Dogs bring happiness to our lives; keep us company. But they also come with great responsibilities. Taking care of a dog requires a dedication to unconditional love and nurturing.
Your dog depends on you to feed it. Knowing what foods will keep them healthy and happy for long is essential. The dietary requirements of dogs of different sizes are different. In terms of quality and quantity, you should keep an open eye on what you are feeding your dog.
This article discusses feeding a dog based on size – things you should know. Your mindful feeding habit can make your dog more healthy and more energetic.
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog and Why?
Feeding your dog the right amount and the right kind of food depends on several things.
- Weight
Your dog’s health depends on him staying in perfect body shape. However, your dog can also be overweight or underweight. In such a case, you should change the type and amount of food for your dog.
Weight management formulas can help your dogs reach their perfect shape. In addition, you can consult with your vet to rule out any potential health issues. For example, suppose you have a mini Goldendoodle that you adore. Its diet depends on the mini goldendoodle size and regular nutrition requirements.
- Age
With age, your dog’s nutritional requirements change.
If you have a young dog, you should feed him puppy food to help him mature properly. Formulas for senior dogs are designed specifically for their needs. In addition, the food improves dogs’ mental and physical health.
How much food your dog requires will be clear once you’ve found a balanced and complete diet that works for him. You can get some ideas from the dog eating chart that’s usually included on the bottom of the dog food bag.
- Level of Energy
Let’s be honest! We all like packaged dog foods because it is easy to grab a bag and pour the food into a bowl. But packages of dog food are not for every dog.
Typically the packages have feeding guidelines for sedentary or moderately active adult dogs. Dogs that stay at home can benefit from these. But active dogs need more energy and calories to burn. So if you take your dog on regular walks or treks, it may need more energy.
Feeding a Dog Based on Size: How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
Your dog’s health and energy depend on the food you give it. Therefore, every dog requires proper and nutritional food. As a dog owner, you must provide your dog with the standard amount of food based on size.
How much you should feed your dog may vary from size to size. You can get a rough idea about feeding guides based on dog size from the labels behind your dog food packages.
We have prepared a chart about the feeding requirement of your dog based on its size. These are simply starting points for beginners. Depending on your dog’s activity level, you may need to change the amounts. You can adjust the food amount according to your vet’s advice.
| Dog Size (Adult Dogs) | Required Dry Food |
| 3- 12 lbs. | 1/3 to 1 cup |
| 13- 20 lbs. | 1- 1 & 1/3 cup |
| 21- 35 lbs. | 1 & 1/3- 2 cups |
| 26- 50 lbs. | 2- 2 & 2/3 cups |
| 51- 75 lbs. | 2 & 2/3- 3 & 1/3 cups |
| 76- 100 lbs. | 3 & 1/3- 4 & 1/4 cups |
| 100+ lbs. | 4 & 1/4 cups |
N. B: For every 10 pounds over 100, add 1/4 cup of dog food.
How Poor Feeding Can Affect Your Dog?
A dog owner’s knowledge of his dog’s food requirements is crucial. When you know exactly how much food your dog needs, you can easily provide it with the food. It ensures the dog’s healthy living.
Knowing proper food requirements can help your dog. Overfeeding or underfeeding are two major issues for dogs. These can cause several potential problems. Some are:
- Poor heart function, often known as congestive heart failure
- Decreased lifespan
- Disorders of the pituitary gland (Cushing’s)
- Issues with the skin
- Asthma
- Particular cancers
Your dog becomes weak when it does not get enough food. That can result in frailness and vulnerability to illness.
Overweight dogs are susceptible to an increased risk for several diseases. They generally have a lower quality of life.
Feeding your dogs according to the guidelines set forth for their size, age, and weight helps. Even your Chihuahuas can eat cheese in moderation.
Balanced food keeps your dogs healthy and growing.
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
Eating food is a pleasant job for any animal. Dogs love eating. They can chew on a single bone for hours. You can divide your dog’s food into several portions and feed them multiple times.
Dogs often eat twice a day. You can also stick to a three-meal-a-day routine. Space out his two meals a day by around twelve hours. It will keep your dog from getting sick. Spreading the food out evenly while feeding the dog thrice a day is a good idea.
To calculate a daily serving size, divide your dog’s daily food requirement by the servings it will be eating. Your dog will benefit from regular feeding schedules. Also, the same diet and amount of food help them feel full longer.
Adult dogs benefit most from eating twice daily, as this helps them avoid hunger and keeps their metabolism steady.
Puppies need to eat anywhere from three to four times daily. However, eating several smaller meals throughout the day helps them maintain a steady energy flow.
You can also give them snacks in between meals. Snacks can keep them feeling full until the next meal. Your pups need to be fed every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime. This begins soon after they wake up.
When Is The Right Time To Feed Your Dog?
The best time to feed dogs is morning and evening. A good start to the day can start with breakfast. And a wholesome dinner helps your dog to feel full until the next meal.
Consider your dog’s activity level and age before you fix the feeding routine. Also, think about your own convenient time too. You cannot stick to a fixed time for feeding your dog if you have something else scheduled.
It’s especially important to avoid feeding dogs immediately before or after vigorous exercise. This is because large breed dogs can develop life-threatening conditions like bloating from it.
Tips for Feeding Dogs Based On Sizes
Dogs develop food preferences as they age. They can eat certain foods, but others will make them sick. In addition, the food requirement of dogs depends largely on their sizes. So a generalized guide for feeding them is:
- Choose dog food for small breeds to meet their special nutritional needs.
- Follow the directions on the package, considering their age and weight.
- Feed them small meals often all day to keep them from getting low blood sugar.
- Use a measuring tool to give them the right amount of food.
- Watch how their bodies are doing and adjust their amounts as needed.
Figuring out what is best for a dog can be a difficult task. Especially if you just adopted a puppy or a dog. Monitor the dog’s health to see how well your meal plan works. It’s best to give them a variety of foods and see what they respond to best. You can start with natural protein. Dogs love them!
Be flexible with modifying your dog’s food. Adjust your dog’s meal based on their age, breed, activity level, and other factors. A proper and wholesome meal can give your dog the energy to play all day.
You should factor in the calories from snacks you give into their daily calorie total. For example, treats given to your dog should account for at most 10 percent of its total caloric intake daily.
Feeding a Dog Based on Size: Comparison Table
When it comes to feeding dogs, their size plays a significant role in determining their nutritional needs. Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key considerations for feeding dogs based on their size:
| Size Category | Weight Range | Portion Control | Caloric Intake | Kibble Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Dogs | < 20 lbs | Smaller, more frequent meals | Higher calories per pound of body weight | Small kibble size |
| Medium Dogs | 20-50 lbs | Appropriate portion sizes based on activity level and weight | Balanced diet with portion control | Suitable kibble size |
| Large Dogs | 50-90 lbs | Controlled growth, avoid overfeeding | Balanced diet with joint support | Moderate kibble size |
| Giant Dogs | > 90 lbs | Controlled growth, prevent overfeeding | Nutritional needs specific to giant breeds | Larger kibble size |
Please note that the information provided in the table is a general guideline. Individual dogs may have specific dietary requirements or health conditions that require customized feeding plans. Consultation with a veterinarian is always recommended to determine the appropriate portion sizes, caloric intake, and specific nutritional needs based on your dog’s size and overall health.
Remember, maintaining a balanced diet, portion control, and regular exercise are key components of ensuring your dog’s optimal health and well-being.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog is an amazing bonding opportunity. Mealtimes should be fun for both of you. The best food options are those that work best for your dog. Your dog’s favorite food can be absent from its daily meal for health purposes. You will see the difference when you start feeding a dog based on size.
Your dog will be active and healthy if it gets the right amount of food for its size and age. So, be mindful about feeding your dog to maintain the health and energy level of your dog. Remember, a happy dog is a well-fed dog!
94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.