Misjudging a serving size by even a small amount… and then feeding that same amount day-in and day-out… multiplies the error. And it could have a devastating effect on your dog’s health. (Source: Dogfoodadvisor)
Welcome back! Lets talk about one of my favorite things, DOGS! I have mentioned before that I have two dogs, for those of you new, you can find that post here. Two dogs is better than one. As my dogs got closer to their six month birthdays I started to notice Dude growing at a rate I couldn’t keep up with. It seemed he was always crying at his food bowl and never full, however he wasn’t gaining any weight. Asking a vet friend to look at him worried he might have worms, she asked how many cups a day i had been giving him? Up until that point Andy and I had always followed the back of the food bag, WRONG.
This does not apply to all dog food companies but our brand was off about 75%. There can be different factors to take in when looking at charts starting with the breed, height, activity level and current weight. Smaller dogs who are feed once a day may have close to the same amount as a short dog who is feed twice a dog. When adding in canned food, cut the dry by up to half and substitute the same volume that you cut with canned food, so the dog is getting the same amount of food, some dry and some wet.
Here is more information and tips from: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm
| Typical Breed | Weight as an Adult Dog | Dry Food | Dry Food Mixed with Can Food |
| Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle | Up to 10 pounds | 1/4 to 3/4 cup | Cut dry up to ½ the amount and substitute the same volume with a can |
| Miniature Poodle, Scottish Terrier | 10-25 pounds | 3/4 to 1 cup | Cut dry up to ½ the amount & substitute the same volume with a can |
| Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Springer Spaniel | 25-50 pounds | 1-2 cups | Cut dry up to ½ the amount and substitute the same volume with a can |
| Collie, Boxer, Labrador, Golden Retriever | 50-75 pounds | 2-2 ½ cups | Cut dry up to ½ the amount and substitute the same volume with a can |
| Great Dane, Malamute, St. Bernard, Mastiff | Over 75 pounds | 2-4 cups | Cut dry up to ½ the amount and substitute the same volume with a can |
Good Basic Feeding Tips
- Dogs should be fed at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a bathroom schedule. Ask your vet how many times a day you should feed your dog.
- Feed your dog the same type and brand of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog’s digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
- When switching to a new food gradually transition him to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase out the old food. Your dog may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
- If you are mixing water into dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
- Keep fresh drinking water available at all times. Change the water at least once a day, more for dogs who drool.
- Keep food and water bowls clean.
- Don’t overfeed your dog.
- Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
- Monitor your dog’s weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
- If your dog has loose stool feeding sweet potatoes is a natural stool hardener. Unlike some medicines, giving too many will not make them constipated. They sell sweet potato chips for dogs in a lot of pet supply stores.
I wanna see your fur baby! Add me on Instagram and tag @mofobatman =]
