How do you know how much food need your dog? There is help beyond the measuring cup

One of the best ways to keep dogs healthy is to feed them the right amount of high-quality food. It is important to know that feeding too much or too little can have serious health consequences. Both malnutrition and obesity can cause major problems.

You’ve probably wondered how much food is ideal for your dog. If sufficient quantity and quality of dog food his general health and well-being can improve. To do this, you need to know how many nutrients he needs to be in the best possible shape.

Why does the right amount matter?

If you give your dog too little food, it can suffer from a nutrient deficiency, which can lead to malnutrition. Conversely, if you give your dog too much food, it will eventually lead to obesity. And abnormal excess weight can lead to health problems such as musculoskeletal problems or cruciate ligament tears.

The following symptoms are all signs that your pet is not eating healthily and that his body is already signalling that there is a problem:

• congestive heart failure,
• labored breathing,
• Cushing’s disease,
• skin conditions,
• different types of cancer,
• shorter life expectancy,
• reduced quality of life,
• abnormal weight loss,
• significant weight gain.

How do you find the right amount of food for your dog?

The right amount of food depends on several aspects. The type of food, as each nutrient requires a different amount. The number of meals and your dog’s weight and metabolic rate will also have a significant impact on how much food he needs. Age is also a factor, as the needs of a puppy are completely different from those of an older animal.

How do you know how much food to give?

Look carefully at the feeding instructions on the dog food label. They are usually presented as a table on the back of the packaging. Unless otherwise indicated, the amounts shown are what is recommended for your dog over a 24-hour period. Most adult dogs should eat twice a day, although some people believe that intermittent fasting or eating once a day is not a bad idea. Puppies often need three or more feedings, so you will need to divide the amount in the table by the number of meals you want. Using calorie charts can also be a good method. Calculators that work out how much food your dog needs based on its weight, size and age are also useful. Use these especially if you are cooking for your pet!

Keep a record of your dog’s weight change!

You should check your dog’s weight every 2-4 weeks. Weigh him and keep a log of the results. If your pet isn’t changing properly, or is gaining or losing weight excessively, adjust the ration correctly. Discuss these changes with your vet to make sure there are no underlying health problems behind the weight change.

Always consult your vet if you have any questions about your dog’s health or diet! With expert help, you can determine exactly how much food your pet needs to be at his or her best health based on his or her specific needs.