How Much Do I Feed My Dog?

How Much to Feed A Dog: Petzyo’s Dog Food Calculator

Why Does Your Dog’s Portion Size Matter?

Canine obesity is a growing problem in Australia and throughout the world [1]. When a dog is obese or overweight, it can take quite a toll on your dog’s health and lifespan [2]. Carrying extra weight can put your dog at risk for:

• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Respiratory issues
• Liver disease
• Lowered immune function
• Cancer [3]

Factors That Affect Your Dog’s Caloric Needs

How Much Food to Feed a Dog Based on Age

Just like us, your dog’s metabolic rate changes over their lifetimes. Most puppies begin life with a high metabolic rate. But as your dog gets older, their metabolic rate begins to slow. This means that dog owners should adjust their dog’s portions to accommodate their energy needs based on their age.

How Much to Feed a Puppy

Puppies require more calories to support healthy growth [4]. Small and medium-size dogs grow until about one year of age. Large and giant breeds continue growing up until two years of age. You will want to provide your growing puppy more calories during these months and years. Once your puppy’s growth has leveled off, you can reduce the caloric intake. Be sure to return to use our dog food calculator after your puppy is fully grown.

How Much to Feed a Senior Dog

Senior dogs need fewer calories since most older dogs tend to engage in less exercise and their metabolisms slow down [5]. This means, once your dog enters their senior years, you will want to further restrict their caloric intake to avoid overfeeding your dog. 

How Much to Feed Your Dog Based on Their Size

Your dog’s overall size affects how much energy they need on a daily basis. Larger dogs need more calories overall to sustain proper body function and brain function. Smaller dogs don’t need as many total calories as larger dogs, but they often need more calories per pound since many small breeds have higher metabolisms. This makes calculating more than a simple ratio.

Keep in mind that many giant breeds also tend to be less active, which means their meal portions may be deceiving. So, be sure to account for size and activity level when using our dog food calculator.

Activity Level Matters When it Comes to Meals

Dogs that burn more calories need more energy to sustain their activity levels. This means a highly active dog, such as a working dog, will require more calories than a dog of the same size, age, and breed that is more passive.

Doggos with lower activity levels do not need as many calories. In fact, if a dog is more of a couch potato than an Olympic athlete, they may be at higher risk for obesity if their owner overfeeds them.

For dogs with fluctuating activity levels, try to determine an average of how often your dog partakes in higher levels of activity, such as hikes. Then, feed your dog larger meals before and after heightened times of energy use. This will ensure your dog has plenty of fuel in the take when it’s time to get active.

How Breed Affects How Much to Feed Your Dog

Some breeds are more prone to obesity while others have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. These differences in metabolic rates are often credited to genetics and common personality traits. Understanding your dog’s breed can help you better understand how large or small of a portion your dog should consume. 

If you own a dog breed that is more likely to become obese, be wary of overfeeding your pup. 

Which dog breeds are prone to obesity?

• Labrador Retrievers
• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Beagles
• Hound breeds
• Daschunds
• Golden Retrievers
• Rottweilers
• Chihuahuas
• Cocker Spaniels

Your Dog’s Metabolic Rate Helps Determine Portion Size

Some dogs have higher metabolic rates than others. This means they burn more calories to accomplish the same daily activities. It can be difficult to determine your dog’s specific metabolic rate. Our calculator uses multiple factors to estimate what your dog’s caloric needs are based on a wide sampling of dogs. 

It’s always a good idea to weigh your dog regularly and keep your veterinary annual exams to ensure proper weight management. If you believe your dog is gaining too much weight or losing excess weight, make an appointment to see your vet. Your vet will determine your dog’s body condition and suggest a meal portion for your pup.

Adjusting How Much to Feed Your Dog Based on Their Current Body Weight

Your dog’s current body condition can affect how much your dog should eat. If your dog is currently underweight, they will require more calories to get to a healthy weight. Dogs that are obese or overweight will need more restricted caloric intake to slim down. To determine your dog’s body condition or body score in order to adjust how much you feed your dog, use the following:

Characteristics to look for to determine if your dog has a healthy body condition:

• Ribs: You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs if you run your fingers over their chest.
• Waist: Your dog’s waist should nip inward. It should not bulge or sag.
• Hips: You should be able to easily feel your dog’s hip points.  

Deciding How Many Meals Per Day Your Dog Should Receive

After you calculate how much to feed your dog, it’s important to divide their daily caloric intake between their meals. But how many meals should your dog get daily?

How often you feed your dog throughout the day is up to you and your dog’s preference. Some dogs may not have much of an appetite in the morning or evening. While others would love to eat as often as you will fill their dog food dish.

Most dogs prefer two meals per day: one in the morning and one in the evening. This allows them to feel full throughout the day and have plenty of energy to burn.

As for puppies, you can set up a puppy feeding schedule to keep them on track and well-fed throughout the day.

Is It Okay If I Allow My Dog to Graze?

For most dogs, having a set feeding schedule is the best option [6]. Many dogs cannot regulate their own food intake well and leaving dog food out for extended periods of time can encourage bacteria. Additionally, have a set routine helps your dog feel more secure and know what to expect.

How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?

Feeding your dog a healthy, nutritious diet ensures a happy, healthy, active life. But knowing how much of that food to give your dog is also important. You can rest assured that Petzyo’s Kibble That Counts or Raw Royalty will provide your dog optimal nutrition. And with our convenient portion calculator, you will know exactly how much food you should be feeding your dog.

Resources:

[1] https://pfiaa.com.au/incidence-risk-factors-and-managing-obesity-in-dogs-and-cats

[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/obesity-in-dogs-a-major-health-threat-hiding-in-plain-sight/

[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_long_term_effects_of_obesity_on_pets

[4] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-growing-puppies

[5] https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/senior-dog-food#1

[6] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-times-and-frequency-for-your-dog