How much a dog eats

One of the most important aspects of caring for a dog is making sure it gets the right amount of food to keep it healthy and fit. Like humans, dogs need a balanced diet to grow and develop. However, figuring out the exact amount of food can be a challenge for many dog owners.

Nutritional needs

Every dog has specific nutritional needs based on a number of factors, such as weight, size, breed, level of daily activity and stage of life. It is crucial to consider all these aspects while choosing the right food for your dog.

Providing the right amount of food is crucial to their well-being. If a dog overeats, it can become overweight, which in turn can cause short- and long-term health problems, such as joint pain or intestinal discomfort. On the other hand, if he does not eat enough, he may suffer from malnutrition and vitamin or mineral deficiencies, which could lead to problems such as anaemia or lack of vitality.

Factors affecting the nutritional requirements of dogs

1.- Size and weight: A dog’s size and weight are key factors in determining how much food it needs.

Mini breed dogs, up to 10 kg in adulthood, need a special diet to support their rapid growth and provide them with energy according to their fast metabolism. They have small stomachs and shorter digestions. That is why they need to take in more calories per gram of body weight, to maintain body heat. These breeds also need a higher nutrient content in their food to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

In the medium-sized dogs there is a range of weights from 10 to 30 kilos, and each breed and each individual dog will require a specific amount.

2.- Age: A dog’s nutritional needs change over the course of its life.

Puppies and young dogs up to two years of age should have a higher nutritional intake as they require more energy since they are more active and able to develop further. A puppy up to 2 months old does not have the same nutritional needs as a puppy up to 9 months old.

Growing puppies need a high-calorie diet to support their development, while adult dogs need a more balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Older dogs, on the other hand, over the age of 7 years, may require specific diets to address age-related health problems such as arthritis or decreased kidney function.

3.- Activity level: Active dogs that participate in activities such as running, playing or training regularly will need more calories than those that lead a more sedentary lifestyle or are sterilised.

4.- Health status: Dogs with certain medical conditions may require special diets or adjustments to the amount of food they consume. For example, dogs with diabetes may need a low-carbohydrate diet, while those with digestive problems may need easily digestible foods.

There is no magic formula to calculate the right amount of food, but a good guide is to consult the “Feeding Guide” printed on all Picart food bags and on the product sheets on our website. This guide gives the recommended daily rations according to the dog’s weight. For example, if you have a medium breed puppy you can find it here.

Solutions for every need

We always recommend choosing a complete dog food that meets the specific needs of the dog at each stage of its life, providing the amount of protein, fats, minerals and vitamins it needs.

To find out exactly what type of food you can give your faithful friend, you can use our Nutritional Search Enginer, a tool that offers you different possibilities based on the breed, age and condition you enter, so that you can choose the variety that best suits your dog.

At Picart we work with veterinary experts and nutritionists to provide healthy, natural and high quality options for all types of dog needs; natural food without cereals, food for medium breed dogs, food for maxi breed dogs, food for mini breed dogs, food for senior dogs, food for puppies, food for adult dogs, food for sterilised dogs, light food, food for dogs with intense physical activity or that are exposed to the cold, etc.

Remember that the amount of food may need to be adjusted over time, so keep an eye on any changes in your dog’s weight or body condition and adjust his diet accordingly. With proper care and a balanced diet, your dog will be well fed and ready to enjoy a happy and healthy life at your side.