The feeding chart on the back of the bag is a reasonable starting point, but it's not really a rule — it's a general estimate based on average dogs at average activity levels, and your dog probably isn't exactly average. Here's how to actually dial in the right amount.
Start With the Bag, But Don't Stop There
Every Open Farm recipe includes a feeding guide based on your dog's weight, and that's genuinely the right place to start. But treat it as a starting point to adjust from, not a fixed number to follow forever. Two dogs of the same weight can have meaningfully different calorie needs depending on activity level, metabolism, age, and whether they're spayed or neutered.
Adjust Based on Body Condition, Not Just Weight
Rather than fixating purely on the scale, learn to assess your dog's body condition directly:
- You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure, without them being visibly prominent
- They should have a visible waist when viewed from above
- Their belly should tuck up slightly when viewed from the side, rather than hanging straight or sagging
If your dog doesn't meet these markers, it's a sign to adjust portions up or down, regardless of what the bag's chart technically recommends for their weight.
Different Formats, Different Calorie Density
This matters more than people expect: freeze-dried raw, kibble, and RawMix aren't calorically identical cup for cup. If you're mixing formats — say, a base of Goodbowl kibble with a freeze-dried topper — you can't just add a scoop of each at their individual full-meal amounts. Check the calorie content per cup or per ounce on each product and adjust the overall portion so total daily calories stay appropriate, not the volume of food.
How Often to Feed
Most adult dogs do well on two meals a day rather than one large meal, which helps with digestion and blood sugar stability. Puppies typically need three to four smaller meals a day, tapering down as they mature. Senior dogs sometimes do better on smaller, more frequent meals too, particularly if they have any digestive sensitivity.
Recalculating as Life Changes
Your dog's ideal portion isn't fixed forever — it should shift with age, activity level, spay/neuter status, and any health changes. A portion that was right for an active two-year-old may be too much for the same dog at eight, once activity naturally slows down.
When to Get Your Vet Involved
If you've adjusted portions and body condition still isn't where it should be, or if your dog has a medical condition that affects weight or metabolism, your vet can calculate a more precise daily calorie target than a general guideline can offer.
Shop Open Farm at The Hungry Puppy
You can find Goodbowl, Epic Blend, RawMix, and Grass-Fed Beef freeze-dried raw at The Hungry Puppy. Freeze-dried orders of $75 or more ship free nationwide, and auto-delivery subscriptions save you 6% on every order.
We've been helping Farmingdale-area pet parents get feeding amounts right since 1987 — if you want help figuring out portions for your specific dog, call us at 732-938-4470.