Although energy requirements vary greatly, protein needs are fairly constant, with adult dogs generally needing at least 1 gram per pound, and adult cats at least 2 grams per pound. Each dog should have its own food bowl so you can keep track of how much each dog is consuming in a day. This can be tricky though, as dogs have different metabolisms and activity levels. What Counts Toward My Dogs Daily Calorie Intake? You should be able to feel them with light pressure, but not visibly see them. Considering the type of dog food, dog food portion size, and how much food your dog needs by weight can make a huge difference in dog weight management. 200 to 275 calories 20 lbs. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Why Do I Need to Calculate My Dogs Calorie Needs? Slow feeder dog bowls force your dog to eat at a slower pace, which is great for their digestion and reduces the chances that they will get bloated, choke, or vomit after eating. The basic core calorie requirements for dogs are determined by Resting Energy Requirements or RER, which can be calculated by raising the animal's body weight in kilograms to the power and multiplying that total by 70. The best practice is to set out what your dog will eat for the day in baggies, and when it is gone for the day, it is gone. Most vets recommend feeding your dog twice daily, as we mentioned earlier. More. Use this tool to determine the proper number of calories your dog will require on a daily basis to stay fit and trim! In addition to reevaluating whats in your dogs food, consider the habits youre establishing. If your dog exercises, youll need to add more calories into their diet. Weight loss is tough for anyone - two- or four-legged! 45 lbs / 2.2 = 20.5 kg; 70 x 20.5^0.75 = 674 kcal/day; 1.6 x 672 = 1075 kcal/day The Dangers of Obesity/Malnutrition in Dogs. Do not dramatically cut back your dogs food, as this can upset your dogs metabolism, making weight loss more difficult. Want to make things even easier? The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. Thats where Canine Bibles handy dog calorie calculator comes in! For example, a 22-pound dog is 10 kg. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog's size and current condition. Treats, table scraps, and the bowl of cat food your dog sneaks every now and then can potentially put weight on your dog. While you can calculate your dogs calorie needs with the equations above, for quick reference weve included some handy tables below! If youve got a dog that participates in sports like flyball and weight pull, or a working dog like a police or cadaver dog, your dog needs more calories than the average pet. Even a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, pregnant or nursing dogs need more calories than the average adult dog. It is also more difficult for a dog that is fixed to build muscle, and muscle is a driving factor in metabolism. A basic formula for weight loss in pets is: Ideal weight in pounds divided by 2.2 gives you weight in kilograms (kg) Calculate the Resting Energy Requirements (RER) based on this ideal weight: Without further gain or dietary change, that dog will need about 700 hours of walking, 350 hours of walking off leash, or even 233 hours of running fast. Start now! Fill out a few important questions, such as your dogs breed, age, weight, body condition and activity level, and well create a customized meal plan for you. Large Breeds: (60-100 pounds) 3 to 4 1/2 cups per day, plus 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds. Helping your cuddly canine to shed a few pounds may be easier than you think. Remember to adjust for age as well. Like humans and all other animals, dogs need a certain number of calories to maintain energy and body mass. Also, make sure to choose. It is essential to work with a veterinarian to design a complete and balanced homemade diet for your dog. If you notice your dog has an oval or round shape, they are likely overweight. Take your dog's weight in kilograms, multiply by 30, and add 70 (or, take their weight in pounds, divide by 2.2, multiply this figure by 30 and add 70). Healthy weight loss takes time, but helping your dog improve their quality of life and health is worth it! Malnourished dogs can be overweight or underweight. Using these calculations are a great starting point but be ready to make adjustments if needed. We can then plug that body weight in kilograms into our equation. If there is a decimal, round down to the closest measurable number, such as , or . Use one of these equations: RER x 1.2, RER x 1.3, RER x 1.4. bone apptreat Love human food? These toys are not only exciting for your dog, encouraging them to get up and move around as they solve the puzzles, but they are also mentally stimulating, which is an essential part of your dogs health too. If your dog is eyeing the empty food bowl, a drink of cold, fresh water may satisfy the craving. Search our database of over 13360 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. },{ "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "A healthy dog won’t have protruding ribs, but you should be able to feel their ribs without needing to press hard. She hosts a podcast focusing on folklore and myth and loves spending her free time researching and writing. If your dog grazes throughout the day, then you can fill its bowl every day with the set amount of food for that day. Your vet is the most knowledgeable source for this, but well give you some baselines here. When they ween, usually around 3 to 4 weeks, they should be transferred to an appropriate puppy food. The other thing you need to consult with your dogs veterinarian to determine your dogs ideal or target weight. However, losing weight and getting in shape can not only add not years to your dog's life, but it can also make those extra years more enjoyable. Here are some things to keep in mind: If youre still not sure about how much to feed your dog, re-read the previous section to get a baseline and check in with your vet! Dogs with a body condition score of 6 out of 9 are overweight, and 7 to 9+ are considered obese. Use the following equation for puppies in this age group: RER x 3. (614) 889-8070, If you have a disability and experience difficulty accessing this content, contact CVM-DigitalAccessibility@osu.edu, Hummel & Trueman Hospital for Companion Animals, Body Condition & Muscle Condition Score Charts, Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Pet Foods, Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine Services, Dachshund now healthy after losing 44 pounds, Reasons to come to an Academic Veterinary Medical Center, Veterinary Medical Center Clinics and Facilities, Canine Sports Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation, Honoring the Bond: Support & Resources for Pet Owners, OSU-CVM Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine Service. The biggest variable here is simply their activity level. So, a 10-pound dog weighs 4.5 kg and a 50-pound dog weighs 22.7 kg. The. And finally, for very large dogs that are 77 or bigger, feed 24 to 30 ounces per day of dog food. For many dogs, the best way to feed will be by feeding a specific diet food in several meals per day. Known life stages and corresponding factors used to estimate daily energy needs for dogs. It should feel like a brisk walk, and you should break into a light sweat. Add more physical activity to get to your weight-loss goals faster and maintain your weight loss. Does your dog snarf up crumbs? Just like humans, dogs should never go on a crash diet, nor is it ideal for them to go on and off diets. Once you know your dogs ideal weight, you can start to reduce the food and treats youre giving them, along with making other healthy lifestyle swaps to help them lose weight. Even a few extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. If you are using a reducing diet obtained from your veterinarian, the calorie content of the food will be on the label, and a member of your veterinary healthcare team will help you determine the appropriate amount to feed. But, that same 2011 study found that sodium levels . The distraction and interaction may be just enough to make him forget his desire for food. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, How Much Wet Food to Feed a Cat Every Day, The 6 Best Cat Foods for Weight Loss of 2023, The 11 Best Dog Foods for Older Dogs of 2023, The Best Dog Foods That Your Pup Will Chow Down, Difference between calories and kilocalories, Seniors: RER * 1.6 (adjust based on activity level and medical needs). This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice. And as a pet parent, youre responsible for feeding your dog the right proportions and nutrients. In a 12-week study, people with obesity restricted calories by 500-800 per day. 3-1/3 to 4-1/4. Does your dog inhale their food the minute you put it down? How to Calculate Pet Food Dry Matter Basis (with Calculator), Diet for Overweight Dogs: Weight loss & Management, To determine the calorie needs of a fixed dog, use this equation: RER x 1.6, To determine their calorie needs, use this equation: RER x1.8. In a calculator on your computer click 'scientific' unless you have a scientific calculator at home. Small-medium dogs (10 to 30 pounds) - 320 - 480 daily calories Medium-large dogs (30 to 50 pounds) - 640 - 800 daily calories Large dogs (50 to 70 pounds) - 960 - 1120 daily calories You get the gist! Caring for your pup means more than just grabbing whatever store-bought dog food is on sale and hoping for the best. 1. If your veterinarian has determined your dog is overweight, you will use the RER you already determined as their calorie needs. To calculate kg, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2. (c) 2022 Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Typical Total Daily Calories to achieve Weight Loss. If your dog needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime. Using an outdated weight or a weight youre ballparking isnt going to give you an accurate measurement. However, you may need to adjust the amount you feed based on your dog's needs. About your dog Approx ideal weight . The daily feeding recommendations on the label can be used as a general guideline and are fine for many dogs. Start by feeding of the new diet mixed with of the old diet for one to two days, then increase to half-and-half for another two days, then new food and old food for a final two to three days before completely switching to the new diet. For both conditions, you'll want a low-sodium food. Highly active dogs will naturally burn more calories, as will any dog with a particularly high metabolic rate. To calculate your dogs calorie needs, there are two important things you need to do first. Our Forbes . One of the best ways to determine how much you should feed your dog is by looking at your dogs weight or ideal weight if they are overweight and referencing a dog feeding chart. Many puzzle toys use treats, but you can always swap these out with kibble or soft, healthy treats, like our. If you do use an automatic feeder, use one that opens with a timer. ", "name": "Check for fat pads." In particular, Hills Prescription Diet metabolic weight management dog food has been a miracle product for many dogs that arent losing weight. A 60-pound dog is about 27 kg. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain. Lastly, remember that slow and steady wins the weight-loss race. Dogs in the herding family, for example, range from short-legged Corgis to large Sheepdogs, so ideal weights will vary. In healthy pets, coat and skin quality also can be affected by the amount of protein (and a number of other nutrients) consumed. You should never put your dog on a diet without the assistance of your veterinary healthcare team. Pet Nutrition Alliance. If your dog is lethargic, has trouble breathing, or struggles to walk comfortably, this could be a result of extra weight. If your dog isnt getting enough daily exercise, a great place to start is by taking them on a regular walk around the neighborhood. Pet Keen is reader-supported. If you have more specific dog calorie requirement concerns and nutritional questions, talk to our registered online dog veterinarians now. If youre worried about overfeeding or underfeeding your dog, consider our healthy meal delivery service, which comes with pre-portioned, nutritious meals customized to your dogs needs. To calculate RER, multiply 70 by the body weight in kilograms raised to 3/4 power. To determine a dog's caloric needs, the dog's resting energy requirement (RER) and maintenance energy requirement (MER) must be calculated from the dog's weight in kilograms, or kg. General recommendations for caloric intake are based on an ideal body condition. The following information is based on this publication and should be used for general purposes only. She resides in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years. No matter the amount you land on, all dogs will benefit from a consistent feeding schedule. Puppies in this age group are still growing rapidly and most dogs continue to grow for 18-24 months. Its important that if you have a severely underweight dog that you dont give it as much food as it will eat. It simply requires a commitment to weight loss and fitness, attention to details, and the assistance of your veterinary healthcare team. It can lead to arthritis and increase the risk of things like tendon tears and slipped vertebral discs. If they do, this means they are likely at a healthy weight. Considering the type of dog food, dog food portion size, and how much food your dog needs by weight can make a huge difference in dog weight management. dog (around 10 kg) adult neutered dog of healthy weight needs an RER of 70 (10kg) () = 400 calories/day. It is vital that you know how many calories are in the food that your dog is eating, and that you count the calories or measure the food when entering into a weight reduction program. Consider buying a special dish designed to slow them down as they eat. Make sure to discuss your pets healthy weight with your veterinarian every year. As the name alludes to, resting energy requirement is the calories your dog would need it they were to rest all day. Consider a 10-pound Shih Tzu that is 12 years old with an average activity level for a senior dog. This table gives suggested caloric requirements based on weight, not taking into account activity levels. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Canine Bible is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This should be about a 12-15 minute per mile pace (7-9 minutes per kilometer). To determine your dogs weight in kilograms, divide its weight in pounds by 2.2. A healthy weight loss is between one to five pounds per month based on your dog's size and current condition. So for example, lets say your dog is 20 pounds. Talking with a vet may help you diagnose if theres something else causing the problem and, if so, how to treat it. 4. Assess your individual dog's average daily activity. While walking can help you lose weight, it's more effective when also following a calorie-restricted diet. Note that if your puppy is a giant breed, it may have different nutritional needs, so verify the calories you calculate with your vet before implementing it. If your veterinarian determines that your pet is underweight, overweight, or has obesity, diagnostic tests may be recommended to rule out an underlying disease process. Other times, it isnt so simple. The amount is then adjusted up or down as needed to maintain a healthy body condition score. This might be as long as six to eight months, with the goal of losing between one and five pounds each month. Feeding treats or table scraps will add to your dog's calorie intake. Consult your vet for help customizing your dog's MER. For instance, you might burn an extra 250 calories with exercise and consume 250 . Body weight in pounds. Learn more. Give a couple of pieces of vegetables such as baby carrots, frozen sliced carrots, broccoli, green beans, celery, or asparagus. At least ninety percent of your dog's daily calorie intake should come from a complete and balanced diet. The easiest way is to ask your veterinarianmany vets are happy to calculate this number for you. Puppy over 4 mos. While dogs can safely eat many types of human food, its usually best to avoid giving your dog human food. Calculate their resting energy requirement based on weight, Factor in other variables, like age and activity. Small Breeds (10-20 pounds): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day. Use this equation: RER x 2 up to RER x 5. Suggested Calorie Intake for Dogs by Weight 10 lbs. For example, some dog breeds also require more or less energy by the inherent nature of their breed. Again, you should always consult with your veterinarian for accurate weight expectations, especially if you have a mixed breed. ", "name": "Look at your dog from their side." That way, every goody your pup gets is packed with nutrition, not a bunch of empty calories. A 100-pound dog is about 45 kg. Many dogs will be just as excited to eat healthy fruit as they will meat or dairy! Even small amounts of these can lead to weight gain in dogs prone to obesity. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Does your dog have a swinging or sagging stomach? Dr. Harrison is part of The Spruce Pets veterinary review board. Do not use a self-feeder. Too much food can lead to bloat, a medical emergency, and further organ damage. First, the energy to perform essential body functions like digestion, respiration, heart functions, brain functions, etc. Of course, your veterinarian is always the best source of advice when it comes to canine nutrition. If your dog needs some extra motivation, incentivize them with active playtime. How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have In A Litter? Use the following equation for puppies in this age group: RER x 2. Why Your Dogs Losing Weight and What to Do, How to Use GPS Dog Tracking Collars to Help Your Pup Lose Weight, 5 Health Benefits You Can Expect When You Help Your Dog Lose Weight, How to Help a Puppy Who Isnt Gaining Weight, How Hydrotherapy and Swimming Can Benefit Dogs, Hills Prescription Diet metabolic weight management dog food, Cushings syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs. When looking at pet food labels, the term kcal is used most often. The second, and most impactful way, to cut your Dachshund's calories is to simply feed them less of their regular food. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing or contributing to your dog's excess weight. Every package of dog food has a recommended feeding amount listed on it. 4-1/4 plus 1/4 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs. There are so many factors that play into how many calories your dog needs in a day, so calculating the totals and talking with your vet is very important. The charts below provide recommendations by breed and stature. Some common diseases associated with weight gain include hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). Please consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet. To lose weight, most people need to reduce the number of calories they consume and increase their physical activity, according to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If you feed treats, make sure to include those in the total daily calorie count as well! Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Losing Weight. We often dont realize how much our dog is eating until we start tracking how much we feed our dog. As puppies continue to grow, they need slightly less calories per day. Or maybe your dog has a. that needs some TLC. Already have a myVCA account? No More Doggy Dishwasher While diet is usually the #1 factor in weight management, making sure your pup is getting enough exercise is important, too. 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