How Often & How Much Should I Feed My Dog? A Comprehensive Guide

A big part of providing our furry companions with the best care possible revolves around their diet. At Eukanuba, we know that diet directly influences energy levels, overall health and happiness. Crafting a balanced feeding regimen for your dog requires consideration, understanding and a touch of science.

To help, we've put together this comprehensive guide that covers the factors that influence your dog's dietary needs so you can tailor a feeding routine that suits them perfectly.

Important note: Every dog is unique, and a veterinarian's guidance is invaluable in ensuring that your furry friend gets everything they need to thrive. As a first step, consult your veterinarian to assess your dog's dietary requirements and potential health concerns.

In this Article:

• What Factors Impact How Much to Feed Your Dog?
• How Much Should I Be Feeding My Dog?
• How Often Should I Be Feeding My Dog?
• How To Transition Your Dog to A New Diet
• Dietary Do's and Don'ts
• The Importance of a Nutritionally Balanced Diet for Your Dog

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed Your Dog?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer for your dog's diet, as several crucial factors are pivotal in determining how much food they should consume. You can create a tailored feeding plan that caters to your canine companion's unique needs when you understand the following:

Life Stage

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from different nutrient levels based on the various stages of life. Puppies are growing rapidly and require a diet with optimal levels of protein and calcium to support their developing bones and muscles.¹ Adult dogs need to maintain their weight and energy levels, while seniors may benefit from foods that help joint health and address age-related concerns.

Breed and Size

Larger breeds often have different growth rates and potential health issues than smaller breeds. Large breeds may need controlled calorie intake to prevent rapid growth that could strain their joints, while smaller breeds might require more calories for high metabolism.¹

Activity Level

Dogs with varying activity levels have different energy requirements. Active dogs, such as those participating in agility training or working roles, burn more calories and may need increased portions to sustain their energy levels. Conversely, less active or sedentary dogs need fewer calories to avoid weight gain.

With all these factors, your vet's expertise will guide you in ensuring that all nutritional needs are met.

How Much Should I Be Feeding My Dog?

Eukanuba diets come with recommended feeding guidelines printed on the packaging. These guidelines consider your dog's weight and life stage based on the specific diet you have selected. While these serve as a starting point, remember that individual dogs may have unique requirements. Use these recommendations as a baseline and adjust them based on your dog's life stage and activity levels.

Figure 1 Puppy (Puppy Life Stage)

Figure 2 Medium Adult Breed (Adult Life Stage)

Figure 3 Senior All Breed (Senior life stage)

Disclaimer: The feeding guides above are examples of what Eukanuba’s feeding chart could look like; however, refer to the feeding guide on the back of your Eukanuba products for further guidance before feeding.

If you understand your dog's daily caloric requirements, it will be easier to maintain their optimal weight and health. To do this, consider factors like weight, life stage and activity level. More active dogs need more calories, while less active dogs require fewer calories to avoid gaining excess weight. Regularly assessing your dog's body condition is a simple yet effective way to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

Implementing a structured feeding schedule is essential for portion control and preventing overeating. Free feeding – leaving food out for your dog to graze throughout the day – can lead to overeating and then weight gain, especially for gluttonous breeds like Labradors and golden retrievers.¹ Therefore, it is important to establish regular mealtimes for adult dogs, typically two to three times daily, and follow your veterinarian's frequency and portion size recommendations.

How Often Should I Be Feeding My Dog?

Just as their dietary requirements vary, so do mealtime schedules. Below you'll find the optimal feeding frequencies for different life stages¹ and circumstances to ensure your furry friend's health and happiness.

Remember, while these guidelines provide a general framework, your dog's individual needs should always take precedence. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal feeding frequency and establish a consistent mealtime routine that fosters a sense of security for your dog.

How to Transition Your Dog to A New Diet

Due to the sensitivity of dogs' digestive systems, a gradual introduction of a diet is essential with guidance from your veterinarian. As a rough guide:

1. Day One: Mix a small amount of the new kibble with your dog's current food
2. Over the Week: Incrementally increase the proportion of new kibble while reducing the old food daily as shown in Figure 4
3. Full Transition: Within a week, your dog should comfortably consume only the new Eukanuba kibble

Fig 4 Source: Royal Canin Dog Encyclopedia 2020

To ensure a smooth transition, follow the 7-day integration plan above, and ensure you have at least seven days' worth of your current kibble when you purchase the new bag.

Dietary Do's and Don'ts

Every day, you are laying the foundation for a healthier, happier life for your beloved companion. A balanced diet and mindful feeding practices contribute to their overall well-being, so consider the following:

Do's:

1. Balanced Diet: Prioritize a complete and balanced diet that fulfills your dog's nutritional needs, encompassing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
2. Water Access: Ensure a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for drinking throughout the day, promoting hydration and overall well-being.
3. Portion Control: Adhere to recommended portion sizes to prevent overfeeding, which can contribute to obesity and health complications.
4. Treat Moderation: Keep treats within 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake to maintain nutritional balance and prevent excessive consumption.

Don'ts:

1. Avoid Overfeeding: Refrain from overindulging your dog, as excessive feeding leads to weight gain and related health issues.
2. No Human Food: Steer clear of offering human food to your dog, as certain items can be toxic and lead to digestive problems.