Amount of Food that you need to feed your dog a day

BeckyBeagal

Dear Dog Forum Family,

I heard Beagles are good eaters and as Becky is getting better, I can see that. Now I give her kibbles + some wet food twice a day. Even then, whenever I cook, she looks at me with those innocent and begging eyes asking for food. She will eat away whatever I give her.
If I keep giving her food (which I want, I want to spoil her to death) she will be sooooo overweight. Is there any guideline how much you should feed your dog, depending on either height or weight?

How do you know whether or not your dog is in normal weight range? Is there a chart or something just like for human?

I would appricate any input.

Sue

britishbandit

Every dog varies a bit, even in the same breed, but they are generally between a certain range. Female Beagles should weigh approximately 20-23lbs.

The best way to tell if your dog is under and overweight is by the "tuck" in the stomach and the ribs. If the tummy near her hind legs is really raised up, and there are ribs showing clearly, she is underweight. If her tummy is level or lower than her rib line, and you can't see or feel ribs, she is overweight. Ribs should be able to be felt, and maybe seen slightly (in some breeds). If it feels fatty, and it's hard to feel the ribs, then she is getting close to being overweight.

If you look overhead of your dog, she should look thinner towards her her rear end. The stomach shouldn't be level or even with the rib cage.

Hope that explains it good enough!

drfong

I agree that the beat measure is the dog itself. Learn your dog and it's ideal weight. Britishbandit gave some great tips. Once you figure it out just monitor the intack to keep it at the weight. They will eat way more than they need if you give it to them (atleast table food and wet food) mine don't over eat when its just kibble, I can let them free feed just kibble. My biggest concern is that you want to spoil her. DON"T DO IT. you will be seting yourself up for problems down the road. People think that spoiling the dog is showing it love, it is really only gratifing ourselves. The dog is much better of when diciplined and only gets that extra food as an occasional treat making sure nothing in life is free.

BeckyBeagal

Yes I agree with you. Spoiling part. I should rephrase it.
My hubby is really strike and he is a really good at disciplining any kids, pet you name it. And I also do not overlook if she does what she is not supposed to do.

She is 20lbs - I think she will gain couple more pounds because she has been sick and had not eaten for days, now she started to eat again. I guess I just watch her and find the routine or right amount of food to give. Oh man..
She has a great appetite

Cheetah

Look and see how many kcals/cup are in the kibble you're feeding, and also look at the kcals in the wet food.

Here is a nifty calculator:
http://www.mycockerspaniel.com/mer.htm

Puppy & Dog Forums