Last updated: June 2026 | Reading time: 10 minutes | Easy reading level
Feeding your dog seems simple. Buy food, put it in a bowl, done. But many UK dogs are overweight, underfed, or eating the wrong things.
The PDSA says 54% of UK dogs are overweight or obese. That is over 4 million dogs. Many owners do not realize their dog is too heavy. Others feed poor quality food without knowing.
This guide shows you how to feed your dog properly. It covers food types, portions, schedules, and common mistakes. Everything you need to keep your dog healthy.
What Dogs Need to Eat
Dogs need six things in their diet. Good dog food provides all of them.
Table
| Nutrient | What It Does | Signs of Too Little |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Builds muscle, repairs tissue | Poor growth, weak muscles, dull coat |
| Fat | Energy, healthy skin, coat shine | Dry skin, dull coat, low energy |
| Carbohydrates | Energy, fiber for digestion | Low energy, constipation |
| Vitamins | Immune system, bones, vision | Illness, poor growth, bone problems |
| Minerals | Bones, teeth, nerve function | Weak bones, tooth problems, seizures |
| Water | Every body function needs it | Dehydration, organ failure, death |
The water rule: Dogs need 50-70ml of water per kg of body weight daily. A 20kg dog needs 1-1.4 litres. Always provide fresh water. Change it twice daily. Clean the bowl daily.
Types of Dog Food in the UK
You have four main choices. Each has pros and cons.
Table
| Food Type | Pros | Cons | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | Cheap, convenient, stores well, cleans teeth | Can be low quality, high in carbs | £20-40 |
| Wet food (tins or pouches) | High moisture, palatable, good for old dogs | Expensive, spoils fast, can cause tooth decay | £40-80 |
| Raw food (BARF) | Natural, high protein, no processing | Risk of bacteria, needs careful handling, expensive | £60-100 |
| Home cooked | You control ingredients, no additives | Time consuming, risk of nutrient imbalance | £50-90 |
The kibble quality rule: Not all kibble is equal. Check the label.
Table
| Good Kibble | Bad Kibble |
|---|---|
| Named meat first (e.g., “chicken,” “lamb”) | “Meat derivatives” or “animal by-products” first |
| Specific meat meal (e.g., “chicken meal”) | “Cereals” or “grains” as main ingredient |
| No artificial colours or preservatives | Artificial colours (E numbers), BHA, BHT |
| Clear ingredient list | Vague terms like “meat and animal derivatives” |
| Added vitamins and minerals | No mention of added nutrients |
Recommended UK brands:
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High quality: Lily’s Kitchen, Harringtons, Barking Heads, Forthglade
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Mid range: Wagg, Bakers (check labels), Pedigree (check labels)
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Budget: Supermarket own brands (check labels carefully)
The raw food warning: Raw meat carries bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. The Food Standards Agency advises caution. If you choose raw:
-
Buy from DEFRA-approved suppliers
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Store and handle like human raw meat
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Wash bowls and surfaces thoroughly
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Do not feed raw to households with young children, old people, or immunocompromised people
How Much to Feed Your Dog
Portions depend on your dog’s size, age, and activity.
Table
| Dog Size | Weight | Daily Food (dry) | Daily Food (wet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toy | Under 5kg | 50-100g | 100-200g |
| Small | 5-10kg | 100-200g | 200-400g |
| Medium | 10-25kg | 200-400g | 400-800g |
| Large | 25-45kg | 400-600g | 800-1200g |
| Giant | Over 45kg | 600-900g | 1200-1800g |
These are starting points. Every dog is different. Adjust based on:
Table
| Factor | Adjust Food By |
|---|---|
| Very active | +10-20% |
| Neutered | -10% (lower metabolism) |
| Senior (7+) | -10-20% (less active) |
| Overweight | -20% until ideal weight |
| Underweight | +20% until ideal weight |
| Pregnant | +25-50% in last 3 weeks |
| Nursing | +50-100% depending on litter size |
The body condition check: You should feel your dog’s ribs without pressing hard. You should see a waist from above. If not, reduce food. If ribs show, increase food.
The feeding guide on the bag: This is a starting point. It often overestimates. Most dogs need less than the bag suggests.
Feeding Schedule: When and How Often
Table
| Age | Meals Per Day | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (8-12 weeks) | 4 meals | 7 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, 9 PM |
| Puppy (3-6 months) | 3 meals | 8 AM, 1 PM, 6 PM |
| Puppy (6-12 months) | 2 meals | 8 AM, 6 PM |
| Adult (1-7 years) | 2 meals | 8 AM, 6 PM |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals, smaller | 8 AM, 5 PM |
The 2-meal rule: Most adult dogs do well with 2 meals. One meal can cause hunger, bile vomiting, and blood sugar swings. More than 2 is fine but not necessary.
The timing rule: Feed at the same times daily. Dogs like routine. It helps digestion and prevents begging.
The exercise rule: Wait 1 hour after eating before vigorous exercise. This prevents bloat, which is dangerous in large, deep-chested breeds (Great Dane, German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman).
Foods Dogs Must NOT Eat
Some human foods are toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can kill.
Table
| Food | Why It Is Toxic | Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Theobromine, caffeine | Vomiting, seizures, heart problems | Vet immediately |
| Grapes and raisins | Kidney toxin (unknown substance) | Vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure | Vet immediately |
| Onions and garlic | Damages red blood cells | Weakness, pale gums, collapse | Vet immediately |
| Xylitol (sweetener) | Causes insulin spike, liver failure | Vomiting, seizures, collapse | Vet immediately |
| Avocado | Persin toxin | Vomiting, diarrhea | Vet if large amount |
| Macadamia nuts | Unknown toxin | Weakness, vomiting, tremors | Vet if symptoms |
| Alcohol | Toxic to brain and liver | Vomiting, collapse, coma | Vet immediately |
| Caffeine | Stimulant toxicity | Restlessness, seizures, heart issues | Vet immediately |
| Cooked bones | Splinter, cause blockages or tears | Choking, vomiting, internal bleeding | Vet immediately |
| Raw dough with yeast | Expands in stomach, alcohol produced | Bloat, vomiting, intoxication | Vet immediately |
The “just a little” myth: Even small amounts of chocolate, grapes, or xylitol can kill a small dog. Do not risk it. Keep these foods away from dogs completely.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic:
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Call your vet immediately
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If after hours, call Vets Now (out-of-hours emergency vet)
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Tell them what was eaten, how much, and when
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Do not try to make your dog vomit unless vet tells you to
Vets Now: Find your nearest at vets-now.com. Costs vary but expect £150-300 for emergency consultation.
Common Feeding Mistakes
Table
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overfeeding | Obesity, joint problems, diabetes, shorter life | Weigh food, use measuring cup, body condition check |
| Free feeding (leaving food out) | Hard to track intake, attracts pests, causes obesity | Scheduled meals, pick up bowl after 20 minutes |
| Too many treats | Obesity, unbalanced diet, begging | Treats = 10% of daily calories max |
| Sudden food changes | Vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat | Change over 7-10 days, mix old and new |
| Feeding from the table | Begging, obesity, toxic foods | Feed in their bowl, never from your plate |
| Poor quality food | Nutrient deficiencies, dull coat, low energy | Check labels, invest in better food |
| Ignoring weight gain | Joint damage, diabetes, heart disease, shorter life | Weigh monthly, adjust food, more exercise |
The treat rule: Treats should be 10% of daily calories maximum. For a 20kg dog needing 600 calories daily, treats = 60 calories max. That is about 2 small biscuits.
Healthy treat options:
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Carrot sticks (most dogs love them)
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Apple slices (no core or seeds)
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Small pieces of cooked chicken
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Commercial low-calorie treats
Special Diets: When Your Dog Needs More
Some dogs need special food.
Table
| Condition | What to Feed | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Puppy formula, higher protein and calories | Supermarket, pet shop, vet |
| Senior | Senior formula, lower calories, joint support | Same as above |
| Overweight | Weight management formula, measured portions | Same as above, or vet prescription |
| Allergies | Hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet | Vet prescription or specialist brands |
| Kidney disease | Low protein, low phosphorus | Vet prescription only |
| Diabetes | High fiber, complex carbs, consistent timing | Vet prescription only |
| Pancreatitis | Very low fat, easily digestible | Vet prescription only |
Never diagnose yourself. If you suspect allergies, weight issues, or illness, see your vet. They can prescribe the right food or refer you to a veterinary nutritionist.
Cost of Feeding a Dog in the UK
Table
| Food Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget dry food | £20-30 | £240-360 |
| Mid-range dry food | £30-50 | £360-600 |
| High-quality dry food | £50-80 | £600-960 |
| Wet food only | £60-100 | £720-1200 |
| Raw food | £80-150 | £960-1800 |
| Vet prescription diet | £60-120 | £720-1440 |
Plus treats: £10-30 per month.
Plus supplements (if needed): £10-20 per month.
Total annual cost: £400-2000 depending on food choice and dog size.
Pet insurance tip: Some policies cover prescription diets for medical conditions. Check your policy.
Quick Start: Feed Your Dog Right Today
Table
| Task | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Check your dog’s weight | Weigh them, body condition check | 5 minutes |
| Check your food label | Is meat first? No artificial additives? | 5 minutes |
| Measure portions | Use a cup or scales, not guesswork | 2 minutes |
| Set meal times | 2 meals, same times daily | Immediate |
| Remove toxic foods | Check your kitchen, store safely | 10 minutes |
| Plan treats | 10% rule, healthy options | 5 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I feed my dog once or twice a day?
Twice a day is better for most dogs. One meal can cause hunger and bile vomiting. Puppies need 3-4 meals. Seniors can do 2 smaller meals.
Is grain-free food better?
Not necessarily. The FDA linked some grain-free foods to heart disease in dogs. Unless your dog has a grain allergy (rare), grain-inclusive food is fine. Talk to your vet if unsure.
Can dogs eat vegetarian or vegan?
Dogs are omnivores, not carnivores. They can survive on vegetarian food. But it is hard to balance nutrients. Cats cannot be vegetarian — they need meat. If you want vegetarian dog food, use a vet-approved complete food. Do not make your own without expert help.
My dog is always hungry. What do I do?
Some breeds are greedier. But constant hunger can mean:
-
Worms (see vet for treatment)
-
Diabetes (see vet for test)
-
Thyroid problem (see vet for blood test)
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Or just habit — feed measured portions, ignore begging
Should I add supplements to my dog’s food?
Not unless your vet says so. Good quality complete food has everything. Too many supplements can cause problems. Fish oil for joints or skin is sometimes helpful. Ask your vet first.
How do I change my dog’s food?
Mix old and new over 7-10 days:
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Days 1-2: 75% old, 25% new
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Days 3-4: 50% old, 50% new
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Days 5-6: 25% old, 75% new
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Days 7-10: 100% new
This prevents stomach upset.
References
About This Guide
This article was written using PDSA guidelines, veterinary nutrition advice, and UK food safety standards. It was last checked in June 2026. For dog health concerns, contact your vet. For nutrition questions, ask your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.