How much to feed
How do I adjust my dog's portion if my vet does not give an exact gram amount?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
If your vet gives general guidance, such as a target weight or a simple instruction to reduce or increase food, calculate your own starting gram amount using the resting energy formula for the target weight, then adjust based on body condition over the following weeks. Bring your calculated figure to the next visit so your vet can confirm or refine it.
Turning general guidance into a specific number
A vet instruction like feed a bit less or aim for a leaner dog is useful direction but not a specific enough figure to measure against day to day, so translating it into a concrete gram target makes the advice easier to actually follow.
Use the target weight, if given, in the standard resting energy formula with an appropriate activity multiplier to calculate a specific daily gram amount for your current food.
Starting the adjustment
If reducing, cut 10 to 15 percent from current intake as a reasonable first step consistent with general vet advice to feed less, then monitor body condition over two to three weeks.
If increasing, add a similar 10 to 15 percent and monitor in the same way, adjusting further based on how your dog's body condition actually responds.
Closing the loop with your vet
Bring your calculated amount, along with a couple of weeks of weight tracking, to your next appointment, since this gives your vet concrete information to confirm the plan is on track or suggest a refinement.
This collaborative approach, where you translate general guidance into a specific plan and your vet checks it periodically, tends to work better than either extreme of ignoring the guidance or waiting for an exact number before doing anything.
Key takeaways
- Translate general vet guidance, like a target weight, into a specific gram amount using the resting energy formula.
- Start with a 10 to 15 percent adjustment in the direction advised and monitor body condition over a few weeks.
- Bring your calculated figure and weight tracking data to your next vet visit for confirmation.
- A collaborative approach, calculating your own plan and checking it with your vet, works better than waiting for an exact number.