Feeding by breed and weight / by weight
How much to feed a 5 lb dog
A 5 lb (2.3 kg) dog has a resting energy requirement of 129 kcal. As a neutered adult with normal activity that becomes 207 kcal a day, or ½ cups of a 369 kcal/cup kibble; an intact adult needs 233 kcal, and a dog that is inactive or gains weight easily 181 kcal. Puppies that currently weigh 5 lb need far more: 388 kcal under four months, 259 kcal after.
5 lb dog feeding table
| Life stage / activity | Factor | kcal/day | Cups at 369 | Cups at 300 | Cups at 450 | Grams (96 g/cup) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutered adult, normal activity | × 1.6 | 207 | ½ | ¾ | ½ | 48 g |
| Intact adult, normal activity | × 1.8 | 233 | ¾ | ¾ | ½ | 72 g |
| Adult, inactive or prone to weight gain | × 1.4 | 181 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 48 g |
| Puppy under 4 months | × 3 | 388 | 1 | 1¼ | ¾ | 96 g |
| Puppy 4 months to adult size | × 2 | 259 | ¾ | ¾ | ½ | 72 g |
RER = 70 × 2.30.75 = 129 kcal. Factors: Merck Veterinary Manual. The 369 kcal/cup column is Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice (adult dry) (369 kcal/cup per Purina's label); the 300 and 450 columns bracket the usual range printed on adult dry foods. Checked 2026-10-20.
Reading the table
Pick the row that describes the dog, then the column that matches the kcal per cup on your bag — it is printed near the guaranteed analysis, usually as "kcal/cup" or "kcal ME/cup". The puppy rows apply to a puppy that weighs 5 lb today; a growing puppy should be re-weighed and the amount recalculated every two weeks, which the breed puppy charts do for you. At this size a single training treat is a meaningful fraction of the day's calories, so count them.
These are maintenance starting points for a healthy dog. Weigh the dog monthly and check body condition — ribs easy to feel, visible waist — and adjust by about 10% if it is drifting. Pregnant or nursing dogs, working dogs and dogs with a diagnosed condition need a vet's number, not a table.
Other sizes for a 5 lb dog
By the manufacturer's weight bands a 5 lb dog takes a 18 in crate (Toy, 17.68 × 11.7 × 14.22 in interior; measure the dog's length to confirm), and a Small rectangle bed (28 × 18 in) on Orvis's chart. Harness size depends on chest girth rather than weight — see the harness size chart.
Breeds whose standard weight includes 5 lb
- Poodle (Toy) (4.5–6.5 lb)
- Pomeranian (3–7 lb)
- Chihuahua (3–6 lb)