The Best How Many Pounds Of Food Do Cows Eat Per Day References. Cows will voluntarily consume 2.0% of body weight or 24 pounds per day. Cattle need to have enough energy to supply their basic metabolic needs (known as maintenance energy), and enough to help them increase their weight.

Learn about specific things dairy cows eat. The 24 pounds is based on 100 percent dry matter. Grass hays will often be 7 to 10% moisture.