How much should I feed my dog?

The bag is a starting point, not the answer. Real portion size depends on weight, age, activity level, body condition score, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which lowers metabolism by ~20%).

Quick framework:
- Look at your dog from above and from the side
- You should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard
- They should have a visible "tuck" behind the ribs from the side
- A waist behind the ribs from above

If you can't feel ribs → reduce by 10% for two weeks, recheck.
If they look skinny → increase by 10% for two weeks, recheck.

For more precision: most vets use a body condition score (BCS) chart, 1–9. You want them at 4–5. Take a picture from above + from the side, and ask your vet at the next visit. They can give you a calorie target tuned to your specific dog. Petcro's [feeding calculator](/calculator/feeding) does this too.

Two meals a day is the standard for adult dogs. Puppies under 6 months: 3–4 meals. Free-feeding (food out all day) is OK for some dogs but most overeat with it.