Being a dog parent is a lot of fun, but it isn't easy. Taking care of their needs and knowing what to do and what not to do can keep you on your toes. Having a dog means taking care of their needs. Ensuring the right nutrition is one of them and you often end up wondering how much food I should feed my dog.
Proper nutrition for dogs is the key to maintaining sound health and happiness. But, with a plethora of advice, different breeds, different life stages and activity levels deciding the ideal diet seems easier than it is.
This blog will help you understand the right diet with a balance of all essential nutrients and offer insights on portion control and feeding schedules.
Canine nutrition - Understanding the basics
Before we delve into the specific measurements of dog meals and how much dog food per day is needed, it is vital to understand the basics. Just like humans, dogs require a balanced diet consisting of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
These are required to support the overall well-being of dogs. Every nutrient is important to support various body functions and hence cannot be ignored.
How much food should I feed my dog?
The amount of food that your dog needs varies with different factors. Do consider the following when deciding portions for your doggo meals:
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Age - Small dogs, ie. pups need to eat smaller but more frequent meals and require a high-calorie intake. Older dogs, on the other hand, need a more restricted diet to prevent obesity.
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Weight and breed - Dogs of larger breeds require more calories as compared to smaller dogs.
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Activity levels - Active dogs require more food compared to sedentary ones.
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Health conditions and metabolism - Dogs with medical conditions may need special diets.
To identify the right requirements, a diet calculator is a good start. Like the one available on BLEP can help you determine the right portions and how much food per day for a dog depending on the specific needs of your dog.
How many times should I feed my dog?
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Puppies (below 6 months) - 3-4 small meals/day
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Adult dog( 6 months to 7 years) - 2 meals/day
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Senior dogs(7+ years) - 1-2 small meals/day
Dividing the meals of your dog into smaller portions can help with better digestion and ensure they remain energetic throughout the day.
Daily caloric requirements of dogs
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Small breeds |
5 - 10 kg |
150 - 300 kcal/day |
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Medium breeds |
10- 25 kg |
400 -800 kcal/day |
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Larger breeds |
25 + kg |
1000+ kcal/day |
No matter the breed and age of your dog, it is crucial to provide them with the right balance of essential nutrients like carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibres and proteins.
While protein in the diet supports muscle health, fibre is essential for good digestion. Carbs ensure your dog is never low on energy, fats on the other hand promise a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Things to keep in mind when deciding calorie requirements
While age, breed and weight play a crucial role in depicting food requirements, some more special requirements also must be kept in mind:
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Pregnancy and lactation - A lactating or pregnant dog requires more calories.
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Climatic conditions - Dogs that live in colder areas require more calories.
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Healing dogs - Dogs healing from a disease or an injury also require more calories to help their bodies heal.
Why should you worry about correct quantities?
Right portions matter a lot! Feeding less than required food can lead to poor immune functions, lack of energy and other health issues. Overfeeding, on the other hand, can also have adverse effects, especially obesity in dogs. In fact, overfeeding is far more common among dogs and puts them at risk for:
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Joint diseases
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Heart issues
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Trouble breathing
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Cushing disease
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Heat strokes
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Skin problems
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Cancers
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Poor quality of life
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Reduced life span
Benefits of choosing natural food for dogs?
Preservatives and artificial ingredients in dog food can cause digestive issues, allergies and long-term health complications.
Opting for natural, preservative-free options ensures that your dog gets natural and wholesome nutrition. Products at BLEP are designed to offer high-quality proteins, making up to be a healthy and reliable primary food source.
Healthy additions in food for dogs
While BLEP protein-rich foods offer a balanced, nutritious meal for dogs, you can make it even more healthy with healthy grains like:
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Rice: Easily digestible and provides essential carbohydrates
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Quinoa: High in protein and contains amino acids
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Millets: Great source of fibre and slow-releasing energy
This combination ensures your dog gets a wholesome diet with the right nutrients.
Final thoughts
Feeding your dog the right amount of food is a combination of science and observation. Use tools like BLEP’s Diet Calculator to get a precise meal plan tailored for your furry friend. For personalised recommendations, visit BLEP and explore their range of high-quality dog food.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount
https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/feeding/guides/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog
https://www.rover.com/blog/how-much-should-i-feed-my-dog/
https://www.dogseechew.in/blog/dog-feeding-what-to-feed-your-pet-dogs-feeding-time-schedule
