The feeding of our dogs directly affects their he alth and well-being, for this reason, choosing a complete and high-quality diet is essential. However, when we talk about canine nutrition, some doubts usually arise, generally related to the number of feedings, the caloric intake of the food or the amount that we should offer them. Do you also have some questions about the daily food ration for your dog?
Although we will normally find the amount specified on the package, it is highly recommended to find out in depth to ensure that this contribution is adequate for our dog. Remember that the amount of daily dog food will vary depending on age, daily physical activity and quality of food, but there are really many other factors to consider, such as metabolizable energy, an aspect that we will also detail. Find out below on our site how much a dog should eat a day
Dog's nutritional needs
The feeding in dogs is not an exact science, as there are various factors that can intervene in the nutritional needs of an individual, such as the level of activity, the stage in which it is or the body temperature, among others. In addition, there is no single way of eating, since we can find multiple diets to follow that, well managed, are equally valid and he althy.
The most important thing when feeding our dog is to ensure that he receives the energy and nutrients necessaryfor the body of him, taking into account his concrete needs as an individual. Precisely for this reason, many people opt for the so-called balanced diets based on "feed" or "croquettes", as it is a simple way to ensure a complete nutritional intake and avoid nutritional deficiencies that may favor the appearance of pathologies.
Likewise, we also find other forms of food, such as homemade diets, whether raw or semi-cooked, which should always be supervised by a veterinarian specialized in nutrition. Finally, it should also be noted that there are food supplements, such as cans of pâté or wet food, that we can offer our dogs from time to time to enrich their day to day life.
Is the dog food chart shown on the packaging reliable?
In most balanced food packages we find a table of dog food that suggests approximately the total daily amount to offer, based on weight, age and physical activity, usually in grams. We can see that it is never an exact quantity, but it varies between certain parameters.
In general, we could say that the amount of dog food indicated on the product packaging is reliable, since that tests and studies have been carried out to support these indications. However, each individual has their own needs, so it is important to adapt the diet to each case
Dog Food Meter
Besides the portion table, some brands offer a dog food measuring cup with indications so the owner can calculate grams to offer without having to use a scale, however, it is very important to note that these products are designed for that specific food and are not applicable to all productsthat exist in the market.
A determining factor when establishing a table of amounts is the metabolizable energy of the feed, which is not the same in all brands and, therefore, it is not advisable to use a measuring cup from a specific manufacturer for a different one.
The importance of metabolizable energy and kilocalories
A more precise way to guess the amount of daily food for our dog, and that will also give us useful information about the quality of the product, will be to look at the metabolizable energy, whichis expressed in kilocalories per kilogram Although not all packages show this information, priority should be given to choosing foods that do contain it.
Metabolizable energy (ME) is the energy value of a food that helps us determine its nutritional value, essential for processes metabolism of the body. The energy is measured through trials, that is, this product is offered in specific quantities to a selected group of dogs and then their stools are analyzed to know the total energy provided by food, translated as metabolizable energy. The higher this index, the greater energy supply our dog will receive and, as a consequence, he will need to eat a lesser amount of foodbalanced.
We must know that the digestibility of the product can affect the energy that the dog ends up receiving, which is why it is so important to choose a high-quality product In these cases, we must check the container again to follow the manufacturer's instructions and, at the same time, those of our trusted veterinarian. In this sense, NFNatcane stands out as a reference brand, a Spanish company dedicated to natural dog food, with quality ingredients and easy assimilation, which indicates in all its products clearly the metabolizable energy of the same, contrary to many manufacturers. As we said, this energy value effectively covers the needs of the dog and, therefore, requires consuming a smaller amount of feed.
How many times a day should a dog eat?
There are many doubts about the daily amount of food that an adult, elderly or puppy dog should eat, for that reason we will explain the three ways of feedingthat exist and that you can consider offering. However, in each of the following sections we will detail with more precision what is most indicated according to the stage of the dog:
- Ad libitum(ad libitum): This form of feeding is much more common in cats than in dogs and consists of leaving food available throughout the day for the dog to ration it to his liking. It is recommended in dogs that eat little, as well as in lactating females. However, it is not indicated for dogs that do not know how to ration food or that are above their normal weight.
- Ration food by quantity: in this case the owner sets a quantity of food and divides it into several servings, which he offers to the dog throughout the day. It is the most advisable method, because in this way we can calculate the exact dose of food for our dog and prevent it from gaining weight or losing weight. In addition, through this system we can promptly detect any anomaly or disease.
- Rationing food by time: consists of offering a bowl of food and leaving it available to the dog for a specific time. It is an advisable system for dogs that know how to ration their food, but otherwise, we will not know if the dog is eating more or not. Likewise, it promotes a rapid intake that is not advisable in dogs with a predisposition to suffer gastric or stomach torsion.
In conclusion we can determine that the best option is to ration food by quantity, although it can also be interesting to leave food ad libitum when the dog does not eat enough and/or has an excessively thin body condition, below normal values.
Amount of daily food for a puppy
At around two months of age the puppy begins weaning and initiation to solid food, generally based onsoft food , either canned or through feed soaked in water, which favors greater acceptance and adaptation to the new diet. Soft food is progressively stopped until the dog is fed only solid food, commercially labeled as "Puppy" or "Junior". It is very important to choose these types of products and not to choose feed labeled "Adult" or generic, as puppies have specific nutritional needs, which include a higher percentage of fat and protein, thus ensuring proper growth and development.
On the other hand, large breed puppies may require a specific food adapted to their size, including a slightly higher percentage of calcium. We must pay special attention to this type of puppies, as overfeeding large puppies can cause skeletal deformities.
How to calculate the amount of food for puppies?
If you are not sure how much kibble to give a puppy, you should start by analyzing the table of the amount of food for puppies present in the container. Remember to calculate the doses based on the months of age and weight. Also, don't forget to distribute the amount in 4 shots
This stage is especially important, since it will depend on it for the dog to develop properly, so the veterinary visits to starting the puppy's vaccination schedule are essential. The specialist will help you do a weight monitoring and adapt the exact doses of food depending on the case.
The nutritional needs of puppies
Some owners want to go a step further and find out how much food to feed a puppy considering the nutritional and energy requirementsof this stage, which ensures a much more precise diet adapted to the individual. In these cases we can take a photograph or write down the nutritional information on the label, specifically the analytical components and the metabolizable energyso that our veterinarian can make the corresponding calculations and thus detail the exact amount that our puppy requires.
Daily amount of food for an adult dog
From twelve months, in general, the dog is started on feed labeled "Adult" and starts like this the search for a " maintenance diet", that is, a fixed amount of food that will ensure that the dog stays at a he althy weight that is suitable for his body without gaining weight or losing weight. It is also important to ensure that it is a quality food, reviewing the composition of the dog food.
The maintenance diet is also applicable to dogs that perform intense physical activity, as is the case with sporting dogs, but remain excluding pregnant bitches, lactating bitches or dogs with very specific nutritional needs, which are caused by a pathology, for example. In these cases, the most advisable thing is to consult with the veterinarian, who will guide us properly.
Amount of feed or croquettes for an adult dog
The amount of food for an adult dog will therefore depend on the level of physical activity and its age, although we can also take into account the season of the year and other factors that may influence it. As in the case of puppies, we must review the nutritional table on the package, paying attention to the variables that we have mentioned previously. As for the intakes, we can distribute the total food in two or three daily servings throughout the day so that you feel more satiated.
It should be noted that not all brands indicate the amounts using a table, as some opt for a different indication, such as starting by offering 1.5% of the weight dog body and vary according to specific needs. Again, we highlight the importance of metabolizable energy at this point, since this data, as we have previously verified, will directly influence the daily amount of food for dogs.
Finally, it should be noted that any dog should have fresh, clean waterat his disposal throughout the day, so that he can always drink that you need it. Likewise, if you notice that the dog drinks more than normal or that it barely drinks, it will be interesting to visit a veterinarian to rule out any pathology.
Amount of homemade adult dog food
If you have decided to feed your dogs homemade diets, such as the BARF diet, it may be interesting to know the energy needs of an adult dog, which will help us to set the appropriate dose. As in the previous case, the needs of each individual may vary, so it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian, preferably one specialized in canine nutrition.
Below we show you the daily kilocalories to offer according to the dog's weight [1]:
- 3 kg=190 kcal
- 5 kg=280 kcal
- 10 kg=470 kcal
- 15 kg=640 kcal
- 20 kg=790 kcal
- 25 kg=940 kcal
- 30 kg=1080 kcal
- 35 kg=1210 kcal
- 40 kg=1340 kcal
These indications in relation to kilocalories can also be useful when measuring the amount of feed for the dog, because looking at the metabolizable energythat indicates the packaging of the product, we will be able to determine the amount of feed or croquettes that it requires on a daily basis.
Amount of food for an elderly dog
From the age of seven or eight, although it may vary depending on the breed, the dog begins in its old age stage. It is important to understand that older dogs have specific nutritional needs, which is why it is advisable to look for foods labeled "Senior" or "Mature", as they contain a lower proportion of protein and fat, fundamental in this period. In addition, these products usually incorporate foods, nutraceuticals or vitamins that are beneficial for the he alth of elderly dogs, which help prevent obesity or maintain proper joint maintenance.
Amount of feed for an elderly dog
Once again we will review the nutritional table on the package to determine the approximate amount of food, which in the next section we will help you adapt. Do not forget that at this stage loss of teeth may occur, so instead of opting for dry feed we can look for soft foods on the market, such as pâté, wet food and even start with homemade diets, always supervised and prescribed by a veterinarian.
How to adapt the amount of food for a dog?
In each of the dog's stages we have highlighted the importance of finding an approximate amount and then adapting it to the individual Although The vet is the one who can best help us set the exact maintenance dose, we can also learn to identify it through the dog's body condition. How? We will start by offering the dog a certain amount of food and, after a while, we must weigh it and analyze its figure to determine if there has been maintenance, increase or loss of weight.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), a dog in ideal body condition has coated ribs by very little fat and are easily palpable. [2] In addition, the waist is also observed and there is an evident abdominal fold. If our dog does not meet these requirements, it is probably that he is excessively thin or over his weight and, therefore, the diet must be readjusted
