It feels like it should be straightforward enough, but actually, so many owners become confused about how much to feed their dog – so you aren’t the only one! There are so many things to consider when planning your dog’s diet so hopefully we can help point you in the right direction, as being under or overweight could lead to health problems for your pet.
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Things to consider when working out how much to feed your dog
There are a variety of factors that can influence exactly how much food your dog needs. These include –
Age
Different age groups have different nutritional needs. Young puppies will need an energy-dense diet, with good quality protein for their growth and development. Whereas older dogs tend to be less active and have lower calorie demands. Their need for protein is less as well, but they can benefit from other ingredients that help with joint and brain health. So, making sure your chosen diet is appropriate for your dog’s age is an important first step.
Weight
If your dog is overweight, then he is likely to need to go on a reduced diet to shed those excess pounds. But if you have a dog that is underweight and struggles to maintain its condition, then he may actually need a bit more food.
Lifestyle
Dogs vary considerably in their activity levels. Some of this depends on the breed, for example. There will be different dietary needs for an active border collie versus a sedentary pug.
The amount of exercise your dog does will also impact their need for calories. So, if you regularly take your dog on hikes, jogging, or to agility classes then they will need more food than a dog that only does 10-minute walks around the block.
Health status
Certain health conditions and medications may dictate how much you should feed your pet. Some conditions will mean your dog is more prone to weight gain, such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Other illnesses like diabetes mellitus will mean you need to feed your dog the same foods and measured amounts each day to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar. Even being neutered can mean that some dogs require fewer calories than an intact dog to maintain a healthy weight.
Certain health conditions and medications may dictate how much you should feed your pet.
How do feeding charts work?
A dog feeding chart refers to the guidelines which are required to be published on a packet of commercial dog food. These guidelines help to give owners a reference point as to how much they should be feeding their pets. The exact quantities of food will vary depending on the diet, so always check the chart on any new bag of food you buy.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that these guidelines are just that, a guide. They are based on average dogs who do an average level of exercise. As mentioned previously you may need to take into account your own dog’s activity levels and adjust the recommended amount accordingly.
The chart also usually advises how much to feed your dog per 24-hour period. If you feed your dog more than once a day you should therefore divide that amount accordingly.
How many times a day should I feed my dog?
Most vets agree that feeding your adult dog twice a day tends to result in better control over your dog’s appetite and weight. Dogs that are only fed once daily are more likely to feel hungry between meals, resulting in begging behaviors. So, when referring to a feeding chart, divide the total amount of food recommended in half, to give your dog two equal meals.
Puppies, however, will need their daily rations split into several meals. Puppies aged up to 4 months of age will tend to need their recommended amount divided into 4 or 5 small meals a day, whereas a 4–6-month-old dog will have 3 meals a day.
Most vets agree that feeding your adult dog twice a day tends to result in better control over your dog’s appetite and weight.
Still unsure – then see your vet!
If you aren’t sure about your dog’s weight and whether you are feeding the right amount, then speak to your veterinarian! They will help you to assess your dog’s body condition score and make recommendations on how to adjust their diet accordingly. Your local vet may also advise you to test your dog for underlying health conditions if they have concerns about your pet.
If you aren’t sure about your dog’s weight and whether you are feeding the right amount, then speak to your veterinarian!
Conclusion
Nutrition is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health. Feeding the right amount is a crucial part of this, so double-check the feeding chart on your dog’s food, tweaking slightly as needed. Keep an eye on your dog’s body condition and weight and speak to your vet if you aren’t sure.
FAQ
Feeding charts are found on packets of commercial dog food and give you a guideline as to how much to feed your dog, based on their size/weight. This gives you a good starting point for a dog of average activity level, but you may need to adjust the amounts slightly based on your own dog’s individual requirements.
How often is usually dictated by your dog’s age, with young puppies needing multiple small meals a day whereas an adult dog should be fed twice. How much food depends on your dog’s size/weight and activity levels. The guidelines on the packet of your commercial diet will give you a good starting point, but you may need to tweak this depending on your dog’s individual needs.
The feeding chart on the packet of your chosen dog food will give you a guideline as to how much to feed your dog. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s body condition score to make sure you aren’t under or overfeeding. You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily, with a nipped-in waist and visible tummy tuck – if you aren’t sure then ask your vet.
It’s not cruel, but most vets would advise you to split your dog’s rations into two equal meals instead. Dogs in the wild could quite easily go long periods without food, but the digestion of domesticated animals is different and they are likely to beg between meals, especially when they can smell our food. This could result in more snacking and treats, than a dog who receives two meals per day.
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat-coated retriever George!
