natural balance dog food serving size
Dog Food Calculator
The Dog Food Calculator can help you estimate the proper serving size for your pet. Its based upon a study published by the respected Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in Leicestershire, England. 1
To use the calculator, youll need to know your dogs ideal weight. This is what you believe your pet should weigh.
Youll also need to know the number of calories in the specific dog food youre feeding him.
The calculators formula2 uses a dogs metabolic weight to suggest an approximate serving size.
Dog Food Calculator Guidelines
The Dog Food Calculator was designed for adult dogs only not for puppies.
And it should never be used for pregnant or lactating females.
Small breeds are considered adults at about 9 to 12 months of age. And medium breeds at about 12 to 14 months.3
However, large and giant breeds shouldnt be fed as adults until they reach around 1 to 2 years depending upon the breed.4
What's the best dog food?
Overweight Dogs
If you believe your dog might be overweight, be sure to choose the Overweight option for Your dogs activity level.
Otherwise, the recommended serving size will likely be too high.
And for help, be sure to visit our Best Dog Foods for Weight Loss article.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs have significantly lower energy needs than younger ones.So, its easy for them to put on extra weight.
In general, small to medium dogs are considered seniors at about seven years of age. However, larger breeds reach senior status much sooner some as early as five.5
Converting From Calories to Serving Size
Once youve entered your dogs ideal weight and activity level, youll know the number of calories per day.
However, to convert calories into something you can use, youll need to enter the number of calories in your dogs food.
The number of calories in a given amount of dog food is known as its metabolizable energy (ME, for short). Its usually reported somewhere on a dog food package like this
- Calories per cup (kcal/cup)
- Calories per kilogram (kcal/kilogram)
By the way, the calculator assumes youre feeding your dog just once a day.
If you prefer to feed your dog twice a day, be sure to divide your result in half so that both meals add up to the full daily calories suggested.
The Bottom Line
Since every dog is unique, its impossible to predict the serving size thats perfect for each pet.
So, start with the packages feeding instructions or the amount suggested by our calculator.
And be sure to weigh your dog every few weeks.
Then, simply adjust that suggested serving size up or down to reach and maintain your pets ideal weight.
Homemade Dog Food Serving Sizes: A Guide to Keeping Your Pup Healthy
As a loving dog owner, you want to provide the best nutrition for your four-legged companion. One way to ensure a wholesome diet is by preparing homemade dog food. However, determining the appropriate serving sizes can be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore factors to consider when determining homemade dog food serving sizes and provide helpful tips for feeding your furry friend.
Factors to Consider for Homemade Dog Food Serving Sizes
Age and Size of Your Dog:
Just like humans, dogs' nutritional needs vary depending on their age and size. Puppies require more calories and nutrients for growth, while adult dogs may have different energy requirements. Smaller breeds typically have higher metabolic rates, requiring smaller portion sizes compared to larger breeds.
Activity Level and Energy Requirements:
Consider your dog's activity level when determining serving sizes. More active dogs, such as those who regularly engage in vigorous exercise or participate in dog sports, require additional calories to fuel their energy needs. On the other hand, less active or senior dogs may require smaller portions to prevent weight gain.
Health Conditions and Dietary Restrictions:
If your dog has any health conditions or dietary restrictions, such as allergies or sensitivities, it is crucial to take them into account when calculating serving sizes. Certain health conditions may require specific nutrient ratios or limited ingredient options. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your homemade dog food meets your pet's unique needs.
Calculating Homemade Dog Food Serving sizes
Determine Daily Caloric Needs:
To calculate the appropriate serving size, you need to determine your dog's daily caloric needs. Factors such as age, weight, activity level, and metabolism play a role in determining the calories required. Use online calculators or consult with your veterinarian to estimate the daily caloric needs of your dog.
Balance Essential Nutrients:
While calories are essential, it is equally important to provide a balanced diet with the right nutrients. A well-rounded homemade dog food recipe should include high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist or use reputable resources to ensure you're meeting your dog's nutritional requirements.
Adjust for Treats and Supplements:
Remember to account for treats and any additional supplements you may provide to your dog. Treats should be given in moderation and considered as part of your dog's overall calorie intake. If you're adding supplements to your dog's homemade food, adjust the serving size accordingly to avoid overfeeding.
Feeding Tips for Homemade Dog Food Serving sizes
Monitor Your Dog's Weight and Body Condition:
Regularly monitor your dog's weight and body condition to ensure you're feeding the right amount. Adjust the serving sizes if your dog starts to gain or lose weight. Maintaining a healthy body condition is vital for your dog's overall well-being.
Introduce Changes Gradually for Homemade Dog Food Serving sizes:
When transitioning to homemade dog food or adjusting serving sizes, do so gradually. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset. Slowly introduce the new food over a week or two, gradually increasing the amount until your dog is entirely on the new diet.
Consult with a Veterinarian:
When making big dietary adjustments for your dog, it's always a good idea to talk with your vet. They can provide personalized guidance based on your dog's specific needs and help you ensure that your homemade dog food is nutritionally balanced.
Conclusion:
Feeding your dog homemade food is a wonderful way to provide them with a nutritious and personalized diet. By considering factors such as age, size, activity level, and health conditions, and by carefully calculating serving sizes, you can ensure your furry friend receives the right amount of food. Remember to monitor their weight and body condition, introduce changes gradually, and seek professional advice when needed. With proper attention and care, you can help your dog thrive on a homemade diet tailored just for them.
How Much Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
How Much Food Should You Feed Your Dog?
By Mike Sagman
Updated: September 27, 2023
One of the most frequently asked questions we get here on The Dog Food Advisor website is
How much food should I feed my dog?
And its an especially important question, too.
Thats because research confirms
Overweight dogs dont live as long as normal weight dogs.
According to a recent university study, overweight dogs suffer from a higher incidence of life-shortening illnesses. These diseases include
- Hypothyroidism
- Oral disease
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer
- Arthritis
So, how much should you feed your dog to ensure his health?
Well, dont just blindly follow the directions on a dog food package. Thats because manufacturers like to hedge by suggesting an overly broad range of serving sizes.
For example, a bag of kibble might read for dogs from 5 to 15 pounds feed 1/2 to 1-1/2 cups a day.
Wow. Thats a monstrously wide range a 200% variation! Its simply not precise enough.
If you follow that advice youll be guessing. You could be significantly overfeeding or underfeeding your dog.
Misjudging a serving size by even a small amount and then feeding that same amount day-in and day-out multiplies the error. And it could have a devastating effect on your dogs health.
Dont Guess Follow These Three Easy Steps
When deciding how much to feed your dog never guess. Be scientific. Always calculate and measure.
Use our Dog Food Calculator and follow these three simple steps
- Step 1 Enter your dogs ideal weight
- Step 2 Select your dogs life stage and activity level
- Step 3 Insert your dog foods calories per serving
Then, use a measuring cup or a scale and feed the calculated amount.
Of course, keep in mind results are approximate. Certain breeds and conditions may require some adjustment. And please remember the calculator assumes your dog is at or near his ideal weight.
So, be flexible. If your dog appears to be overweight or underweight substitute something closer to ideal for your weight entry.
By the way the calculator is for adult dogs only. Puppies require their own special feeding program.
Once again never guess. Always measure each serving. And check your dogs weight once a month or so. Over time, youll be glad you did.
Learn how to determine your dogs ideal weight.
Heres an easy way to weigh your dog.
Use our Dog Food Calculator to reveal your pets recommended serving size.
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Your pet means the world to you and you want to ensure they remain happy and healthy. Therefore, its wise to learn more about dog food serving size and how much to feed your dog.
Pet food producers are required to list serving recommendations and calorie counts on the label. This makes it easier to decide how much food your dog should get but theres still a bit more you need to know. Its extremely important to feed your dog the right amount of food for optimal health. The truth is that dog food serving size and calorie intake isnt a one-size-fits-all scenario. However, dont worry because below are some guidelines that can help you get close to the right amount and feeding schedule.
Factors that Influence How Much to Feed Your Dog
Several factors influence the serving size you should choose when asking yourself, how much should I feed my dog. Below are a few of these elements to consider when trying to determine your dogs nutritional needs:
- Type of dog food (dry food vs. kibble vs. wet food and different dog food brands)
- Dogs body weight
- Dogs age (based on life stages, i.e. puppies vs. adult dogs vs. senior dogs or older dogs)
- Dogs activity level (active dogs vs. inactivewill impact the number of calories the dog will need)
- Special health needs
- Feeding schedule
The best course of action you can take when determining how much to feed your dog is to consult your veterinarian for guidance on your dogs diet.
Dog Food Serving Size Guidelines by Body Weight
When trying to decide how much to feed your dog, its wise to follow the dog eat and dog food serving size guidelines by body weight. This feeding guide will help you quickly and effectively choose a safe and healthy amount of food to feed your pet. Use a measuring cup for best results to provide the right amount of dog food based on size and dietary needs.
Small Breeds (between 10-20 pounds)
Your dog may fall into this category if theyre a Boston Terrier, Dachshund, Shih Tzus, or Pug.
- 10 pounds: 3/4 cup per day
- 15 pounds: 1 cup per day
- 20 pounds: 1 2/3 cup per day
Medium Breeds (between 30-50 pounds)
These dogs will require a little more food than the small breeds. Your dog may fall into this category if theyre an Australian Shepherd, Bull Terrier, or Collie.
- 30 pounds: 1 3/4 cups per day
- 40 pounds: 2 1/4 cups per day
- 50 pounds: 2 2/3 cups per day
Large Breeds (between 60-100+)
Theyll require more food in general and are big and easy to spot. Your dog may fall into this category if theyre German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler, or Bernese Mountain Dog.
- 60 pounds: 3 cups per day
- 70 pounds: 3 1/2 cups per day
- 80 pounds: 3 3/4 cups per day
- 90 pounds: 4 1/4 cups per day
- 100 pounds: 4 1/2 cups per day
If your dog weighs over 100 pounds then add in an extra 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds.
5 Handy Tips to Feed Your Dog the Right Amount of Food
The following four feeding tips will help you better understand how to feed your dog the right amount of food and ensure your dog is receiving the proper nutrition.
1. Assess Your Pets Health
Before changing anything, you need to take stock of your dog's weight and overall health. Its wise to get a vets opinion but the basics can be done at home. Weigh your dog or cat and, if he has a short coat, take a couple of photos to show his overall physique. Your goal is to keep your dog at a healthy weight or ideal weight and avoid obesity and having to manage overweight dogs in your household.
Feel around his ribs, hips, and backbone and check if there is meat over them or if your dog is boney. Their bones may have disappeared under a layer of fat. Each breed has different characteristics but the general rule is that you should be able to feel your dogs bones through the skin and muscle. Your pet should also have a waist without too much tummy.
2. Start with the Recommended Amount
Whether youre measuring food by cups or calories, start with the recommended amount of food. Make sure you measure and dont simply scoop out what you think is the right amount. This lets you make more deliberate and precise adjustments.
Its important to keep in mind that weight loss and weight gain should be slow and gradual. Crash diets are no better for your pet than they are for you so make changes carefully.
3. Adjust Based on Your Dogs Unique Needs
Puppies and kittens generally need 20 percent more calories than adults. There will be variations depending on the breed and size as well as how fast your pet is growing. This can change quickly so keep revisiting your choices as your pet grows. Dogs seven years and older tend to need 20 percent fewer calories than an adult of the same size.
Dogs and cats that live outside in a cold climate will need significantly more food and it should be higher in fat. Pets that live outside in hot climates will need less food as they will be less active in the heat.
Any diet changes should be gradual. Pregnant, nursing, ill, and injured pets will all have unique nutritional needs that should be discussed with a veterinarian.
4. Keep Track of Diet Changes
Keep track of your pets changes and what caused them. Is your dog losing or gaining weight? Or is your pet maintaining it? Adjust the food portion size and exercise according to your goals for your pet.
Take a look at your dogs coat too. You may not see any change after just one week but as time goes on you may. If your pets hair gets oily or dry, brittle, or starts falling out, take a step back and check with your vet.
Just like humans, your pets diet and exercise needs change periodically. Keep an eye on your dogs activity levels, mood, and health, and then adjust accordingly.
5. Check with Your Veterinarian
When in doubt about how much food to give your dog, you should always consult and check with your veterinarian. They are the experts and know your dog well and will be able to give recommendations based on their knowledge and observations of your pet. Find a good veterinarian you can trust and then let them guide you to knowing how much food to give your pet each day.
It all Starts with Healthy Dog Food for Your Pup
You should now have a better idea of the proper dog food serving size for your pet and how much to feed your dog. Many factors go into the decision and its not a task you should take lightly. The proper nutrition will keep your dog living a healthy and rewarding life. We encourage you to check out The Honest Kitchens dog food products if youre looking for the best dog food on the market to feed your pet. As a pet owner, you can search by your dogs life stage, favorite ingredients, health benefits, and more.
Health Disclaimer: This post is educational in nature and doesnt constitute health advice. Please consult your pet's veterinarian or other healthcare professionals for specific guidance on this topic.
