(And Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer)
Feeding your dog should feel good—not confusing. But between bags of kibble with vague scoops and well-meaning advice from every corner of the internet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
At Barkivore, we believe in real food for real dogs—and real guidance to go with it. So here’s what we want you to know:
Start With a Guide, Then Tune In
Every Barkivore blend comes with suggested portions based on your dog’s weight.
For example: Feed approximately 1 to 1.5 cups per 10 lbs of body weight per day (split into 2 meals).
That’s a great starting point—but it’s not dog law. Your pup’s needs can shift depending on things like:
- Their breed and metabolism
- Whether they’re super active or couch-snoozers
- Spayed or neutered status
- Age and life stage
- Daily treat intake
- Medical or digestive concerns
So use our guide—but trust your eyes, your hands, and your dog.
Body Talk: What Your Dog Is Telling You
Here’s how to know if your dog’s meals are just right:
Too little food?
- Ribs are highly visible
- Low energy, excessive hunger
- Weight loss or muscle wasting
Too much food?
- No visible waist when viewed from above
- Trouble feeling ribs under a layer of fluff
- Weight gain, sluggishness, or joint strain
Just right?
Check out the Body Condition Score (BCS) chart (like this visual from petobesityprevention.org) to assess your pup’s shape.
Treats Count More Than You Think
Even healthy treats add calories—and they add up faster than you think.
Here’s what a few common extras look like:
- Chew stick: ~80–100 calories
- Peanut butter lick: 100+ calories
- Training treats: ~5–10 each (and no one stops at one!)
If your dog is living that treat life (no judgment!), you may want to scale meals back slightly to keep everything in balance.
Fresh Food Means Smarter Nutrition
With Barkivore’s fresh blends made from real meat, organ, and produce, your dog absorbs more nutrients per bite than with traditional kibble full of fillers. That means:
- You may feed less volume than you’re used to
- Digestion is more efficient (hello, smaller poops!)
- Your pup’s energy and coat may noticeably improve
It’s not magic—it’s real food doing what it’s meant to do.
The Bottom Line: Feed With Flexibility
You’re the expert on your dog. So while our guidelines give you a great starting point, feel empowered to adjust portions based on:
- Weight changes
- Appetite shifts
- Seasonal energy levels
- Treat intake
Need help? We’re always here to talk through your dog’s feeding routine. Shoot us a message—we love dog food talk.
Real food. Real guidance. Real love. That’s the Barkivore way.