How much should I feed my dog? A simple guide to getting the amount right

More dogs in Europe are overweight than underweight, and almost none of them are fed by owners who set out to overfeed. The problem is that "a scoop" is not a measurement, that treats are food, and that the amount on the pack is a starting point rather than a rule. Here is how to get it right.

Start with the pack, then adjust

Every complete Bitesy food carries a feeding table on the bag or can, giving grams per day by body weight. It is calculated from the energy in that specific recipe, so it is more accurate than any generic calculator online. Use it for the first two weeks, then adjust by what you see: an adult dog should hold a steady weight, with ribs easy to feel under a thin layer of fat and a visible waist from above.

The four things that change the amount

• Age. Puppies need up to twice the energy per kilogram of an adult, spread over three or four meals; seniors need less as they slow down.
• Activity. A working or very active dog may need 20 to 40% more than the table; a sofa companion may need 10 to 20% less.
• Neutering. Neutered dogs typically need around 20% fewer calories than entire dogs of the same size.
• Season and housing. Dogs kept outdoors in winter burn more; dogs in a Maltese summer often eat less and drink more.

Mixing wet and dry

If you feed both, treat them as one ration. A 405g can of Bitesy Essentials Dog wet food replaces roughly a fifth to a quarter of a medium dog's daily kibble; reduce the dry portion accordingly rather than adding the can on top. The feeding guide on each product gives the exact figures for your dog's weight.

Weigh it, at least at first

A kitchen scale costs less than a vet visit. Weigh the daily amount once, find the cup or scoop that holds it, and mark the level. Dogs are fed the same amount every day for years, so a 15% error at the scoop compounds into a real weight problem over a year.

Treats count

Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. If you use food for training, take it out of the daily ration: a handful of kibble from the day's measure works as well as anything and keeps the diet balanced.

Signs you have it wrong

Too much: no waist, ribs hard to feel, reluctance to exercise, a coat that looks greasy. Too little: ribs and hip bones visible, low energy, a dull coat. Any sudden change in appetite or weight, in either direction, is a reason to see the vet before changing the food.