How much dry food per day does a dog need to give?

Dry food is the best diet for the dog, the owner of which prefers to save time. This type of food is used in dog clubs and professional nurseries specializing in breeding thoroughbred animals. When planning to transfer or train your pet to dry food, you should carefully read the recommendations of experienced breeders. How to calculate the daily feed rate? How many times a day can it be given to an animal? What other nuances need to be considered?

The calculation of the daily dry feed rate is carried out taking into account a number of important parameters. These include such as:

• breed of dog;
• animal weight and state of health;
• daily level of physical activity and stress;
• age.

Of great importance in the calculation are individual characteristics and the general physical condition of the pet. For example, for pregnant, sick, weakened and lactating dogs, the norms of dry food will differ from those recommended by healthy animals that do not expect offspring, or sterilized individuals.

They play a role in calculating the amount of dry food required per day, and the conditions of the dog, and the time of year. So, animals kept on the street (in an aviary or in a chain booth) need additional energy in winter for self-heating.

For females waiting or already feeding offspring, an additional quarter is added to the recommended feed rate. The daily dosage of hyperactive dogs and guard dogs, regularly experiencing physical activity, is increased by about a third of the prescribed norm. Also, a third increase the amount of feed to dogs participating in sports training and competitions.

Slow and sedentary dogs, as well as older animals, the daily portion is usually cut by about a third.

When calculating, it is also necessary to take into account that:

• nutritional and energy value (calorie content) of the type of feed used depends on its category;
• the average daily dry food limit for adult dogs is approximately 1 kg;
• overfeeding an animal in excess of the recommended norm is impossible;
• mixing dry feed with other food is not allowed (this increases the final calorie content of a serving);
• puppies are fed several times a day, young (over a year old) and adults - 2 times a day.

Table: Approximate daily average feed rates (in grams) depending on the physical activity of the animal.

When calculating the average daily volume of dry feed, it is important to consider its category, on which the nutritional and energy values ​​depend. So, all types of "drying" are usually divided into five classes.

• "Economy" - the cheapest version of feed, having a minimum value and made from low quality raw materials with a minimum content of animal protein.
• Premium - a relatively economical option with optimal nutritional value, including both animal and vegetable protein.
• Premium Plus - A variant of good feed with optimal nutritional value, enriched in fiber and animal fats.
• Premium Super - an elite version of feed with maximum value, enriched with vitamin-mineral complexes and various additives (probiotics and prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, oils).
• The most expensive are the feed categories "Holistic"made from natural raw materials of the highest quality. A characteristic feature of these feeds is the complete absence of additives in the form of preservatives, dyes, flavors, flavor enhancers. As a result, this type of feed is hypoallergenic.

The average calorie content of economic feeds varies within 270 calories per 100 grams (about 15 grams of feed fits in 1 tablespoon). When building a dog’s diet on this type of product, it is necessary to give the animal additional vitamin and mineral complexes and other useful additives - in particular, foods high in protein, fatty acids, animal fats.

These foods are characterized by a relatively high calorie content, varying between 320–330 calories per 100 grams. The basic raw materials for them are usually offal and meat waste of good quality, cereals, vegetables, fruits, fats and oils.

Foods of this class have the highest nutritional as well as energy value. Their average calorie content reaches about 400 calories per 100 grams of product. Based on the animal’s diet on this type of feed, the owner can be sure that his pet will receive all the necessary nutrients, micro and macro elements.

A manufacturer that is one of the leaders in the animal feed market.This brand produces products of the highest quality, made exclusively from natural raw materials: meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, cereals.

For the convenience of calculating the average daily feed rate of this brand, you can use the following table:

The small daily allowance for dry feed produced under this brand is due to its high nutritional and energy value. The optimal calorie content of such products provides the dog with the necessary energy and a full range of vitamins and minerals.

This brand produces dry feed of relatively good quality. The raw materials for the manufacture of products of this type are usually cereals, meat, offal, animal and vegetable fats. As an additional useful ingredient, the manufacturer uses brewer's yeast, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the coat and skin of the pet.

To carry out calculations of the average daily feed rate of this brand, it is recommended to use the following table:

Another well-known manufacturer that produces products that are designed for a wide variety of categories of dogs. The range of products of this brand includes feed for pregnant and lactating bitches, puppies, sterilized animals, as well as for adult dogs with overweight, sensitive digestion, a powerful, athletic and asthenic physique.

The main raw materials for this type of product are dried meat and fish, cereals, vegetables, egg powder, fish oil. Recommended daily allowance for the product is shown in the table below:

Experienced dog breeders recommend using a tablespoon (for dwarf dogs and puppies) or electronic scales (for large individuals, pregnant and lactating animals) for the convenience of determining the volume of each serving. In these ways, you can measure the right amount of product if the package does not have a measuring cup.

It should be noted that elite expensive feed due to its high nutritional value is consumed very economically. A large package may last for several weeks (depending on the age of the pet, its breed, health status and weight). For this reason, it is important to pay particular attention to the issue of the correct content of the product. It should be stored in a dry place with good ventilation.

The frequency of feeding depends primarily on the age of the animal. So, puppies should be fed several times a day. Dogs aged 1 year or more are fed 2 times a day, dividing the daily amount of food into morning and evening meals.

Table: Frequency of feeding puppies

Determine that the measured daily amount of food for the animal exceeds the norm or does not reach it, allow the appetite and behavior of the dog. In most cases, when a pet is full, it moves away from the bowl, leaving it half empty. A hungry and unsaturated dog will lick an empty bowl for a long time.

Food debris in a bowl after each pet’s meal indicates that the dry product norms were determined incorrectly. However, one should not forget that the animal may simply not like the new food. This is often found when replacing one product with another, less nutritious.

A well-fed animal is characterized by peaceful and calm behavior. When a dog is satisfied, it usually finds a cozy place and is laid to digest food. Immediately after eating, animals rarely show hyperactivity, requiring housekeeping or games.

It should be noted that, when transferring a pet to industrial types of feed, its weight should be controlled. If the dog does not completely eat its portion, this may indicate a low quality of the product - for example, a high content of vegetable protein. Such products are usually found in the budget lines of the economic category.

In order to prevent mistakes, thinking that the dog is already full, you should also control whether she has access to clean water. When an animal is thirsty, it is able to refuse food, not to eat it up or absorb it with difficulty and reluctance.

See how to choose the best dry food that is as close to natural as possible in the video below.