How much food should we give our dogs per meal?
How much food your dog requires will depend on its size, breed and age. It also depends on the type of food that you give them.
Most commercial dog food bags include an information label that lists the recommended amount of dog food for your dog based on its size and weight.
These labels may be confusing, or outdated information can cause you to overfeed or underfeed your pet.
You should also consider the dog’s current condition and weight when deciding on how much food to give your pet. If your dog is overweight or obese, the amount recommended on the dog food can make it worse.
- You should consult your veterinarian if you believe that the weight of your dog is higher or lower than the average for its breed and age.
To maintain weight, most dogs require 25-30 calories per pound of body weight per day.
- A 5lb Chihuahua, for example, will require around 125 calories a day. While a 70lb Labrador Retriever requires around 1750.
You need to consider whether your dog is an energetic athlete or a couch-potato.
You can also follow the quick two-step procedure if you’re looking to be a little more scientific.
- Research the estimated adult weight of your dog. You can find a breed-specific weight chart at the American Kennel Club.
- Calculate your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake using this calculator. It is based on the ideal weight of your dog (from step 1), and its level of activity.
