How much food your pet needs depends on several factors — including size, breed, activity level, age, and overall health. Feeding charts on food packaging can provide a general range, but they often recommend more than most pets actually need. Think of those charts as a starting point, not a rule.

Kittens

Before spaying or neutering (which can be done as early as 4 months of age), kittens can usually be free-fed a high-quality kitten diet to support rapid growth. Most kitten foods contain around 500 kcal per cup. After being spayed or neutered, a kitten’s calorie needs decrease — so switching to measured meal times is best. A good guideline is about ¼ cup twice daily. Around one year of age, you can transition your kitten to an adult cat formula.

Cats

Obesity is the most common health problem in cats and can shorten their lifespan by several years. An ideal-weight cat can live 18–20 years, while an overweight cat often lives closer to 13. Overfeeding, even with premium food, doesn’t improve health — it can do the opposite.

Most cats need about 20–25 calories per pound of body weight per day. For an average-sized cat, that’s roughly ¼ cup twice daily. Cats that are smaller-framed or eat high-calorie foods will need a bit less. Meal feeding (instead of free-feeding) helps control weight and is one of the best habits you can establish.

Puppies

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They require higher levels of protein, calcium, and calories to support growth and bone development — but these needs change as they mature.

In general, feed a “growth” or puppy formula until your dog reaches about 80% of their expected adult size. For small- and medium-breed dogs, that’s around 12 months old. For large and giant breeds, it’s closer to 18–24 months. Feeding a growth diet for a little longer won’t harm your pet, but switching too early can.

Large-breed puppies are especially sensitive to excess calories and calcium. Choose diets labeled for “large-breed growth” by reputable manufacturers (those that meet AAFCO feeding trial standards). These diets are formulated with appropriate calorie and calcium levels to help reduce the risk of bone and joint issues during development.

Keep your puppy lean — you should be able to feel, but not see, their ribs. Adjust portions based on their body condition rather than a strict amount on the bag. Overfeeding, especially in large breeds, increases the risk of orthopedic problems later on.

Dogs

Caloric needs vary widely among dog sizes and breeds. As a rough guide:

  • Toy and small breeds: ~35 kcal per pound of body weight
  • Medium breeds (around 50 lbs): ~23 kcal per pound
  • Large and giant breeds (around 90 lbs): ~20 kcal per pound

Calories per cup vary by food brand and formula. Most adult maintenance diets contain 370–400 kcal per cup. Performance and premium foods (like Blue Buffalo or Canidae) can have around 500 kcal per cup. Senior, large-breed, or weight-management diets usually contain fewer calories per cup.

Remember to account for treats and table scraps — they can add up quickly. A handful of treats may equal a full meal in calories for small pets.

Monitoring Body Condition

The feeding chart on your pet’s food bag is just a reference. Your pet’s actual needs depend on their metabolism, activity level, and age. Over time, even small excesses in calories can lead to obesity — the most common nutritional disorder in dogs and cats.

To check your pet’s condition at home:

  • Rib Check: Place your thumbs along your pet’s spine and run your fingers along the rib cage. You should feel the ribs easily without pressing hard — like the back of your hand. If it feels like your knuckles, they’re underweight; if it feels like your palm, they’re overweight.
  • Profile Check: From the side, your pet’s abdomen should have a slight upward tuck behind the ribs.
  • Overhead Check: From above, your pet should have a visible waistline behind the ribs.

Why Maintaining Ideal Weight Matters

Nearly half of pets in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Even a few extra pounds can significantly increase the strain on your pet’s joints, heart, and organs. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, including:

  • Arthritis and joint pain
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Heart disease and high blood pressure
  • Exercise intolerance and overheating
  • Increased surgical and anesthetic risks
  • Shortened lifespan

Helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their long-term wellbeing. Regular exercise, measured meals, and appropriate diet selection go a long way toward keeping them happy and healthy.

For more information on healthy feeding practices, speak with your veterinarian or visit The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.