[Clough]

Hi, All!

The title is my question.

How is that determined, please?

Is there some table to reference? Weight? Activity?

Thanks!

[KISS]

Weight, age determine type of food and how much to feed.

Read the instructions on the bag. Works every time.

[tickle]

Age, size and type of dog (activity level) determines for the most part how much you feed. There is a feeding scale by weight on the panel of every dog food bag. Or you can find more in depth information on Google if it is a specific breed.

Tick

[Clough]

Okay, I forgot about reading the label!

Duh!

Thanks!

[KISS]

Here are some instructions:

Pet Food Labels - General

[Clough]

Hey!

That's great information on that site!

Thanks, KISS!

[shazamataz]

The labels are just a guide really, some dogs need a lot more or a lot less than what it recommends on the instructions.

One of mine gets about a cup more than it suggests and the other gets a cup less!

Just like people, dogs have different metabolisms, it's just a balancing act with how much you feed. Keep an eye on your dogs weight and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

If you run your hand down your dogs back with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other you should be able to easily feel the last few ribs, but never the spine. And if you have a short coated dog you should be able to see the last 2 ribs when the dog is moving.
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that if you can see ribs then the dog is underweight... not true, it means they are healthy.

Having an overweight dog is a great way to decrease your dogs lifespan.

[Clough]

Right now, I'm taking care of three dogs. A Husky, Yellow Lab and an English Setter.

I feed them twice a day with dry food.

I've heard that some dogs only get fed once a day.

Would once a day be enough for these dogs? None of them are old. The Husky and English setter get about a cup at each feeding. The Lab gets nearly two cups each feeding time.

All of these feeding amounts, I think, are vet recommended.

However, I'd like some different confirmations/viewpoints here.

Thanks!

[shazamataz]

All 3 of those breeds should be fed 2 meals a day, not just 1... it has nothing to do with the amount of food but rather it decreases the change of gastric torsion, otherwise known as bloat.
With deep chested dogs if they eat a large meal quickly or they run around before or after a meal it can cause their stomach to twist, trapping expanding gasses inside their body.

I only have little dogs so mine get one big meal a day plus a chicken neck for breakfast. Small dogs have little to no chance of bloat.

[Clough]

Would the English Setter be considered to be a small dog?

Thanks!

[shazamataz]

I would class setters to be medium/large ;)

[Clough]

The Setter is named Emma. She's knows when to not eat anymore. She's just not hungry after she is full. She'll actually not eat, sometimes, even when it's time to be fed.

The Lab is named Jake. I think that he could eat all day - scarfs down the food.

Princess is the Husky. She's the boss! But, she's a slow eater.


They all get a "treat" after the meals. It's dry, in the shape of a bone.

Is giving a treat after every meal a bad thing?

Thanks!

[shazamataz]

No there's nothing wrong with giving a treat as long as they eat their dinner.
If they aren't eating their dinner it might be because they know there is a treat coming afterwards ;)

Mine always get a treat before going to bed, they get a beef strap and a crunchy bone the same as yours.

And yep, Huskies can be bossy little things, a friend of mine has one and he is the king of their household!

[Clough]

So, I've asked the question about treats on another thread.

What's the difference between the treat and dinner, please?

Thanks!

[shazamataz]

I remember that thread...

To dogs, dinner is just the same things they get every night, they like it but it's nothing special. Whereas a treat is just a small thing that they only get at special times, like when they are being rewarded for something (ie: finishing all their dinner)

[KISS]

Clough:

A point to remember:

If ALL else fails, read the directions.

[Clough]

Clough:

A point to remember:

If ALL else fails, read the directions.

Yeah, I know...

But each case is potentially different.

Thanks!