How Much Should My Dog eat?
If we have never had a pet before, a thousand and one questions may arise in relation to its diet and care. With regard to food, we could ask ourselves questions such as: how much should my dog eat? When should I put food on him? What type of food should I choose?
In My Animals we are going to help you solve all your doubts on this subject. Let’s start by knowing what type of diet is right for your dog.
Choosing the right diet
Knowing what type of food is best for your dog is not as difficult as it may seem. Depending on the breed, age and size we will have to opt for one or the other.
- Small dogs. This group includes small breed dogs such as chihuahua or toy terriers. These animals, due to their size, need a special diet that is easy to chew to avoid the production of tartar, since these animals are more likely to have it. On the other hand, it must be a diet rich in protein and vitamins low in fat to avoid obesity that could cause great disorders due to their size. A high fiber content will promote the proper functioning of your digestive system.
- Big dogs. This type of dog needs a large amount of food that is easy to digest and provides an adequate amount of calories due to their need for exercise. A good supply of vitamin C and E cannot be overlooked and excess amounts of phosphorus must be avoided.
- Giant dogs. They, due to their large size, will need a diet that favors the good development and strength of their bones, also providing them, as in the previous case, with great caloric support.
- Puppies. You can never give a puppy, whatever its size, food for adults. He thinks that they are like babies, beginning to develop all the parts of their body, so they will need an adequate and special diet for them to help them develop correctly.
- Elderly dogs. When dogs are older, they have special needs. They will need a more tender and easy-to-chew food that strengthens their bones and their immune system.
In all cases, we advise you to speak with your veterinarian so that they can advise you on the best diet for your pet according to their needs.
How much should my dog eat?
Depending on age and size, there will be differences in the amount of food that our dog requires.
For example, puppies need an average of about five meals a day. The amount they can ingest each time is small and yet they have a great caloric burnout due to all their energy.
After six months and up to one year of age, dogs will need three meals a day.
When they are adult dogs, they will not need more than two large meals a day, as they are a little calmer and no longer use as much energy.
If your breed of dog is giant, you can choose to give it two small food servings a day or a large one just once. They are easily obese and must be controlled, as they would be able to eat everything.
According to experts and professionals, a dog should eat 2 or 3% of its weight a day, so you will never be wrong.
When should my dog eat?
That will depend on you. There are those who prefer that their dog eat after them so that they know who is in charge, eating first the “head of the pack” and then him (this is usually the best option). Although there are also those who prefer that their dog eat before so that later it does not disturb them during their meal.
Whatever you choose, you must take something into account: dogs learn routines, so it is important that you mark them with meals. Always feed your pet at the same time and also in the same place.
And finally, to the question if the feeder should be plastic or metallic, we recommend that it be metallic based on the opinions of veterinarians. The plastic begins to crack very soon, even invisibly, accumulating endless bacteria that can harm your pet’s health.
On the other hand, the metallic one is much more hygienic and when it is washed it remains free of germs. So when you ask how much should my dog eat? You already know the answer.
