How much to feed
How much should I feed a 15kg dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A 15kg dog typically needs about 215 to 230g of a standard dry food a day for an averagely active pet, but the range between a genuinely sedentary dog and a very active one at this weight is wide, often a 25 percent difference. Deciding which end of that range fits your dog matters more here than at smaller weights.
Baseline for this weight
Resting energy for a 15kg dog is around 534 kcal, and a typical neutered adult at normal activity needs roughly 1.6 times that, near 855 kcal a day. At 350 to 400 kcal per 100g of dry food, that lands close to 215 to 230g.
That figure assumes two moderate walks a day. A dog that runs, swims, or does structured training most days can reasonably need more.
Sedentary versus active at the same weight
A 15kg dog that mostly rests at home with short toilet breaks may only need around 1.2 to 1.4 times its resting energy, closer to 180 to 200g, while a genuinely active dog can need 1.6 to 1.8 times resting energy, closer to 230 to 260g.
If you are unsure which category fits, start in the middle and adjust after two to three weeks based on body condition rather than picking an extreme straight away.
Fine tuning over time
Keep a simple log of weight every two to three weeks for the first couple of months on a new food or new routine, since a single check does not show a trend.
If your dog's activity changes with the seasons, for example more off lead time in summer, expect to revisit the amount rather than leaving it fixed all year. A simple note of the current daily gram amount on the bag itself also helps if more than one person feeds the dog.
Key takeaways
- A 15kg adult dog needs roughly 215 to 230g of dry food a day at average activity.
- The gap between a sedentary and an active 15kg dog's needs is around 25 percent.
- Start in the middle of the range and adjust based on body condition, not guesswork.
- Revisit the amount when activity changes meaningfully, such as with the seasons.