Did you know that between 50 and 60% of dogs in Canada are overweight or obese (1)? Obesity can have severe consequences for their health and well-being, such as increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. That’s why managing dog food portions is important to avoid overfeeding them. Read on to learn some valuable tips for measuring and controlling your dog’s food intake so you can help them stay fit and healthy.
A Guide to Dog Food Measurement
Maintaining your dog’s health and preventing obesity begins with measuring their food. Let’s begin with some straightforward steps you can take to measure your dog’s food correctly:
Check feeding guidelines: Most pet food packaging will have a feeding guide that roughly estimates how much food your dog needs. However, it’s best to also consider your dog’s weight, age, and activity level when carrying out portion control.
Use a general rule of thumb, which is to feed your dog 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily (2). You can use this as a starting point for determining their daily food requirements. Note that this guideline is most commonly applied to fresh or raw food diets. For commercial kibble, follow the manufacturer’s feeding chart as calorie density varies significantly between products.
Use a formula: To determine how much food your dog needs daily, you can use a simple formula: (Weight in pounds) x (2–3%) = Daily food requirements in ounces for fresh food. For kibble, use the feeding chart on your dog food package and adjust based on body condition.
Measure out appropriate portions: Once you have determined the daily food requirements, you can measure the proper amount at each meal.
Use a kitchen scale: Invest in a kitchen scale to accurately measure food portions. Doing this will help you ensure that you feed your dog the right amount of food.
Monitor and adjust: Record food portions given and monitor your dog’s weight. Adjust food portions as necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
Please remember that each dog is individual and may have different nutritional needs.
A Word About Senior Dogs
As dogs get older, just like people, their metabolism tends to slow down. You may notice that they aren’t as active as they used to be. Many veterinary sources recognize this change can begin around 7-8 years for large breeds, and 10-12 years for smaller breeds (3).
As a result, senior dogs may not need as much food as younger ones. The amount of food your pup needs also depends on their breed, overall health, activity level, and individual needs.
With these factors in mind, a beneficial diet for aging dogs might include:
- fewer calories and fat
- adequate protein to maintain muscle mass
- more fiber to support digestion
- antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support their immune system and joints
These added nutrients can help support their immune system, joints, and digestion. To figure out which formula is right for your old companion and how to implement portion control when managing dog food portions, have a chat with your vet.
Important: Before changing your dog’s diet, always talk to your vet.
Managing Dog Food Intake
Providing smaller meals throughout the day will help you manage dog food portions and maintain your dog’s health. For example, instead of serving your dog one large meal, dividing their food into smaller meals throughout the day can help control their food intake and prevent overeating.
Here are some tips for feeding small meals throughout the day:
Divide daily food requirements into multiple meals: Instead of offering one large meal at dinner time, divide their daily food requirements into several smaller meals, multiple times a day.
Space meals out evenly: Regular, smaller bowls throughout the day mean your dog only goes for a short time without eating.
Use a portion control device: Use a portion control dog bowl or automatic pet feeder to ensure your dog receives the appropriate amount of food at each meal.
Monitor your dog’s weight: Keep an eye on your pet’s weight and adjust meal sizes as needed.
Make Portion Control Enjoyable!
Using a food puzzle is a fun way for managing dog food portions, provide mental stimulation, and maintain their health. A food puzzle is an interactive toy or bowl that requires your dog to work for its food, which can help slow down its eating and prevent overeating.
Here are some tips for using a food puzzle:
- Choose the appropriate puzzle: Choose a product suitable for your dog’s size, age, and skill level.
- Start with small portions: Begin with small quantities of food and increase as your dog becomes more adept at solving the mystery.
- Use a puzzle bowl at mealtimes to slow down your dog’s eating and prevent overeating.
These products can be fun and effective for managing dog food portions while also giving mental stimulation and promoting very healthy eating habits. Please always supervise your dog when they are using a food puzzle. You may want to consider other options if they don’t show enough interest or seem frustrated with their mission.
Managing Dog Food Portions with a Smart Device
A more convenient and clever solution to control how much food your dog eats is an automatic feeder. Based on your customized feeding plan, these devices can automatically feed your dog the right amount of food at the right time.
For example, you might use an automatic feeder to dispense three small, controlled portions of kibble for your dog while at work. You could configure the voice control to announce, “Dinner time!” to make your pet feel comforted and happy, and then monitor and adjust the feeder from your phone anytime.
When choosing an automatic dispenser for your dog, consider the following tips:
- Choose the correct type of food: work with your vet to find a suitable product for their size and appetite.
- Set up the feeding plan according to your pet’s individual needs.
- Adjust the portion size and frequency based on the animal’s weight, age, and activity level.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and eating habits. Ensure the device’s app lets you see the remaining food amount, the feeding status, and the battery level.
Please note: it’s best to use this solution in conjunction with monitoring your pet’s weight manually and not as a sole solution for managing their food portions.
Helping Your Dog Stay at a Healthy Weight
Monitoring your dog’s weight is a crucial aspect of managing dog food portions, which, in turn, is necessary to maintain their health and prevent obesity. By keeping track of your pup’s weight, you can ensure they maintain a healthy weight and adjust their food portions accordingly.
Here are some steps for monitoring your dog’s weight:
- Weigh your dog regularly, at least once a month or as directed by your vet.
- Please keep a record of your dog’s weight, along with any changes in their diet or exercise routine.
- Compare to the ideal weight range: Compare your dog’s current weight to the range recommended based on its breed, size, and age. (Large breeds tend to reach their adult weight later than small breeds—they may need more food during their growth stage.)
- Use a calorie calculator; these tools help determine how much food and treats to feed your dog to reach their ideal weight.
- Adjust food portions as necessary. If your dog is overweight or underweight, adjust their food portions accordingly.
- Consult with a vet: If you notice any big changes in your pet’s weight, talk to your vet to rule out underlying health problems.
Please note that monitoring your dog’s weight means measuring their food portions while following your vet’s recommendations closely. Regularly checking their weight can help you know how to feed them well and keep them healthy for life.
What Is the 25% Rule for Dog Food?
The “25% rule” is a naming convention established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that can help us determine the proportion of the main ingredient in our pets’ food (4).
The rule states that if the primary ingredient (like chicken, beef, or lamb) makes up at least 25% (but less than 95%) of the total product weight (excluding water for processing), then the name must include a qualifying word like “dinner,” “nuggets,” “entree,” “platter,” or “formula.”
For instance, a bag of kibble labeled “Chicken Dinner for Dogs” must have at least 25% chicken—but not more than 95%.
This guideline can also help us:
- Compare dog food and find the one that best suits our pets’ nutritional requirements
- Understand the actual meat content in the product
However, this rule applies to the product weight and doesn’t necessarily reflect the protein content. Please always check the guaranteed analysis panel for actual protein percentages and ask your local vet about the best food for your dog’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Managing dog food portions is key to maintaining their health and preventing obesity. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight and enjoys a long and happy life. Please remember to feed smaller meals, pre-measure food or use portion control devices, and monitor their weight. Give a food puzzle a try—your pet will love it!
Sources and Further Reading
- The Challenge Behind Addressing Pet Obesity in Veterinary Clinics – Ontario Veterinary College
- How Much Should I Feed My Dog? – PetMD
- How Much Food Should I Feed My Dog? – Chewy
- Pet Food Labels – General – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Obesity in Dogs – VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
- Overweight, Obesity, and Pain in Dogs: Overview – VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
