How much to feed
How much should I feed a 5kg dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A 5kg dog usually needs about 95 to 105g of a standard dry food a day. Small dogs need more calories per kilogram of body weight than large dogs do, because their surface area is larger relative to their mass and their metabolism runs faster, so do not simply divide a large breed's daily amount by weight to get this number.
Why small dogs eat more per kilogram
A 5kg dog's resting energy works out to around 234 kcal, and a typical neutered adult needs roughly 1.6 times that for normal activity, close to 375 kcal a day. At 350 to 400 kcal per 100g of dry food, that lands near 95 to 105g.
Per kilogram of body weight, that is nearly double what a 30kg dog needs per kilogram, which surprises a lot of new owners comparing bags side by side.
Reading the bag correctly
Most bags list a range for a given weight, often wider than you expect, for example 90 to 120g for a 5kg dog. That range exists because activity level varies hugely between individual dogs of the same size.
Start in the middle of the printed range, weigh the food out for two weeks, then move up or down based on body condition rather than switching brands looking for an exact number.
What to check along the way
Run a hand along the ribs and look for a waist from above. A 5kg dog carrying too much weight often first shows it as a rounding at the base of the tail before the belly changes shape.
If you are unsure how your particular dog should look, ask your vet to show you at a routine check up, since it is easier to learn by feel than by description. A quick photo from above taken on the same day each month can also make small shape changes easier to spot.
Key takeaways
- A 5kg adult dog typically needs about 95 to 105g of a standard dry food a day.
- Small dogs need more calories per kilogram of body weight than large dogs, not less.
- Start in the middle of your food's printed range and adjust from there.
- Check the base of the tail and the waist from above, not just the belly, for early signs of weight gain.