The quantity indicated on the dog food package does not always apply to the dog. To keep the dog healthy, you must not give it too much or too little food. An overfed dog can get arthritis, diabetes, liver problems and general lack of stamina. To keep the dog in optimal health, one must calculate how much food the dog needs per day and give it that amount.
Different dogs require different amounts of food; by calculating individual calorie requirements, the dog owner can ensure that their dog is neither overfed nor underfed.
To calculate the right amount of food, you need to know the ideal body weight for the size of the dog. If you are unsure, ask your vet for advice.
The general rule for calorie requirements at rest is: (body weight in kg) x 30 + 70 = calorie requirements at rest. The resting calorie requirement is the amount of calories the dog needs to maintain its body weight when absolutely still. The calories are used by the body for metabolism and respiration.
The resting calorie requirement figure is multiplied by 1.6 for a neutered adult dog, by 1.8 for a non-neutered adult dog and by 1.4 for an obesity-prone adult dog. An adult dog is one year of age or older. This figure refers to the calorie requirement of a normal working dog. Dogs that work a lot, pregnant or nursing females require more calories; consult your veterinarian if necessary. The calculated number is the daily calorie requirement for the dog to maintain its current body weight with normal exercise.
To calculate the amount of food of the corresponding dog food, one must pay attention to the calorie indication on the packaging.
Hints: For an overweight dog to lose weight, do not use its current body weight to calculate calorie requirements, but the ideal weight of a dog of its size. Treats and rewards should be included in the amount of food. A dog should not get more than 10% of its calories in the form of treats.
To keep the dog in optimal health, diet and exercise must be equally optimised. A dog that loses or gains a lot of weight in a short time could be sick and should be taken to the vet.
