Dog Food Feeding Quantities

1. Check the Dog Food Label:
Start by checking the feeding guidelines provided on the packaging of the dog food you’ve chosen. It is important to only use this as a starting point and then adjust quantities accordingly by knowing your dog and reacting to any changes. For example, if you start to notice frequent loose stools this can be a common symptom of overfeeding, so you can try experimenting with reducing quantities until you find a balance that suits the dog best. If you are feeding a highly nutritious food then you should expect to feed less than a food with many fillers or bulking ingredients. Always start by feeding at the lower amount of what is recommended, as it is easier to build up the quantity, if required, as opposed to causing the dog to gain weight and potentially cause an upset stomach/loose stools.

2. Difference Between Poor/High Quality Foods:
If your dog eats some of their food but not all of it, then you may be feeding too much. Some dogs are not food orientated and are good at regulating their food intake, consuming only the amount needed to fuel their body. This is more common with a highly nutritious food, as dogs don’t need to eat as much of it as they would many other brands. For example, a 9kg King Charles on a high grain product such as Royal Canin King Charles food are recommended 150gm per day. On a high-quality food such as Bentley’s Taste of the Ocean we would recommend 80gm per day. This is almost half the amount!

3. Working Dog Food vs Regular Dog Food:
Check if the food you have chosen is classified as being for ‘working dogs’. If it is and you don’t have a working dog – do not panic. The food should still be perfectly suitable providing it is good quality, high in animal content, protein etc. The only difference is that you may need to reduce your feeding quantities even further from those found on the packaging – since these quantities will typically be targeting more active dogs.

4. Monitor Weight and Body Condition:
Regularly monitor your dogs’ weight and body condition. If your dog is gaining weight, you may need to reduce the food quantity, and if your dog is losing weight, you might need to increase it. Generally, as long as the dog is maintaining a healthy weight/shape and their stools are firm enough for you to collect – you are probably on the right track.

5. Treats and Training:
Take into account any treats or food you are giving for training throughout the day. These foods will most likely not contain the necessary ingredients for a ‘complete’ diet, but if you are feeding too many it will certainly contribute to overfeeding unless you adjust the meal time quantity accordingly. Some dog owners that spend a lot of time training will give pieces of the complete food kibble as rewards for the training. This way, the dog is receiving their daily food without the risk of overfeeding by giving too many treats as rewards.

6. Life Stage:
Consider the age of your dog and how this may affect the quantity you should feed. For example, puppies are fed higher quantities to fuel their growth and development, whereas older dogs typically require less as they become less active. You should not expect to feed the same quantity throughout your dogs’ life and always be ready to adjust when appropriate.

7. Consult with Your Food Manufacturer:
Many companies such as ourselves are happy to take the time to discuss your individual dogs’ dietary needs. We will ask several questions regarding your dog and their lifestyle to determine tailor made feeding quantities, giving you the best chance of success in finding your forever food.