--- title: How Much to Feed a Dog | Happy Paws Kennels, Dixon url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-to-feed-a-dog/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - How much to feed a dog # How much to feed a dog (and how to write it on the agreement) Start with the feeding chart on the bag, then adjust to your dog's body: a visible waist and ribs you can feel but not see mean the amount is about right. On boarding paperwork, write the amount in cups and the times. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) There is no single right portion. Age, size, activity and the food itself all change it, and the bag chart is a starting point. ## What decides the amount The AKC lists size, age, energy level, health issues and the type of food. Puppies need more calories, protein and nutrients than older dogs, seniors typically need fewer calories, and active dogs use more energy than sedentary ones. The AKC adds that dogs kept outside in severe cold can use roughly 10% to 90% more energy. ## Use the bag, then check the dog Treat the chart on the bag as a starting suggestion, not a requirement; the AKC notes it may suggest larger portions than a dog needs. Then check your dog's body. A visible waist, good proportions and ribs you can feel suggest the amount is right. Watch whether your dog finishes meals, leaves food or skips meals, and call your veterinarian about big changes in weight or eating habits. ## Meals per day For larger, deep-chested dogs the AKC recommends two smaller meals a day rather than one, which lowers bloat risk. See [bloat in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/). Fast eaters do better with a slow-feeder bowl. ## How to write it for a boarding stay - Name the food and brand, or say you will use the house food. - Write the amount per meal in cups or tablespoons, not "a scoop." - List the times: morning, evening, or midday if you split it. - Add what you mix in: wet food, toppers, medication pockets. - Say what your dog should never have, such as allergens or treats. ## A note on the kennel's food Happy Paws feeds your dog's own food at no charge. The pet information form asks for feeding times, the amount in cups, whether you supply the food and any special feeding instructions. Bring enough for the stay plus a bit extra, in the original bag; there is no need to pre-portion. The house food is also free if you would rather use it. ## When the amount needs to change Weight gain, weight loss, a new season, a change in exercise, spaying or neutering, and aging all shift a dog's needs. The AKC advises talking to your veterinarian about substantial changes in weight or eating habits, and about food recommendations based on breed, age, health and activity. Recheck the waist and ribs every few weeks rather than waiting for a vet visit, and adjust in small steps. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [American Kennel Club, how much should I feed my dog](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog/) - [American Kennel Club, bloat in dogs](https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, boarding agreement](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Happy-Paws-Boarding-Agreement.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/) - [Switching dog food safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/switching-dog-food/) - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) - [Do you charge extra if I bring my own food?](https://happypawskennels.com/questions/do-you-charge-extra-if-i-bring-my-own-food/) - [What to bring](https://happypawskennels.com/what-to-bring/) - [Bloat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/bloat-in-dogs/) ## Price your stay Drop-off Pick-up Pick-up time By 11:30 AM Afternoon Dogs Cats Kennel class for your dogs Options My dogs share one kennel My cats share one condo Active military family Your estimate Pick your dates to see an estimate from the 2026 rate sheet. [Request these dates](#book-form)[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call](tel:+17076786600) Estimate from our 2026 rates (effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026). Your final total is confirmed at check-in. Military and 14+ night rates are the same reduced 1-dog rate; the estimator uses one, never both. [See the full rate sheet](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/). ## Read next - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) - [Why we ask you to remove metal pinch (prong) collars](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/prong-collars-and-kennels/) - [Kuranda beds](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kuranda-dog-beds/) - [How often should you bathe a dog?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-to-bathe-a-dog/) - [Deshedding double coats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/deshedding-double-coats/) - [Is day care good for dogs?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/is-dog-day-care-good-for-dogs/) - [Dog day care cost](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-day-care-cost/) - [How often should my dog go to day care?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-often-should-my-dog-go-to-day-care/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### How do I know if I am feeding enough? Check for a visible waist and ribs you can feel. If your dog gains or loses weight quickly, ask your vet. ### Should I pre-portion meals for boarding? No. Bring the food in the original bag and write the amounts in cups. ### Do puppies eat more? Generally, yes. The AKC says puppies need more calories, protein and nutrients than older dogs.