Why the right amount of dog food is important
Feeding your dog too little food can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
However, overfeeding your dog can eventually lead to obesity and related health problems, including:
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Musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament rupture, and disc disease
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Congestive heart failure
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Difficulty breathing
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Cushing’s disease
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Skin disorders
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Some types of cancer
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Shortened life span
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Decreased quality of life
Feeding your dog the right amount of quality dog food will support your pet’s overall health and help keep them feeling their best.
How to find the right amount of dog food for your dog
To determine exactly how much your dog should eat, you need to take several factors into consideration.
Consider important factors
The amount of food you eat depends on factors such as:
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Food Type
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Number of meals
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body weight
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Metabolic rate
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Momentum
See the feeding guide for bags
To start the process, check the feeding guide on your dog food label, which is usually presented as a table like this:
Unless otherwise stated, these amounts indicate the total amount recommended for your dog over a 24-hour period.
Most adult dogs need two meals a day, but puppies often need three or more meals a day, so you’ll need to divide the amounts in the chart by the number of meals.
Consider your dog’s lifestyle
Combine this information with your knowledge of your dog’s lifestyle to determine the initial amount of food you should feed your dog.
For example, if you have a relatively inactive 35-pound Corgi who puts on weight easily, you might start off with a little less than the amounts recommended in the table. On the other hand, if you have a 35-pound Border Collie who never sits still, you might feed him a little more.
Consider using a calorie calculator
Another option is Calorie Calculator However, it’s important to note that while these indicators often provide accurate figures, your dog’s actual needs may be as much as 25% more or less.
Determining your dog’s body condition score
Whichever method you choose, you will need to consider scale and Body Condition Scoring System Adjust the amount of food you give them.
Your veterinarian can decipher your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) to help determine the appropriate amount of calories.
In general, dogs who are at a healthy weight:
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Aim to have an “hourglass” shape when viewed from above: your abdomen should be narrower than your chest and hips.
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When viewed from the side, they are “curled up,” which means that when standing, their chest is closer to the ground than their abdomen.
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The ribs are not visible but can be easily felt with light pressure.
Keep track of your dog’s weight changes
Check your dog’s weight every 2-4 weeks and record the results in a diary. If your dog is gaining or losing weight inappropriately, adjust food portions appropriately. Always discuss these changes with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying illness.
If you change your diet, reconsider your portion sizes
Every time you change your dog food formula, you will have to go through this entire process again as the calorie count in the food will be different.
Always consult with your veterinarian
If you have any questions about your dog’s health or diet, consult your veterinarian, who can help you determine exactly how much food to feed your dog, depending on his or her situation.
Featured Image: iStock.com/Chalabala
