Overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to various health issues. It is crucial to understand why the right amount of dog food matters and how to determine the appropriate quantity for your pet. Feeding your dog too little can result in nutritional deficiencies, while overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health problems such as musculoskeletal issues, congestive heart failure, labored breathing, Cushing’s disease, skin disorders, certain types of cancer, a shortened lifespan, and reduced quality of life. Providing your dog with the right amount of quality dog food can help promote their overall health and well-being.
Several factors must be considered when determining the appropriate amount of dog food for your pet. These factors include the type of food, number of meals, body weight, metabolic rate, and amount of exercise. To begin the process, refer to the feeding guide on the label of your dog food. This guide is typically presented as a table that outlines the recommended amount of food based on your dog’s weight. Unless otherwise specified, the amounts provided in the table represent the recommended total daily intake for your dog. For most adult dogs, it is recommended to feed them two meals a day. However, puppies often require three or more feedings, so you will need to divide the amount in the table by the number of meals you are offering.
To determine the initial amount of food to offer your dog, consider their lifestyle in addition to the information provided. Take into account factors such as activity level and tendency to gain or lose weight. For instance, if you have a relatively inactive 35-pound dog that tends to gain weight, it may be advisable to start with slightly less food than what the table recommends. On the other hand, if you have a 35-pound dog that is always active, you may need to feed a little more. You can also try using a calorie calculator for dogs, but keep in mind that the actual needs of your dog may vary by as much as 25% from the calculated value.