How Much Fresh Food Should I Feed My Dog? (Calculator + Chart)

Published by the McDuffy Nutrition Team • The Bowl by McDuffy

You have made the decision to feed your dog fresh food. Congratulations—that is one of the best things you can do for their health. But now comes the question that every new fresh food pet parent asks: "How much do I actually feed?" It is a valid concern, because the answer is not as straightforward as scooping a cup of kibble and calling it a day.

Fresh food and kibble have fundamentally different caloric densities, moisture contents, and nutrient profiles. You cannot simply substitute the same volume. Feeding too little means your dog misses out on essential nutrition. Feeding too much leads to weight gain and the health problems that come with it. Getting it right matters—and this guide will show you exactly how.

Below, you will find a comprehensive feeding chart by weight, a breakdown of every factor that affects how much your dog needs, and practical tips for dialing in the perfect portion. Whether your dog weighs 3 kg or 40 kg, whether they are a couch potato or a daily jogger, this guide has you covered.

The Fundamentals: Fresh Food vs. Kibble Portions

Before we get to the chart, you need to understand why fresh food portions look different from kibble portions. The biggest difference is moisture content. Kibble contains roughly 8-10% moisture. Fresh food like McDuffy contains approximately 60-70% moisture. That water is not filler—it aids digestion, supports hydration, and is a natural part of real food. But it does mean that the same number of calories occupies a larger volume.

In practical terms, if your dog ate half a cup of kibble per meal, they will eat what looks like a larger portion of fresh food to get the same caloric intake. This surprises some pet parents who think their dog is suddenly eating "too much." They are not. They are eating the same amount of nutrition in a more natural, hydrated form. Think of it like the difference between eating dried fruit versus fresh fruit—you eat more fresh fruit by weight to get the same calories, but the fresh version is better for you.

The caloric density of McDuffy is approximately 1,200 to 1,400 calories per kilogram, depending on the recipe. This is roughly one-third the caloric density of most kibble brands (which range from 3,200 to 4,000 calories per kilogram). Keep this ratio in mind as you determine portions.

Gaano Karami ang Dapat Kainin ng Aso Mo?

The most reliable starting point for determining how much fresh food to feed your dog is based on their body weight and caloric needs. The general guideline for adult dogs eating a complete, balanced fresh food diet is:

• Less active or senior dogs: 2-3% of ideal body weight per day
• Moderately active dogs: 3-4% of ideal body weight per day
• Highly active dogs: 4-5% of ideal body weight per day
• Puppies (under 12 months): 4-8% of current body weight per day (see our puppy feeding guide for detailed age-based recommendations)

Note: these percentages refer to fresh food weight (including its natural moisture), not dry matter weight. This is one of the most common sources of confusion in fresh food feeding.

Complete Feeding Chart by Weight

The following chart provides recommended daily feeding amounts for adult dogs eating McDuffy fresh dog food. Amounts are listed as total grams per day and should be divided into two meals (morning and evening). These are starting points—you will adjust based on your individual dog's needs.

Dog's Weight	Less Active / Senior (2-3% BW)	Moderately Active (3-4% BW)	Highly Active (4-5% BW)	Approx. Bags/Week*
3 kg	60-90 g	90-120 g	120-150 g	1-2
5 kg	100-150 g	150-200 g	200-250 g	2-3
7 kg	140-210 g	210-280 g	280-350 g	2-4
10 kg	200-300 g	300-400 g	400-500 g	3-6
15 kg	300-450 g	450-600 g	600-750 g	5-9
20 kg	400-600 g	600-800 g	800-1,000 g	7-12
25 kg	500-750 g	750-1,000 g	1,000-1,250 g	8-15
30 kg	600-900 g	900-1,200 g	1,200-1,500 g	10-18
35 kg	700-1,050 g	1,050-1,400 g	1,400-1,750 g	12-21
40 kg+	800-1,200 g	1,200-1,600 g	1,600-2,000 g	14-24

*Based on McDuffy's 500g bag size. Bulk orders of 7+ bags receive a 5% discount, 14+ bags receive 10%, 21+ bags receive 15%, and 28+ bags receive 20% off the base price of ₱239/bag.

For a personalized recommendation based on your specific dog's profile, use our feeding calculator.

Factors That Affect How Much to Feed

The chart above gives you a solid starting range, but the right amount for your specific dog depends on several individual factors. Here is a deeper look at each one:

1. Age

Puppies need significantly more food per kilogram of body weight than adult dogs because they are growing rapidly. A four-month-old puppy may need 6-8% of their body weight in fresh food daily, while the same dog at two years old might only need 3%. Senior dogs (typically 7+ years for most breeds) often need less food as their metabolism slows, though some seniors maintain high caloric needs depending on their activity level and health.

For detailed puppy feeding amounts by age, see our complete Puppy Feeding Guide.

2. Activity Level

Activity level is one of the biggest variables in caloric needs. A dog who takes two 30-minute walks per day and plays in the yard has very different needs from a dog who goes on 5-kilometer runs, does agility training, or spends hours playing at the dog park. Be honest with yourself about your dog's actual activity level when choosing a feeding range.

For dogs living in the Philippines, keep in mind that the tropical heat naturally reduces activity levels, especially during the hottest months. If your dog is less active during summer (March to May), you may need to reduce portions slightly to prevent weight gain. Similarly, if your dog is more active during cooler months or rainy season when temperatures are more comfortable, they may need a bit more food.

3. Body Condition Score (BCS)

Body Condition Score is a standardized way to assess whether your dog is underweight, ideal, or overweight, regardless of what the scale says. Veterinarians use a 1-9 scale (1 being emaciated, 9 being obese, and 4-5 being ideal). You can assess this at home using three simple checks:

• Rib check: Place your hands on your dog's ribcage with light pressure. You should be able to feel each rib without pressing hard. If you have to push through a layer of padding to find ribs, your dog is overweight. If ribs are visually prominent, your dog is underweight.
• Waist check (from above): Looking down at your standing dog, you should see a visible waist—a narrowing behind the ribs before the hips. No waist means overweight. Exaggerated waist means underweight.
• Tummy tuck (from the side): From a side view, your dog's abdomen should tuck up slightly from the ribcage to the hind legs. A straight or sagging line suggests excess weight.

If your dog scores above a 5, reduce portions by 10-15%. If they score below a 4, increase by the same amount. Re-assess every two weeks and adjust gradually.

4. Breed

Some breeds have naturally higher or lower metabolisms. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians (extremely popular in the Philippines) tend to have faster metabolisms and may need food at the higher end of the percentage range relative to their body weight. Large, calm breeds like Labrador Retrievers tend toward the lower end. Sighthound breeds like Greyhounds have lean body types that need different consideration than stocky breeds like Bulldogs.

Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus)—which are very common in Metro Manila—are particularly prone to obesity. Their shortened airways make exercise more difficult, especially in the Philippine heat, so they tend to be less active than their caloric intake suggests. Monitor these breeds closely and err on the side of slightly less food rather than slightly more.

5. Spay/Neuter Status

Spayed and neutered dogs have lower caloric needs than intact dogs. Studies suggest that metabolic rate drops by approximately 25-30% after sterilization. If your dog was recently spayed or neutered, reduce their food intake by about 20-25% and monitor their weight over the following weeks. This is one of the most overlooked causes of weight gain in dogs, and it happens gradually enough that many pet parents do not notice until their dog is already overweight.

6. Health Conditions

Certain health conditions affect caloric needs. Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and may require reduced portions to prevent weight gain. Diabetes requires carefully controlled portions and timing. Digestive conditions may affect nutrient absorption, sometimes requiring larger portions to compensate. If your dog has a chronic health condition, work with your veterinarian to determine the right amount. Fresh food is often easier to customize for medical dietary needs because the portions are measured in grams rather than imprecise "cups."

How to Adjust Portions Over Time

Finding the right portion for your dog is not a one-time calculation—it is an ongoing process. Here is how to approach it:

Start with the Chart

Use the feeding chart above to determine your starting range based on your dog's weight and activity level. Pick the middle of the range as your starting point.

Monitor for Two Weeks

Feed the starting amount consistently for two weeks. During this period, observe your dog's energy, stool quality, and body condition. Weigh your dog at the beginning and end of this period if possible (many vet clinics in Metro Manila let you use their scale for free).

Adjust by 10%

After two weeks, assess. If your dog is losing weight and you do not want them to, increase by 10%. If they are gaining, decrease by 10%. If weight is stable and body condition looks good, you have found your dog's sweet spot. Continue monitoring monthly to catch any gradual changes.

Account for Seasonal Changes

In the Philippines, the difference between amihan (cool, dry season) and tag-init (hot season) can meaningfully affect your dog's appetite and activity level. Do not be alarmed if your dog eats slightly less during the hottest months—this is normal. Adjust portions to match their actual consumption rather than trying to force them to eat a fixed amount year-round.

Common Mistakes When Portioning Fresh Food

Avoid these frequent errors that pet parents make when switching to fresh food:

1. Using kibble portions as a reference. Fresh food has completely different caloric density. You cannot substitute equal volumes. Always calculate fresh food portions from scratch using weight-based guidelines.
2. Not accounting for treats. If your dog gets treats throughout the day, those calories count. Treats should be no more than 10% of daily intake. Reduce meal portions accordingly on heavy treat days (like training sessions).
3. Eyeballing instead of weighing. Invest in a simple kitchen scale. The difference between 200g and 250g is invisible to the naked eye but represents a 25% difference in calories. Over weeks and months, that adds up dramatically.
4. Feeding based on the dog's enthusiasm. Your dog will probably be much more excited about fresh food than they ever were about kibble. That excitement is not a signal to increase portions. Stick to the calculated amount and enjoy watching them eat with genuine happiness.
5. Forgetting to adjust for mixed feeding. If you feed McDuffy as a topper on kibble, you need to reduce the kibble portion to accommodate the fresh food calories. A common approach is to replace 25-50% of kibble calories with an equivalent amount of fresh food calories.

Feeding Schedule: How Often to Feed

For adult dogs, two meals per day (morning and evening) is the gold standard. This schedule supports consistent digestion, stable energy levels, and aligns well with most Filipino households' routines. Divide the total daily amount from the chart into two equal portions.

Some dogs, particularly small breeds prone to hypoglycemia or dogs with sensitive stomachs, benefit from three smaller meals. If your dog vomits bile (yellow foam) in the morning before breakfast, it often means the gap between dinner and breakfast is too long. Adding a small third meal or a bedtime snack can resolve this.

Consistency matters more than the specific times. Try to feed within the same 30-minute window each day. Your dog's digestive system develops a rhythm, and predictable mealtimes lead to predictable digestion and bathroom habits.

Transitioning Portions from Kibble to Fresh

When switching from kibble to fresh food, you should transition the food itself gradually (over 7 days) to avoid digestive upset. But you also need to transition the portions. During the transition period, calculate the appropriate fresh food portion and the appropriate kibble portion independently, then combine them according to the transition ratio.

For example, if your 10 kg dog eats 100g of kibble per day and should eat 300g of fresh food per day:

• Days 1-2: 75g kibble + 75g fresh food
• Days 3-4: 50g kibble + 150g fresh food
• Days 5-6: 25g kibble + 225g fresh food
• Day 7+: 0g kibble + 300g fresh food

For the complete transition protocol, see our step-by-step transition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much McDuffy should I feed my dog per day?

The general guideline is 2-5% of your dog's ideal body weight per day, depending on activity level. For a moderately active 10 kg dog, that is approximately 300-400 grams of McDuffy per day, split into two meals. Use the feeding chart above for specific recommendations by weight, and adjust based on your dog's individual body condition and energy needs.

How many bags of McDuffy does my dog need per week?

This depends on your dog's size. A small dog (5 kg) typically needs 2-3 bags per week. A medium dog (15 kg) needs 5-9 bags. A large dog (30 kg) needs 10-18 bags. Ordering in bulk saves money: 7+ bags get 5% off, 14+ bags get 10% off, 21+ bags get 15% off, and 28+ bags get 20% off the ₱239 base price.

Should I feed more fresh food than I would kibble?

By weight, yes—you will feed more grams of fresh food than kibble because fresh food contains 60-70% moisture while kibble is only 8-10% moisture. However, the caloric intake should be similar. Do not simply swap equal volumes; use weight-based percentage guidelines to calculate proper fresh food portions.

My dog is still hungry after eating their portion. Should I feed more?

Not necessarily. Dogs transitioning from kibble to fresh food often eat with more enthusiasm and may seem to want more simply because the food is more enjoyable. Give your dog 10-15 minutes after eating before deciding they are still hungry. If your dog consistently seems unsatisfied AND is losing weight or has a body condition score below 4, then a modest increase (10%) is appropriate. If their weight and condition are healthy, maintain the current portion.

Does the recipe (Surf & Turf vs. Farmyard Feast vs. Coastal Blend) affect portion size?

The caloric differences between McDuffy's three recipes are minimal, so you can use the same portion guidelines for all three. If you are rotating between recipes and notice changes in your dog's weight or stool over time, minor adjustments of 5-10% may be helpful, but most dogs do well on consistent portions across all recipes.

How do I measure portions accurately?

Use a kitchen scale. This is the most important tool for proper fresh food feeding. Measuring cups are designed for dry ingredients and are unreliable for fresh food with varying moisture and density. A basic digital kitchen scale costs ₱200-₱500 and will pay for itself by preventing overfeeding and food waste.

Can I use fresh food as a topper and still feed kibble?

Absolutely. Many pet parents start by adding McDuffy as a topper (replacing 25-50% of their dog's kibble calories). This provides significant nutritional benefits while managing budget. The key is to reduce kibble portions proportionally—do not simply add fresh food on top of a full kibble serving, as this will lead to overfeeding.

How do portions change for pregnant or nursing dogs?

Pregnant dogs in their final third of pregnancy may need 25-50% more food than normal. Nursing dogs can require two to three times their normal caloric intake, depending on litter size. These are significant increases that should be managed with veterinary guidance. McDuffy's high nutrient density and palatability make it excellent for supporting pregnancy and lactation.

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Need help figuring out your dog's exact portions? Use our feeding calculator for a personalized recommendation, or message our team at hello@mcduffy.co.

Written by the McDuffy Nutrition Team. McDuffy is the Philippines' first human-grade, AAFCO-balanced fresh dog food, formulated by American board-certified veterinary nutritionists and delivered fresh to your door in Metro Manila.