Wet food is usually very popular with dogs.
And dog owners also appreciate the opportunity to support their dog’s fluid balance with wet food and thus ensure a healthy animal.
But the question quickly arises as to how much wet food an adult dog needs per day.
This article explains how you can calculate this and what you absolutely have to consider.
In a nutshell: How many grams of wet food does my dog need per day?
The right amount of wet food for an adult dog is calculated individually for each dog based on its weight. The rule of thumb states that 2 to 3.5% of the dog’s body weight determines how many grams of wet food the dog needs per day. For a healthy dog weighing 15 kilograms, the amount of food would be 375 grams per day.
It is important to adjust the amount to the age, activity level and state of health of the dog. The wet food should provide the dog with sufficient energy, but not overfeed it.
if you are unsure how much wet food your dog needs per day, you can also consult a veterinarian at any time. at Dr. Sam you can easily book an online consultation via WhatsApp.
This is how you determine the right amount of food
As a rule of thumb for an average dog, the amount of wet food needed should be 2% to 3.5% of its ideal body weight.
There are also very individual factors:
- Old
- activity level
- health status
- type of food
- Size
- Amount of extra treats fed
Growing young dogs need more energy than sprightly pensioners and high-performance athletes more than kings of the sofa.
Tip:
To calculate the right amount of wet food for your dog, use the following formula:
Dog with high energy demand: (body weight x 3.5) : 100
Medium energy dog: (body weight x 2.5) : 100
Dog with low energy requirement: (body weight x 2) : 100
The body weight is always the ideal weight of your dog.
Examples:
Old Labrador, 30 kg:
(30 x 2) : 100 = 1.05
So this dog needs 1.05 kg of wet food.
Sporty Border Collie, 18 kg:
(18 x 3.5) : 100 = 0.63
This dog needs 630 g of wet food.
Feeding chart for wet food
It is not just the quantity that is important for feeding your dog, but also the energy it contains in kcal or kJ.
This table can serve as a guide, but must be individually adapted to each dog.
Adult dog weightEnergy requirementFeed amountsmall dogs2 kg208 kcal50 g5 kg352 kcal125 g7.5 kg 472 kcal190 gMedium sized dogs10 kg592 kcal250 g15 kg832 kcal375 g20 kg1,072 kcal500 g25 kg1,312 kcal625 gbig dogs30 kg1,552 kcal750 g40 kg2,032 kcal875 g50 kg2,512 kcal1 kg60 kg2,992 kcal1.25 kg70 kg3,472 kcal1.5 kg
Check manufacturer information
Every manufacturer puts his wet food together differently. Therefore, the nutrient distribution also differs. In addition, many varieties are designed for special needs, eg for overweight dogs, old dogs or dogs with allergies.
Whenever you change your feed, you should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that your dog’s needs are optimally met.
Listen to your gut feeling
Nobody knows your dog as well as you do. Therefore, nobody can estimate how much wet food your dog needs per day as well as you.
Check his eating habits regularly:
Does your dog eat everything or leave something behind?
If he doesn’t eat his bowl regularly, reduce the amount of food. However, watch your dog for signs that something else is behind the lack of appetite, such as illness, stress, or pain.
Is your dog gorging on food or still seems hungry?
Dogs tend to eat more than they need. Therefore, a Labrador that seems hungry is not necessarily a sign that you need to feed more. Even dogs that have been poorly kept prefer to eat in reserve. Still, keep an eye on the behavior.
Important:
Be honest with yourself. Don’t flatter yourself if your dog is overweight due to overfeeding.
How many times a day should my dog be fed wet food?
One feeding per day is usually sufficient for adult dogs, preferably after a walk in the morning or in the evening.
For some dogs, however, a division into two or more portions makes sense. This applies in particular to:
- very large dogs with large amounts of food
- slinging dogs
- pregnant and lactating bitches
- competitive athlete
- very small dogs
Even in very hot temperatures, several small portions of food can be advisable, otherwise rejected food becomes mouldy, smells and attracts flies.
How do I find out my dog’s ideal weight?
A dog’s ideal weight is very dependent on its breed. Greyhounds and bulldogs are similar in size but have very different builds.
How to recognize a dog that is at its ideal weight:
- Waist defined and visible
- Ribs well felt without protruding
- Spine palpable
For very lean dogs like greyhounds, it is still within the healthy range if the last two ribs are showing.
In the case of a dog with a lot of fur, you have to feel the physique: To do this, stroke the flank with both hands. An inward bulge should be palpable in front of the chest.
Tip:
The best way to determine your dog’s weight is to see your vet or weigh yourself with him in your arms and without him and subtract the weight from each other.
Explanation video
Conclusion
How many grams of wet food your dog gets per day is important for its health. Being overweight or underweight is harmful to your four-legged friend.
How to feed your dog properly so that it does not become overweight or underweight is explained by Dr. Sam. There you can book an appointment with the online consultation hours outside of normal office hours and ask the professionals your questions.