How to calculate dog food

Pets need proper nutrition just as much as their owners. By feeding a balanced diet, you'll help your pet maintain beauty and good physical condition, and save yourself the expense of medical treatment.

The amount of food a dog needs depends on its individual needs, which can be difficult to determine on your own, and relying solely on its appetite isn't always practical. Therefore, when preparing a dog's diet, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian and learn how to calculate daily portions.

Types of feed

A dog's diet can consist of dry food, wet food, homemade food, or a combination of these. Their energy content varies significantly, and therefore, the amount of food required will also vary. Owners of large dogs typically prefer dry food, as it's more caloric, meaning less is needed per kilogram of the animal's weight.

When eating homemade food It's important to formulate a diet that contains sufficient amounts of the nutrients the animal needs. Veterinarians recommend that 70% of a dog's diet be meat, with the remaining 30% consisting of foods containing fiber and carbohydrates, such as cooked vegetables, brown rice, and eggs.

Dry food These are granules or croquettes made by drying products at a low temperature, with a moisture content of no more than 10%. They contain meat products, vegetables, grains, and a vitamin and mineral complex. Some manufacturers add substances that extend shelf life and/or flavorings.

Wet food These foods are available in airtight packaging: doy-packs, flow-packs, pouches, and sachets. These packages contain pieces of meat, offal, vegetables, or grains, filled with broth or sauce, with a moisture content of approximately 50%. These foods almost always contain preservatives.

Canned dog food They contain virtually the same ingredients as stand-up pouches or pouches. Their moisture content may be slightly higher, up to 70-75%, and they have a longer shelf life because they are packaged in metal cans.

Feed calculation criteria

At different stages of a dog's life, its diet must be adapted to its physical and behavioral characteristics. For example, a puppy's nutritional needs differ significantly from those of an adult. Because puppies grow rapidly, their bodies require significantly more calories—up to one year old, twice as many as an adult (based on energy expenditure per kilogram of body weight).

The dog's breed and lifestyle also play a role. An active hunting basset hound will undoubtedly need more food than a calm French bulldog of the same weight living in an apartment. Pregnant and nursing bitches should be fed a third more than the standard daily allowance.

If your pet has been spayed, they will likely experience decreased physical activity, a slower metabolism, and may have an increased appetite. This should also be taken into account when calculating their diet. Veterinarians recommend switching these animals to a lower-calorie diet. Many commercial food companies offer special menus for neutered and spayed cats and dogs.

Important! Water is an essential nutrient for dogs. While the amount of water in dry, wet, and homemade foods varies significantly, the amount of liquid in any given food is insufficient for a dog. On average, a dog should consume 50 g of water per 1 kg of body weight per day. To ensure adequate drinking, always keep a bowl of fresh water within easy reach.

Calculating the daily value

The ration is calculated by dividing the animal's daily energy requirement by the caloric value of the food. An adult dog requires approximately 50 kcal per 1 kg of body weight per day. The amount of food depends on the type and quality of the food. For example, dry kibble made from low-quality ingredients has an energy value of approximately 250 kcal/100 g. premium class, which contains more animal proteins - on average 350 kcal/100 g, super premium class And holistic — up to 450 kcal/100 g. The energy value of standard wet food in flexible packaging or cans is from 75 to 100 kcal/100 g.

If you feed your pet homemade food, the daily diet, calculated per kilogram of weight, should include:

• 1-2 g of fat;
• 3-4 g of protein;
• 12-15 g of carbohydrates.

To calculate the amount of food in your dog's daily menu based on its weight and age, you can use the NutriCalc diet calculator.

Average daily feeding amounts for dry and wet food are usually listed on the packaging. There are also calculation charts that take into account the pet's weight and activity level.

Important! Your dog's daily food intake should be based not on your dog's current weight, but on the ideal weight for its age and breed.

Diet

A young puppy is usually fed 4-6 times a day, while an adult dog is fed 2-3 times. An older dog, whose stomach and intestines are less efficient with age, is best fed in small portions, with a "baby" feeding schedule. Since it takes about 6 hours for dogs to digest food, and it's undesirable to physically exert them during this time, veterinarians recommend feeding them after a walk.

Dogs should be fed at regular times every day; food shouldn't sit in their bowl all day. Between feedings, don't give your pet any treats from the owner's table, no matter how adorably your four-legged friend begs for them.

Read also:

• Obesity in dogs
• Why dogs can't eat pork
• Feeding recommendations for an older dog