How Much Should I Feed My Dog in South Africa?
Complete raw feeding portion guide — no guesswork required
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering… “Am I feeding too much — or too little?” — you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions we get at Doggy Chef is: “How much should I feed my dog?”
A happy, healthy dog enjoying a Doggy Chef raw meal
Why portion control matters more than you think
Feeding the right amount isn’t just about weight. It directly impacts:
- Energy levels and daily vitality
- Skin and coat health
- Digestion and gut health
- Joint health and longevity
Too little
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Low energy
- Poor coat condition
Right amount
- Healthy weight
- Firm stools
- Glossy coat
Even feeding the “right amount” of the wrong food can still cause problems. What your dog eats matters just as much as how much.
How much should you feed your dog?
As a general guideline for raw feeding:
- Adult dogs: 2% – 3% of ideal body weight per day
- Active dogs: 3% – 4%
- Puppies: 5% – 8%
Example — 20kg dog: 2% = 400g per day | 3% = 600g per day | Split into 2 meals
Accurate portioning makes all the difference — raw food weighed to the gram
Where most people get it wrong
These guidelines are just a starting point. Your dog’s ideal portion depends on breed, age, activity level, metabolism, and health conditions.
Two dogs with the same weight can need completely different portions. A border collie and a bulldog both at 20kg are not the same dog.
The problem with scooping and guessing
Many pet owners use cups or scoops, follow generic feeding charts, and never adjust portions. The result:
Common outcomes
- Slightly overweight dogs
- Constant hunger signals
- Nutritional gaps
What should happen
- Healthy body condition
- Satisfied after meals
- Full nutrient intake
Why raw feeding changes everything
When feeding a raw diet, your dog absorbs more nutrients, needs less volume than kibble, has better digestion, and produces smaller, firmer stools.
This makes accurate portioning even more important. Raw food is nutrient-dense — slightly too much over time still adds up.
The easiest way to get it right
At Doggy Chef, we remove the guesswork completely. We portion meals based on your dog’s weight, activity level, and health needs.
It really is this simple
Your dog’s meals arrive pre-portioned and ready to serveRaw feeding in South Africa
If you’ve searched “how much should I feed my dog South Africa” — you’ve likely found advice that is too generic, based on kibble, or not tailored to your dog.
Personalised feeding makes the difference. South African pet owners deserve advice that accounts for our climate, activity levels, and locally available proteins.
How to know if you’re on track
Signs you’re feeding right
- Healthy, stable weight
- Visible waistline
- Steady energy levels
- Small, firm stools
Signs to adjust
- Weight gain or loss
- Low energy or lethargy
- Constant hunger
- Loose or large stools
The energy difference a balanced raw diet makes — inside and out
Want to get your dog’s portions exactly right?
We’ll calculate everything for you — weight, activity level, health needs. No spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Get your personalised feeding plan No guesswork. No stress. Just a healthier, happier dog.
