How much should I feed my dog? This is one of the most common questions people have when they get a new puppy or adult dog. Dog owners have debated this question since the first can of dog food came on the market, and will continue to do so as long as there are people who like to.
The short answer to that question is, it depends on your dog’s size, age, and activity level as well as what type of food you’re feeding him or her when you Buy dog food NZ or other tasty treats for their pets!
It’s important to know how much your dog needs, whether you’re buying dog food or preparing homemade meals, but it can be hard to figure out how much your little furball should be eating in the first place.
How Much Should You Feed Your Adult Dog
First, you need to figure out how many calories your dog needs each day. Next, estimate how much food will provide that number of calories. The difference is your dog’s caloric requirement. If you feed your dog less than her caloric requirement, she will lose weight.
If you feed her more than it, she will gain weight. It may sound like a mathematical game “ Let’s just feed our dogs as much as they want!” But when we overfeed our dogs by providing them with more food than they require, we are only reinforcing unhealthy behaviors and increasing their chance of obesity or other problems such as diabetes.
How Much Should You Feed a Puppy
In general, you should feed a puppy 3 to 4 cups per 20 pounds of body weight per day. For example, your 25-pound puppy should be fed about 75 to 100 calories per pound each day. Multiply your pup’s target weight by that number to calculate how much food to feed her in a day.
If you have a different breed or dog with a different metabolism than what is listed above, talk to your vet about proper feeding amounts. You can also use an online calculator like PetMD’s. Just plug in your pet’s age, breed, and weight and it will give you recommendations based on calorie needs as well as other factors such as activity level and life expectancy.
How Much Does Weight Matter?
Before you can decide how much food to give your dog, it’s important to know how much she weighs. Most dogs will be between 20% and 40% of their ideal body weight, you can use a body condition score chart like that from Purina to help you determine if your dog is at her ideal weight.
You should also take into consideration how active she is. If you have a small breed that spends most days lounging around on her bed, then you’ll want to feed her less than an extra-active large breed who runs around with your kids all day. But what’s too little and what’s too much? It varies by age, but here are some guidelines
How Will Treats Affect My Pet’s Weight
While many people give their pets treats to show affection and as a reward, it can be tempting to overdo it. It’s important to realize that food is used strictly for nourishment and an excess of treats can lead to weight gain.
This might not seem like much of a big deal, but pet obesity rates are on the rise! If you’re looking to cut back on extra calories, you should know that high-fat treats are never a good idea. Instead, opt for healthier options like fruits and vegetables or low-fat meats. Talk with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new treats so they can help determine how often they can be safely given.
High-Protein, Low-Carb Diets – Good or Bad?
Protein is essential to your dog’s health, but all dogs are different. When choosing a diet, it’s important to ask your vet how much protein and fat is right for your dog. While most commercial brands use meat by-products as a source of protein, premium brands often use real chicken and fish proteins.
Low-carb diets can help dogs with diabetes and obesity lose weight, but they can also lead to several other health issues like nutrient deficiencies. If you’re concerned about carbohydrates in pet foods, talk to your vet about healthy alternatives that may not include meat by-products or grains but still provide ample amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Your dog will thank you later!
Can I Give My Pet Too Many Treats?
Although it’s tempting to shower your pet with snacks and treats, it’s important to watch out for signs that your dog has too many. Treats are a great way to reward your pet when he does something good, but too many can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you suspect your pup is eating more than his fill, keep in mind that some people recommend food and treats should make up no more than 10% of his total diet. Instead of treats, try offering him high-quality dog food as a snack instead just be sure it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients or additives.
Serving Sizes Vary by Breed and Age
When it comes to serving sizes, there’s a big difference between dogs, and not just in terms of the breed. For example, a Lab puppy is going to need much more than a Chihuahua senior. And feeding guidelines vary by brand as well.
For instance, according to a pet website, one cup per 10 pounds of body weight is considered sufficient for puppies from four weeks old until they are fully grown (so about 18 months old). But brands recommend 2 cups per 20 pounds for large breed puppies and 11⁄2 cups per 25 pounds for small breed pups. The most important thing you can do before setting out on your own is to talk with your vet about what’s right for your pooch.
The Ideal Weight of A Dog
As a dog owner, you’re going to worry about your dog getting enough food. But how much do you feed it? Figuring out how many calories your dog needs each day will go a long way toward determining what kind and how much food it needs. One way to do that is by calculating his ideal weight in kilograms.
A healthy, adult dog should weigh somewhere between 20-30 kg (44-66 pounds), depending on its size and breed, with males generally weighing more than females. So if your dog weighs 25kg (55 pounds), he probably has too much body fat and would benefit from a lower amount of kibble every day.
Conclusion
As with humans, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much food to feed a dog. With a few key pieces of information, though, you can figure out how much your canine companion should be eating based on her weight and activity level. If you buy dog food NZ in bulk and store it at home, you may want to store it in airtight containers like plastic bins or glass jars with tightly fitting lids to prevent dust, insects, and rodents from getting into your food.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website's content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra's expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
