You've made a fresh batch of homemade pet food — it smells amazing (well, to your dog anyway). But now comes the tricky part: how much should you actually feed?
Unlike commercial kibble with its standardized feeding charts, homemade food requires a bit more math. But don't worry — I'll walk you through the numbers so your pet gets exactly what they need without over- or under-feeding.
The Basic Formula: Calories First
Every portion guide starts with calories. Here's a general rule of thumb for daily calorie needs:
- Adult dogs: 70 × (body weight in kg)0.75 for maintenance (adjust up/down by 20% for activity)
- Adult cats: 50-60 kcal per kg of body weight for maintenance
- Puppies: 2-3× adult maintenance for growing dogs (depends on breed size)
- Kittens: Up to 250 kcal per kg — they need a LOT of energy for growth
Let's make this practical with examples.
Portion Examples by Weight
These are estimates based on a typical homemade recipe with roughly 1.0-1.3 kcal/g (similar moisture content to stew or wet food). Your recipe may vary.
For Dogs
| Dog Weight | Daily Amount | Per Meal (2 meals/day) | Activity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg (11 lbs) | 300-400 g | 150-200 g | Moderate |
| 10 kg (22 lbs) | 500-700 g | 250-350 g | Moderate |
| 20 kg (44 lbs) | 800-1100 g | 400-550 g | Moderate |
| 30 kg (66 lbs) | 1100-1500 g | 550-750 g | Moderate |
| 40 kg (88 lbs) | 1400-1800 g | 700-900 g | Moderate |
For sedentary/indoor dogs, reduce portions by 15-20%. For active/working dogs, increase by 20-40%. Senior dogs generally need 15-25% less than adults.
For Cats
| Cat Weight | Daily Amount | Per Meal (2-3 meals/day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg (6.6 lbs) | 150-200 g | 50-100 g | Slim indoor cat |
| 4 kg (8.8 lbs) | 170-230 g | 55-115 g | Average cat |
| 5 kg (11 lbs) | 200-280 g | 65-140 g | Larger cat |
| 6 kg (13 lbs) | 220-320 g | 75-160 g | Big breed / overweight risk |
Note: Cats naturally prefer multiple small meals. If possible, divide their daily portion into 3-4 feedings rather than 2.
Factors That Change the Math
Your pet's ideal portion depends on much more than just weight:
- Body condition score (BCS) — Can you feel your pet's ribs without pressing hard? Can you see a waist? Use the 1-9 BCS scale to guide adjustments.
- Neutered/spayed — These pets need 20-30% fewer calories than intact animals
- Breed — Labradors and Beagles are prone to weight gain; Greyhounds and working breeds need more
- Recipe density — A recipe with more fat (9 kcal/g) will need smaller portions than one with mostly protein and carbs (4 kcal/g)
How to Adjust Portions
- Start with the estimates above — they're a safe starting point
- Weigh the food — use a kitchen scale, not measuring cups (density varies)
- Monitor for 2 weeks — weigh your pet weekly and adjust portions by 10% if needed
- Aim for slow change — weight loss or gain should be 1-2% of body weight per week max
Using Our AI Recipe Generator
The best approach is to get a recipe tailored to YOUR specific pet. Our AI recipe generator takes your pet's breed, weight, age, and activity level into account to create a nutritionally balanced recipe with appropriate portion sizes. It even adjusts for health conditions like kidney issues or weight management needs.
The Bottom Line
Feeding the right portion of homemade food is a balance of science and observation. Use the guidelines above as a starting point, watch your pet's body condition, and adjust as needed. And remember: treats, supplements, and table scraps all count toward the daily total.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist — they can help you dial in the perfect portion for your furry friend.