How Much Should My Dog Eat?
How much should a dog eat a day? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are numerous concerns that factor into how much and how often dogs should eat, and each pup has their own unique needs. It’s hard for humans to tell exactly what their dogs crave, and it doesn’t help that they like to make us think they’re always hungry (and we get it – those faces are hard to ignore!).
Getting your dog on a proper feeding schedule is crucial to their health, like pet insurance. Too little food each day can cause them to be deficient in vital nutrients that help keep dogs healthy. But too much, and your dog is at risk of becoming obese – and obesity comes with its own set of health risks for pets. The best way to ensure your dog is eating properly is to put them on a regimented schedule of the perfect amount of healthy foods.
Look at the Feeding Guide on the Bag
To start the process, take a look at the feeding guide on your dog food’s label. They are usually presented as a table that looks something like this:
Unless stated otherwise, these amounts give you the total that is recommended for your dog over a 24-hour period.
Most adult dogs should eat two meals a day, and puppies often require three or more feedings, so you’ll need to divide the amount in the table by the number of meals you are offering.
How Long Do Puppies Eat Puppy Food?
Don’t overlook the importance of planning and allowing for a transitional process when changing dog food. Imagine eating the same meals every day. Then, suddenly, you switch to something completely different. You’ll probably experience a tummy ache or other gastrointestinal problems.
The same thing goes for your puppy. Remember that it’s a process that should take a minimum of six days, and sometimes longer (up to several weeks).
How much should I feed my dog? || Monkoodog
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Beth Turner is a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine and following graduation, she began her career as an associate veterinarian and worked closely with the local shelter.
In 2007 she accomplished her dream of practice ownership, designing and building her own clinic. Another meaningful role, while running her clinic, was serving as her countys shelter veterinarian. This gave her the opportunity to help improve the lives of many animals in her community as well as work with the rescue she loved. She sold her practice in 2019 to move across the country.
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