How Much Fresh Food Should Your Dog Really Eat? A Simple Guide for Pet Parents

One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is:
“How much fresh food should I be feeding?”

If you’ve been feeding kibble for years, switching to fresh food can feel a little confusing at first. Fresh diets are more nutrient-dense, contain natural moisture, and digest differently — which means the portions often look different compared to dry food.

The good news? Feeding fresh doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you understand how much to feed and how to adjust portions so your dog thrives.

Why Fresh Food Portions Look Smaller Than Kibble

Many pet parents are surprised when the recommended serving of fresh food seems smaller than expected. Here’s why:

• Fresh food contains more bioavailable nutrients, so the body uses it more efficiently.
• It includes natural moisture, which supports digestion but doesn’t add calories.
• There are no fillers, puffed grains, or air pockets — just real, fresh ingredients.

This means your dog gets more nutrition per bite and often needs less overall volume than kibble.

How Much Fresh Food Should Your Dog Eat?

The most accurate way to determine portion sizes is to look at your dog’s daily calorie needs, based on Resting Energy Requirement (RER) multiplied by an energy factor of 1.6 for an average adult dog.

Here are the typical daily calorie needs for most healthy adult dogs:

Small dogs (under 20 lb): 325–500 calories/day

• 10 lb dog → ~340 kcal/day
• 20 lb dog → ~500 kcal/day

Medium dogs (20–50 lb): 500–1,150 calories/day

• 25 lb dog → ~625 kcal/day
• 40 lb dog → ~850 kcal/day
• 50 lb dog → ~1,150 kcal/day

Large dogs (50–80 lb): 1,150–1,750 calories/day

• 70 lb dog → ~1,250 kcal/day
• 80 lb dog → ~1,700 kcal/day

Extra large dogs (80+ lb): 1,750–2,200+ calories/day

• 90 lb dog → ~1,900 kcal/day
• 100 lb dog → ~2,100 kcal/day

These ranges reflect real metabolic needs based on veterinary nutrition standards.

How This Translates to Portions of Fresh Food

Every Healthy Barker recipe has a known calorie density (example: 400 calories per cup). This makes feeding simple:

Portion = Your Dog’s Daily Calories ÷ Calories Per Cup of Our Food

Example:
45-lb dog → ~950 calories/day
Recipe → 400 calories/cup
950 ÷ 400 = about 2.4 cups/day

Split into two meals:

• 1.2 cups in the morning
• 1.2 cups in the evening

Every Dog Is Unique

Even within the same weight category, dogs can have very different caloric needs. Factors include:

• Activity level
• Age
• Metabolism
• Spayed/neutered status
• Appetite
• Body condition
• Health concerns

A couch-potato dog will need less.
A highly active dog will need more.
And that’s completely normal.

The Best Way to Know If You’re Feeding the Right Amount

Watch your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) — the gold standard for portion accuracy.

Signs you’re feeding the right amount:

• Ribs easy to feel but not visible
• A defined waistline
• A slight tummy tuck
• Good energy levels

Adjust as needed:

• If gaining weight: reduce portions
• If losing weight: increase portions
• If always hungry: feed slightly more
• If leaving food: feed slightly less

How The Healthy Barker Makes Feeding Easier

• Human-grade ingredients
• Gently cooked for digestibility
• Formulated to meet AAFCO standards
• Clear calorie information
• Easy, consistent packaging
• Personalized feeding guidance

All you need to do is thaw, scoop, and serve.

Still Unsure How Much to Feed? We’re Here to Help.

If your dog has allergies, digestive issues, weight concerns, or special dietary needs — or if you just want personalized guidance — we’re happy to help you dial in the perfect portion.

Fresh feeding should feel simple. And with The Healthy Barker, it truly is.