How much dog food should I feed my dog per day?

The amount of food that a dog needs in a day depends on quiet a large number of factors. Age, breed, size, and any illnesses all contribute significantly to what the dog should be eating. If you have a puppy, or a dog that is very overweight or has an illness, you should consult your vet or specific guides that apply to your own animal's condition.

For healthy adult dogs, however, it's quite simple to figure out a feeding regime that will provide the animal with what it needs, and also be of minimal hassle or inconvenience once you get into a regular routine. When your dog reaches maturity, you can settle down into a normal feeding routine to ensure that he or she gets a regular intake of all that they need to be in the best possible physical condition. A good quality “complete” pet food should provide your dog with the correct balance of the major nutrient groups (of which there are six: proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, and water). It doesn't really matter whether you choose dried or canned food, as long as it has this basic nutritional balance.

 

The “how much should I feed?” query is quite successfully dealt with by the wide variety of dog foods available to suit specific breeds, sizes and ages of dogs. Larger breeds, for example, as well as having bigger appetites, require a slightly different balance of vitamins and minerals in order to support their joints. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, tend to need more calories since they have a faster metabolism. Particularly active dogs benefit from specially formulated foods to give them the energy they need, while less active dogs will be prevented from gaining weight by feeding on a “light” formula.

You should get your dog into a regular feeding routine. Don't just feed whenever you happen to remember – choose one specific time every day, and stick to it. Twice a day is also fine: just remember to cut the quantity in half if you do this! Larger dogs especially will actually benefit more from having two small meals instead of one larger ones.

Follow the guide on the back of the food packaging, but don't feel that you have to stick to it religiously – it is only a rough guide, and just as humans vary in terms of how much they need to eat, so do dogs! If your dog seems to be gaining weight, gradually cut down the amount of food (as well as considering whether he/she is getting enough exercise). If the dog seems hungry and is thin rather than lean and healthy, increase the amount of food you provide. Pay attention to your dog's appearance and energy levels, and you should easily be able to judge for yourself whether you're getting the food quantity right.

Don't feed your dog scraps – it isn't good for them! If you do like to give treats, then make sure you offer dog biscuits or treats, not food meant for humans. Also bear in mind that you should reduce your dog's main meal(s) if you're doing this. Treats should be offered occasionally and sparingly, and should not make up more than about 15% of the dog's overall diet. And remember that regular exercise and a constant supply of fresh water are essential parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy, too!

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