÷ 380 ˜ 1.65 cups/day, split into 2 meals

Example (cat)

• 4 kg indoor neutered cat: RER ˜ 198 kcal; MER at 1.2 × RER ˜ 238 kcal/day
• If wet food is 85 kcal/pouch ? 238 ÷ 85 ˜ 2.8 pouches/day (round to 3 small pouches)

Quick Charts by Weight Ranges

Use these as starting points, then fine-tune based on body condition, activity, and your vet’s advice. Assumes moderate activity and healthy adults.

Dogs (daily calories, approximate)

• 5 kg: 370–400 kcal
• 10 kg: 600–660 kcal
• 15 kg: 820–880 kcal
• 20 kg: 1,030–1,100 kcal
• 30 kg: 1,380–1,450 kcal
• 40 kg: 1,700–1,800 kcal

Active dogs may need 10–50% more; weight-loss plans often start near 1.0 × RER with a vet’s supervision.

Cats (indoor neutered, daily calories, approximate)

• 3 kg: 185–200 kcal
• 4 kg: 230–260 kcal
• 5 kg: 270–300 kcal
• 6 kg: 310–340 kcal

Most indoor cats need less than you think—portion control and measured meals matter.

Tip: If your pet devours food in seconds, use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl to slow the pace and support better digestion.

Feeding Schedules by Life Stage

Puppies (dogs)

• 6–12 weeks: 4 meals/day
• 3–6 months: 3 meals/day
• 6–12 months: 2 meals/day
• Large-breed puppies: choose a large-breed puppy formula; avoid excess calories and calcium supplements; aim for steady, not rapid, growth.

Kittens (cats)

• 6–12 weeks: 4 small meals/day
• 3–6 months: 3–4 meals/day
• 6–12 months: 2–3 meals/day
• Offer some wet food daily to support hydration and urinary health.

Adults

• Dogs: typically 2 meals/day; consider 3–4 smaller meals for gulpers or sensitive stomachs.
• Cats: 2–5 small meals/day; timed feeders help with early-morning wakeups and weight control.

Seniors

• Maintain protein quality; monitor appetite, weight, teeth, and mobility.
• Consider more frequent, smaller meals and easier-to-chew textures.

How to Read Pet Food Labels (AAFCO/FEDIAF Essentials)

What “complete and balanced” means

• Look for an AAFCO or FEDIAF statement indicating the food is complete and balanced for a specific life stage (growth/puppy/kitten, adult maintenance, all life stages).
• For puppies/large-breed puppies and kittens, confirm it’s formulated for growth.

Ingredients to look for

• Named animal proteins first (e.g., “chicken,” “salmon,” “beef”).
• “Chicken meal” or “fish meal” can be nutritious, protein-dense ingredients when named and used in balanced formulas.
• Healthy extras: identifiable fiber sources (oat, beet pulp, pumpkin), prebiotics (FOS, MOS), and omega-3s (fish oil, algal oil).

What to approach thoughtfully

• Vague terms like “animal digest” or “meat by-product” without a named species.
• Long lists of pulses/legumes near the top in dog foods without clear veterinary guidance—grain-inclusive is often appropriate unless your vet suggests otherwise.
• “Grain-free” isn’t automatically better. Discuss with your vet if your dog truly needs it.

Quick check

• Calories per cup/can/pouch: essential for portioning.
• Feeding guide: a starting point, not a rule.
• Manufacturing transparency: brand explains sourcing, testing, and quality controls.

Switching Foods Safely (7–10 Day Schedule)

• Days 1–2: 75% old food, 25% new
• Days 3–4: 50% old, 50% new
• Days 5–6: 25% old, 75% new
• Day 7: 100% new food

Sensitive stomachs? Stretch to 10–14 days and consider adding a vet-recommended probiotic. If vomiting, diarrhea, or itching appears, pause and consult your vet.

Prevent Overeating and Mealtime Stress

Portion control that works

• Measure every meal with a proper scoop or kitchen scale.
• Pre-portion weekly into labeled containers to keep the whole family consistent.
• Monitor body condition score (BCS): aim for 4–5/9 in dogs and cats. You should feel ribs with light pressure and see a waist.

Slow the speed, lower the stress

• Slow feeder bowls: great for gulpers and to reduce gas and regurgitation.
• Puzzle feeders and lick mats: turn mealtime into enrichment, easing anxiety and boredom.
• Timed/automatic feeders: ideal for cats who wake you early or pets needing small, frequent meals for weight control.

Soft CTA ideas

• Try a slow feeder to curb fast eating—shop TailMe slow feeders
• Make meals enriching—explore puzzle feeders and lick mats at TailMe
• Need precise portions while you’re out? See TailMe automatic and smart feeders

Hydration Targets and Tips (Especially for Cats)

Daily water needs (typical)

• Dogs: roughly 50–60 ml per kg body weight
• Cats: roughly 50–60 ml per kg (many cats under-drink)

Tips to boost hydration

• Offer both wet and dry food for cats prone to urinary issues.
• Provide multiple bowls; keep water fresh and separate from food.
• Try a cat water fountain—many cats prefer running water.
• Add a splash of warm water or vet-approved broth to meals.

Related read: “Hydration Habits: Why Water Matters More Than You Think” on TailMe.

Gut Health and Sensitive Stomachs

• Fiber supports stool quality and the microbiome. Add gradually (pumpkin, beet pulp, psyllium) if advised by your vet.
• Prebiotics (FOS, MOS) feed beneficial bacteria; probiotics can help during transitions or mild tummy upsets.
• Signs of imbalance: frequent soft stools, excess gas, vomiting, itchy skin, or recurrent ear issues. See your vet to rule out parasites, food sensitivities, or medical causes.

Best proteins for sensitive stomachs (dogs)

• Try simple, single-source proteins like turkey, white fish, or insect protein. Limited-ingredient diets can make troubleshooting easier—work with your vet.

Raw vs Kibble vs Cooked: Quick Pros and Cons

• Kibble: convenient, consistent, often more economical; portion with care.
• Wet food: higher moisture; helpful for cats’ urinary health and picky eaters.
• Commercial raw/fresh: palatable and high-protein; ensure reputable brands with strict safety testing (pathogen control).
• Home-cooked: can be excellent when formulated by a vet nutritionist; avoid DIY without a complete recipe and supplements—imbalances are common.

Sustainability and Novel Proteins

• Insect protein and responsibly sourced fish byproducts can lower environmental impact and help pets with allergies.
• Look for complete-and-balanced formulations and clear sourcing.

Tech-Enabled Feeding with TailMe

Pair a TailMe tracker with a smart feeder routine:

• Use activity trends to adjust daily calories by small increments (e.g., +10–15% on high-activity days; -5–10% on rest days, with vet oversight).
• Schedule multiple micro-meals for cats and gulp-prone dogs.
• Get alerts if a meal is missed—handy for pets with medical needs.

Feeder comparison at a glance

• Gravity feeders: convenient but no portion control; not ideal for overeaters.
• Timed feeders: release set amounts on schedule—great for weight control and early-bird cats.
• Smart feeders: app control, multi-meal scheduling, portion tracking, and integrations with activity data.

When to See a Vet or Pet Nutritionist

Seek professional help if you notice:

• Rapid weight gain or loss; BCS outside 4–5/9
• Vomiting, diarrhea, chronic gas, or frequent soft stools
• Itching, skin/ear infections (possible food sensitivity)
• Lethargy, excessive thirst/urination, or changes in appetite
• Puppies/large-breed puppies, kittens, pregnant/lactating pets need tailored plans

FAQs

Is grain-free dog food safe in 2025?

• It depends on the dog and the formulation. Grain-free isn’t automatically better. Unless your vet identifies a reason (e.g., a true grain allergy), many dogs do well on balanced grain-inclusive diets. Choose brands that share nutrient testing and quality controls.

How do I calculate my dog’s or cat’s daily calories?

• RER = 70 × (kg^0.75), then multiply by a lifestyle factor (see MER factors above). Convert calories to cups/cans using your food’s label.

How fast is too fast for pets to eat?

• Finishing a full meal in under 60–90 seconds is fast. Gulping raises the risk of regurgitation and gas (and for large, deep-chested dogs, bloat risk). Use a slow feeder, split meals, or add enrichment.

How long should I take to switch pet foods?

• Aim for 7 days. Sensitive pets may need 10–14 days. If signs of distress appear, slow down and consult your vet.

Wet vs dry food for cats and urinary health—what’s best?

• Many cats benefit from a mix or all-wet diets for added moisture. Prioritize complete-and-balanced formulas and overall calorie control.

What to Buy to Make Healthy Feeding Easier

• Measuring scoop or small kitchen scale for accurate portions
• Slow feeder bowls for gulpers
• Puzzle feeders and lick mats for enrichment and anxiety relief
• Automatic/timed feeders for portion control and early-morning meows
• Cat water fountain to encourage drinking
• TailMe trackers to guide calorie adjustments with real activity data

Author and Review Note

About the author: Gavin Levenstein is a long-time pet parent and TailMe editor who works with veterinarians and nutrition resources to turn complex feeding advice into easy, everyday steps.

Review note: This guide follows current AAFCO/FEDIAF standards and draws on WSAVA and peer-reviewed resources. For individual medical advice, please consult your veterinarian.

Related Reading on TailMe

• Slow Feeding: Helping Your Dog or Cat Eat at a Healthier Pace
• Hydration Habits: Why Water Matters More Than You Think
• Mealtime Anxiety: Recognizing and Managing Stress at the Bowl
• How to Switch Pet Food Without Causing Digestive Issues

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Sources and guidance: AAFCO, FEDIAF, WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, and current veterinary nutrition literature. This article is for education and does not replace veterinary care.