Terri Ramsey Beavers If you’re looking for the answer to the question, “How much should I feed my dog?” then you’ve come to the right place. The best way to keep your dog healthy is by feeding them premium dog food in the correct amount.
Read this helpful guide to learn if you are feeding your dog the right amount of food.
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Did you know that overweight dogs live shorter lives? Overweight dogs tend to suffer from life-shortening diseases at a higher rate. These diseases include:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Congestive heart failure
On the other hand, if you feed your dog too little he will have nutritional deficiencies. Giving your dog premium pet foods in the correct amount will keep your dog healthy. So how much to feed a dog is a good amount?
Follow These Guidelines
There are lots of things to consider when you’re learning how much food a dog needs. The correct serving size of food for your dog depends on factors like:
- How much your dog weighs
- The type of food
- Number of meals a day
- Amount of exercise your dog gets
- Your dog’s metabolic rate
Look at the label on the back of your dog’s food. The label offers a general dog feeding guideline. The amount of food the label recommends if the amount of food to be given to your dog in 24 hours, not at each meal.
If you feed your dog two meals a day divide the number by 2. You can also try using a calorie counter for dogs but keep in mind it may not be exactly correct.
Activity Level
If your dog is very active and spends most of the day running around then you may want to feed him on the upper end of the recommended amount of food.
Likewise, if your dog is not active and spends most of his day lounging around the house feed him on the lower level of the recommended amount of food.
You can keep a record of your dog’s weight by weighing him every other week to see if his weight increases or decreases. If his weight increases substantially then it may be time to cut back on the amount of food you give him.
How Much to Feed a Puppy?
The question of, “How much to feed my dog?” receives a very different answer if your dog is still a puppy. Since puppies are still growing they eat more than an adult dog. Puppy nutrition is crucial for development, bone growth, and organ development.
Puppies need smaller and more frequent feedings. According to Nutriment, starting around 4 months puppies should be fed at least three times a day. Eventually, they will eat twice a day just like adult dogs. This makes it easier for them to digest their food.
Always Consult Your Veterinarian
There are a lot of factors that go into answering the question, “How much should I feed my dog?”. Follow the steps in the helpful guide to feed your dog the right amount and support good health.
If you have a question, always consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on how much food is the right amount for your dog.
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