How much food should I give my dog? Complete guide to proper feeding

Knowing how much food to feed your dog is one of the most common concerns among first-time pet owners. Offering the right amount of food not only ensures that your dog gets all the nutrients he needs, but it also helps prevent health problems such as overweight or malnutrition. Despite the importance of this topic, it is not always easy to determine the exact portion for each dog, as the amount of food varies depending on factors such as breed, age, level of physical activity and the type of food you give him.

In this article from La Casa de Turrón , we provide you with a complete and practical guide to knowing how much food to give your dog, adapted to their individual needs. Read on and find out how to keep your pet healthy and well-fed!

Index

1. Factors that determine the amount of food for your dog
2. General recommendations according to the size of the dog
• Small dogs
• Medium dogs
• Big dogs
• Giant dogs
3. Meal frequency according to life stage
• Puppies
• Adult dogs
• Senior dogs
4. Tips for calculating the exact amount of food
5. Common mistakes in dog feeding
6. Conclusion

1. Factors that determine the amount of food for your dog

The amount of food you should give your dog depends on several key factors:

• Size and weight: A large dog will need more food than a small one, but the amount should be adjusted to its ideal weight. If a dog is very active, it will also burn more calories and need more food.
• Age: Puppies have different energy needs than adult or senior dogs, so their diet must be adjusted to their stage of life.
• Activity Level: A dog that gets a lot of exercise or has an active lifestyle will need more food than a dog that spends most of the day resting.
• Health status: Some health issues can affect a dog's nutritional needs. Dogs with metabolic, digestive or weight problems, for example, may require special diets.
• Type of food: The amount of food you feed your dog will also depend on the type of food you feed him (dry food, wet food, homemade food, or raw diets). Each type of food has different concentrations of nutrients and calories.

2. General recommendations according to the size of the dog

The size of your dog is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding the amount of food. Below, we provide general recommendations based on the size of your dog. These measurements are approximate, considering an adult dog, as a puppy the amount of food should be appropriate. At La Casa de Turrón we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian to verify the correct amount you should give your pet.

A. Small dogs

Small dogs (less than 10 kg) such as Chihuahuas, Maltese Bichons or Pomeranians have faster metabolisms and need smaller, but more frequent portions.

• Recommended daily amount: Between 100 g and 200 g of dry food, divided into two or three portions per day.
• Special Considerations: These dogs are often prone to dental problems, so it is recommended that their diet include dry food to help keep their teeth clean.

If it is a toy breed (they barely weigh 2 or 3 kg), the daily amount of food will be between 50 g and 100 g.

B. Medium dogs

Medium-sized dogs (between 10 and 25 kg), such as Beagles, Bulldogs or Cocker Spaniels, require a larger amount of food due to their size, but not as much as large breeds.

• Recommended daily amount: Between 200 g and 350 g of dry food, divided into two daily portions.
• Special Considerations: Medium dogs tend to have more varied energy levels, so you should adjust the amount of food based on your dog's activity level.

C. Large dogs

Large dogs (25-40 kg), such as Golden Retrievers, Boxers or German Shepherds, require a larger amount of food due to their size and musculature.

• Recommended daily amount: Between 350g and 500g of dry food, divided into two daily meals.
• Special Considerations: Large dogs are prone to bloat, so it is important to divide their food into two or more meals per day and prevent them from eating too quickly.

D. Giant dogs

Giant breeds, such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes or Mastiffs, require larger portions of food to maintain their size.

• Recommended daily amount: Between 500 g and 700 g of dry food, divided into two or three meals a day.
• Special Considerations: These breeds have a slower metabolism, so it is important not to overfeed them to avoid the risk of obesity, which can seriously affect their joints.

3. Meal frequency according to life stage

As we mentioned in the previous section, the number of times you should feed your dog during the day also varies depending on its age. Here are the recommendations by life stage:

A. Puppies

Puppies have a fast metabolism and need to eat more often than adult dogs. During the first few months of life, they are in full growth and development.

• Frequency: 3 to 4 times a day until 6 months of age. It will depend on the flexibility of the owners, 3 times a day can be very difficult if you are not at home at those times, so from 4 months onwards, you can reduce the frequency to 2 times a day.
• Tip: Use specific food for puppies, as it contains more protein and fat to support their growth. If you are going to give your puppy dry food, La Casa de Turrón recommends that, especially during the puppy stage, the food you choose does not have cereal as its main ingredient. We recommend that you look carefully at the composition of the food you are going to choose and make sure that cereals do not have a high weight in its composition, but that proteins such as chicken, turkey or salmon are the main ingredient. We recommend that you choose grain-free food.

B. Adult dogs

When your dog reaches adulthood (depending on the breed, in large dogs this is usually after one or one and a half years), its metabolism stabilizes and its energy needs are lower than when it was a puppy.

• Frequency: 2 times a day.
• Tip: Maintain a set feeding routine to avoid digestive problems.

C. Senior dogs

Older dogs (from 7 years old in small breeds, and 5 years old in large breeds) tend to be less active and their caloric needs decrease.

• Frequency: 2 times a day.
• Tip: Choose low-fat, high-fiber foods to keep your weight under control and make digestion easier.

4. Tips for calculating the exact amount of food

Figuring out the exact amount of food for your dog can take a little trial and error (and that's okay). Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Check the product's feeding chart: Most dog foods have a chart on the package that indicates the recommended amount based on the dog's weight.
• Monitor your dog's weight and body condition: If you notice your dog is unexpectedly gaining or losing weight, adjust the portions. If he's overweight, reduce the amount of food, and if he's too thin, increase the portions.
• Consult your veterinarian: If you have questions about how much your dog should eat, your veterinarian can offer personalized recommendations based on your pet's health and lifestyle.

5. Common mistakes in dog feeding

Here are some common mistakes made when feeding dogs:

• Overfeeding: Many owners tend to overfeed their dogs, which can lead to overweight and associated health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and joint problems.
• Feeding leftover human food: Leftover human food can be harmful to dogs, as many foods are high in fat, salt or contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs (such as chocolate or onions).
• Changing food without transition: If you change food, it is important to do so gradually, mixing the new food with the old one to avoid digestive problems or new allergies.

6. Conclusion

Determining the right amount of food for your dog is key to keeping him healthy and active. Every dog ​​is unique, and his nutritional needs vary depending on his size, age, activity level, and health status. At La Casa de Turrón , we recommend that you always read the instructions on the products you give your dog and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions.

Offering your dog a balanced diet tailored to his individual needs is essential to ensure that he is in the best possible health, so it is essential to always be aware of his physical condition and eating habits.