If you want to keep your pet in perfect health, you certainly need to do so through their diet. In this article, we teach you how to calculate how much food to feed your dog.
All pets are eagerly awaiting the time to eat. Therefore, it is up to the owners to feed them in the best possible way and, above all, in the right measure. If you still have some doubts about how to calculate the amount of food to give to the dog , here are some useful tips.
How to calculate the amount of food to give to the dog
Just like people, animals have certain basic nutritional needs. As for dogs, there are a number of parameters that determine, for example, the type of food that is most suitable for him. These parameters are easily identifiable and are as follows:
- Size, breed and weight : these are the basic indicators for calculating the amount of food to give to the dog.
- Activity level : varies if your dog is more active or, conversely, prefers to stay at home. This parameter is strictly dependent on the breed .
- Age .
Below, we will explain these parameters one by one, since knowing them can greatly help you calculate the amount of food to give to the dog.
The amount of food to give to the dog depending on the size, breed and weight
As we have already indicated, these parameters are the ones that help most to calculate the amount of food needed for your pet’s needs . It is evident that size greatly influences this type of calculation, but contrary to popular belief, a small dog consumes more energy resources than a large dog . However, this does not mean that the amount of food needs to be increased.
Regarding the breed and weight, the ideal is to consult the tables published by the official associations for animals. In them you can find a guide that compares race and weight and that indicates the ideal amount of food. For example, if you have a dwarf dog at home – for example a Chihuahua – weighing no more than three kilograms, its daily allowance should be between 50 and 90 grams.
If, on the other hand, your pet is a large dog – for example, a Newfoundland – with a weight range greater than 50 kilograms, his daily ration should not be less than 500 grams.
The amount of food to give to the dog depending on the activity level and age
The energy that our dog consumes day by day will also affect his diet. If your activity level is high, because you are doing long walks or other activities that require physical exertion, your calorie intake will be higher, so you need to increase the dose . This does not happen in the case of more sedentary dogs.
Finally, age also determines your dog’s diet, both in quantity and quality. In this case, the type of diet should vary as the dog grows. In the puppy phase, and after leaving breastfeeding behind, it is advisable to feed them a food with a high energy value, about four times a day.
As your pet grows, the type of food and frequency vary, until they reach advanced age. In this case, the diet should be low in fat and in moderate quantities to avoid being overweight caused by lack of mobility.
Other tips
If you still have doubts, fortunately today there are some resources that can help you calculate the amount of food to give to the dog. The most common is to use the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging of treats or other foods . Here you can find detailed information on the type and quantity of food based on its characteristics.
It is also useful to have a measuring cup. If you know the required amount of food, this utensil will facilitate the exact dosage. Technology is also at the service of pets and there are a number of apps for monitoring calories in dogs.
Last but not least, going to the vet is always a good option: he will personally study your dog and, therefore, his specific nutritional needs.
