How Much Should A Dog Eat?

One of the aspects that most frequently worries dog owners is  that they  follow an appropriate diet.  Good nutrition does not only mean giving food, but also takes into account the quality and quantity of these, as well as the frequency with which they are administered. However, the first thing to consider is that it all   depends on various factors such as age, weight, breed, size and the amount of exercise your dog does. Below we give you some information on how much a dog should eat in a day.

It is very important to observe the weight of your little friend once he has started a diet, so you will know if you are overfeeding him or if he is eating too little.

Feeding the puppies

Feeding a puppy is very important for its growth and development. During the lactation period, the puppy will spend whole days sleeping, and will eat when he is awake. Weaning can begin between 4 and 8 weeks of life, and then you can begin to give him light and easy to chew foods, which will have to replace the mother’s milk little by little, so that the puppy gets used to it. From the moment the lactation ends up to 6 months of life, the puppy will need to be fed 6 times a day, and it will be necessary to provide him with specific foods for puppies, which contain specific nutrients for this age group. D fter six months, you can feed three or four times a day.

Feeding for adult dogs

Once your dog is an adult, you can cut down on meals to 2 per day and replace puppy feeding with adult dog feeding.  But first, you need to make sure your dog has completed development. This may be a bit difficult to establish, as dogs grow differently depending on the breed; for example, the boxer has a much longer childhood than other dogs, as they are very vital dogs, and they need to be fed 3 times a day.

Another important factor in relation to this topic is the type of diet adopted. So, to know exactly which product to choose and how many times a day it is convenient to feed your dog according to his needs, it is always better to consult your veterinarian.

Many believe that dogs should be fed according to their weight, but this is not always true: although weight is very important, factors such as the age and health of the animal, or overweight, must also be considered. .

After consulting your vet, it is useful to record your dog’s weight in a log every week according to the standard of his breed: so you will know exactly if you need to increase or reduce the portions of food he eats each day.

Recommendations on food quantities

Dogs must always eat at a set time. This is important to avoid digestive diseases, such as gastrointestinal reflux, and eating disorders. Therefore, we suggest that you serve the meal and remove the bowl after 15 minutes, so that the dog learns the lesson and follows the rules you have established, understanding that he cannot eat at any time.

– Sweets must be given in minimal quantities;  check that they are small, so as to avoid that the dog arrives at mealtime without having an appetite.

-Elderly dogs should eat food suitable for their age twice a day , preferably moist, because it is easier to chew.

-If you notice that your dog has stopped eating, try to change the type of product: if he continues not to eat, take him to the vet, because sometimes this could be a symptom of some more serious problem.