JustFoodForDogs Feeding Guide: How Much to Feed by Weight
Here’s the thing — the portion chart on the back of a JustFoodForDogs box gets you close, but it’s built for an “average” dog. Yours probably isn’t average. Weight, activity level, whether they’re spayed or neutered, even the time of year can shift how much food actually belongs in the bowl.
If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen wondering whether you’re overfeeding or underfeeding, this guide walks through exactly how JustFoodForDogs calculates portions, what the numbers actually mean, and how to adjust them for your dog specifically.
How JustFoodForDogs Calculates Portions
Each recipe has its own calorie density, measured in kcal per ounce, and that number is the real starting point — not the cups-per-day estimate on the label. Here’s how the core Fresh Frozen recipes stack up:
Chicken & Rice: 43 kcal/oz
Beef & Russet Potato: 44 kcal/oz
Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni: 49 kcal/oz
Fish & Sweet Potato: 26 kcal/oz
Lamb & Brown Rice: 42 kcal/oz
Venison & Squash: 25 kcal/oz
Notice how much that range swings — Turkey packs almost double the calories per ounce of Fish & Sweet Potato. That’s why switching recipes without recalculating the portion is one of the most common feeding mistakes I see: the same “one cup” measurement means a very different amount of energy depending on which bag you’re scooping from.
From there, the daily calorie target comes down to your dog’s ideal weight (not necessarily their current weight, if they’re overweight or underweight), activity level, and whether they’re spayed or neutered — altered dogs typically need a bit less. A working, unaltered dog and a couch-loving senior of the same weight can need genuinely different daily calorie counts.
One more thing worth knowing: measure by weight, not volume. Because JustFoodForDogs expands differently than kibble, the same 20 oz can look like anywhere from 2½ to 3½ cups depending on how it’s packed into the measuring cup. A kitchen scale is the only reliable way to hit the number you calculated.
Feeding Calculator
JustFoodForDogs Feeding Calculator
Daily
Weekly
Feeding Chart by Recipe (Quick Reference)
If you just want a ballpark before running the numbers, here's roughly what a 15 lb, 40 lb, and 70 lb dog eats per day on the Chicken & Rice recipe at a typical activity level — the most budget-friendly and most commonly used starting recipe:
Small dog (~15 lb): around 10–11 oz per day
Medium dog (~40 lb): around 22 oz per day
Large dog (~70 lb): around 33–34 oz per day
Swap in a denser recipe like Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni, and those ounce amounts drop a bit for the same calorie target. Swap in a lighter one like Venison & Squash, and they climb. That's the whole reason the per-recipe kcal/oz number matters more than a flat "cups per day" answer.
How to Transition Your Dog to JustFoodForDogs
Trust me on this one — don't swap the whole bowl overnight, even with food this good. Go gradual, over 7 to 10 days:
Days 1–3: About 25% new food, 75% old food
Days 4–6: 50/50 mix
Days 7–9: 75% new food, 25% old food
Day 10: Fully switched
Picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs sometimes need an even slower ramp — there's no rush here. A little loose stool in the first couple of days is common as the gut adjusts to real food after processed kibble; it should settle within the week.
Adjusting Portions Over Time
Here's what nobody tells you upfront: the portion you calculate on day one isn't set in stone. Recalculate when:
Your dog's weight changes — even 5-10% up or down is worth a fresh look.
Activity level shifts — a new hiking habit or an injury that benches them both matter.
The seasons change — many dogs naturally eat a bit more in cold weather.
You switch recipes — remember, the kcal/oz varies a lot between them.
Your dog is spayed or neutered — expect to trim the portion afterward.
The simplest gut check: you should be able to feel your dog's ribs without heavy pressure, but not see them. If you can't feel them at all, or they're very visible, that's your cue to adjust before the next vet visit.
FROM JUSTFOODFORDOGS
Fresh, Human-Grade Dog Food
Vet-formulated recipes made with real, whole ingredients — delivered frozen straight to your door.
Get 50% Off My First OrderHappy Pet Zone may earn a commission when you click through to JustFoodForDogs, at no extra cost to you.
